The use of acupuncture in maternity care: a pilot study evaluating the acupuncture service in an Australian hospital antenatal clinic

METHODS: 52 women were given a questionnaire, and 71% were completed and returned. Of the 37 women who attended the acupuncture clinic, 49% had previously used at least one form of complementary medicine/therapy. The most common reason for treatment was physiological symptoms including back pain, symphysis pubis dysfunction and sciatica. RESULTS: All 37 women stated that acupuncture improved their well-being and this finding was statistically significant. These findings are offered as a means of identifying potential issues for future investigation in this under-researched area.