Brazilian authors compared the effects of acupuncture in low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy with patients undergoing conventional treatment alone. A total of 61 conventionally treated pregnant women were allocated randomly into two groups to be treated or not by acupuncture. Patients reported the severity of the pain using a Numerical Rating Scale from 0 to 10, and their capacity to perform general activities, to work and to walk. They were followed up for 8 weeks. In the study group the average pain during the study period showed a larger reduction (4.8 points) than in the control group (–0.3 points). Average pain scores decreased by at least 50% over time in 21 (78%) patients in the acupuncture group and in five (15%) patients in the control group. Maximum pain and pain at the moment of interview were also less in the acupuncture group compared with the control group. The capacity to perform general activities, to work and to walk was improved significantly more in the study group than in the control group. Initially the use of paracetamol was lower in the acupuncture group.