Acupuncture for Pregnancy Nausea and Morning Sickness
Pregnancy is a journey marked by joy and anticipation, yet for many women, it also brings about the discomfort of nausea and morning sickness.
While these symptoms are often considered a normal part of pregnancy, they can significantly impact a woman's experience.
Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has gained recognition as useful therapy for managing nausea and morning sickness. In this article, we'll explore acupuncture for nausea, supported by evidence and expert insights.
Understanding Pregnancy Nausea and Morning Sickness:
Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms experienced by up to 80% of pregnant women, typically occurring during the first trimester. For some women, they feel nausea come on quite quickly soon after getting a positive pregnancy result. Others the sickness starts to increase by week 6.
While the exact cause of morning sickness is not fully understood, elevated levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), are believed to play a significant role.
How Acupuncture Helps Pregnancy Nausea:
- Regulating Hormones: Acupuncture has been shown to regulate hormonal levels in the body, including serotonin and cortisol, which are involved in mood and nausea responses.
- Stimulating Acupoints: Certain acupoints, such as Pericardium 6 (Neiguan) and Stomach 36 (Zusanli), are commonly targeted to alleviate nausea and vomiting.
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Pregnancy can be a time of heightened stress and anxiety, which may exacerbate nausea symptoms. Acupuncture promotes relaxation and triggers the release of endorphins, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety associated with pregnancy.
Scientific enquiry:
- Meta-Analyses: A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada reviewed several randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and found that acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in nausea severity and frequency compared to sham acupuncture or standard care alone.
- Clinical Trials: A randomised controlled trial published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology investigated the efficacy of acupuncture in managing hyperemesis gravidarum. It reported that women who received acupuncture experienced greater improvement in symptoms and quality of life compared to those in the control group.
Precautions and Considerations:
- Consultation with an AHPRA Registered Practitioner: It is essential to seek acupuncture treatment from a registered and experienced practitioner trained in pregnancy care.
- Integration with Conventional Care: Acupuncture should complement, not replace, conventional medical care for pregnancy-related nausea.
- Safety during Pregnancy: Certain acupuncture points are contraindicated during pregnancy, this is why its crucial to see an AHPRA registered acupuncturist, as they will know what these cautions and contraindications are.
With its ability to regulate hormones, stimulate acupoints and promote relaxation, acupuncture provides pregnant women with symptomatic ease. Acupuncture continues to be a valuable resource for support throughout Pregnancy, nausea and morning sickness.
Further reading on Early Pregnancy:
Early Pregnancy - 9 early signs
References:
- Smith C, Crowther C, Beilby J. Acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. Birth. 2002;29(1):1-9.
- Heazell AEP, Duley L, Siassakos D, et al. Acupuncture for hyperemesis gravidarum: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2019;221(6):1-11.
- Park JE, Lee MS, Choi TY, et al. Acupuncture for subacute postoperative and post-traumatic pain: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017;96(40):e8197.
