What we commonly call “morning sickness” of course isn’t limited to just mornings. If only. In fact, with between 50 and 90% of all pregnant people experiencing some nausea and vomiting especially in the first trimester, it’s an almost universal ailment and a common pregnancy punchline. But even mild nausea and vomiting can interfere with good nutrition, hydration, and the ability to tackle your daily tasks. Hyperemesis gravidarum, which will be experienced by 0.3-2% of all pregnancies, goes beyond the typical pregnancy induced nausea that we often call morning sickness and can result in hospitalization and a serious decline in quality of life for the entire family until a solution is found.
Chinese medical theory suggests the idea of a heart-uterine channel that feeds the uterus during pregnancy. This channel can become over full, especially in early pregnancy while the fetus is small, which results in nausea and vomiting. As the uterus begins to use more blood and energy to feed the fetus, nausea diminishes. This is why it is more common to see nausea and vomiting diminish after the first trimester. Using this theory working with my patients I have seen symptoms reduce with one treatment and resolve entierly after two or three appointments.
Even if symptoms are mild, a short course of treatment will usually resolve symptoms much faster than waiting out the first trimester. Acupuncture relies on subtle signs and observations to prevent mild symptoms from progressing to the point where they are debilitating. To identify and treat body systems before they go into crisis mode is just one of the benefits of scheduled routine wellness checkups during pregnancy. Treating nausea early allows all available energy to be used for growing a healthy baby and preparing for labor.
Quick tip: Though not a potent as acupuncture, acupressure can help stem mild nausea in a pinch. The point PC6 is located about three finger-widths (about 2-3 inches) up the inside of the arm (from the wrist to towards the elbow crease). Press with a thumb in the area and if you’ve found a slightly tender spot you’re probably in the right place. Apply firm, steady pressure to that point for 18-20 seconds, either yourself or have a friend help. Repeat if necessary after a few moments.
While we do have centuries of historical evidence on the effects of acupuncture there isn’t much recent research available on the effects of acupuncture on pregnancy induced nausea and vomiting. This randomized controlled trial in 2002 shows acupuncture is simple and effective treatment for mild forms nausea and vomiting. This interesting 2005 study compares acupuncture to pharmacological treatment. Results were similar in both treatment groups with metoclopramide infusion and B12 acting quicker, but with acupuncture providing greater improvement in function overall. Acupuncture is a cumulative medicine, it often takes one to three days to see full symptom resolution.
When morning sickness and hyperemesis keep you from living your life and enjoying pregnancy acupuncture remains a safe, holistic and natural remedy that resolves symptoms without using prescription medication.