Morning Sickness
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This video gives valuable information as to how acupuncture may help with morning sickness.
Nausea and vomiting are commonly experienced by women in early pregnancy; the prevalence rates are 50-80% for nausea, and 50% for vomiting and retching (Woolhouse 2006). The symptoms are most common in the first trimester - between 6 and 12 weeks - but can continue to 20 weeks and last longer than this in up to 20% of women (Jewell 2003). If vomiting is intractable, it can be associated with weight loss, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and may lead to hospitalisation (Miller 2002). Link to References
The symptoms are thought to be associated with rising levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or oestrogens (Goodwin 2002). Women experiencing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can suffer considerable physical and psychological effects (Chou 2008). The symptoms can affect daily activities and relationships, and result in lost productivity together with increased healthcare costs.
Gemma (30) decided to try acupuncture treatment for morning sickness after everything else failed. 'I was starting to get worried. My first two pregnancies had been comfortable.. From the moment I woke up I felt nauseous, and could barely hold even a glass of water down.' She had read about the use of acupuncture for feeling nauseous in a childbirth book. 'It wasn't magic,' she said, 'it took three or four sessions to get to the point where I didn't feel sick all the time, and my acupuncturist was very careful because I was pregnant. There's no doubt it helped, though, and it seemed to help me to keep calm as well. A little girl, in case you wondered!
This video gives valuable information as to how acupuncture may help with morning sickness.
Nausea and vomiting are commonly experienced by women in early pregnancy; the prevalence rates are 50-80% for nausea, and 50% for vomiting and retching (Woolhouse 2006). The symptoms are most common in the first trimester - between 6 and 12 weeks - but can continue to 20 weeks and last longer than this in up to 20% of women (Jewell 2003). If vomiting is intractable, it can be associated with weight loss, dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and may lead to hospitalisation (Miller 2002). Link to References
The symptoms are thought to be associated with rising levels of human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) or oestrogens (Goodwin 2002). Women experiencing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can suffer considerable physical and psychological effects (Chou 2008). The symptoms can affect daily activities and relationships, and result in lost productivity together with increased healthcare costs.
Gemma (30) decided to try acupuncture treatment for morning sickness after everything else failed. 'I was starting to get worried. My first two pregnancies had been comfortable.. From the moment I woke up I felt nauseous, and could barely hold even a glass of water down.' She had read about the use of acupuncture for feeling nauseous in a childbirth book. 'It wasn't magic,' she said, 'it took three or four sessions to get to the point where I didn't feel sick all the time, and my acupuncturist was very careful because I was pregnant. There's no doubt it helped, though, and it seemed to help me to keep calm as well. A little girl, in case you wondered!
The contents of this website are for information only and are not intended to be a substitute for taking medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner such as your GP especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking any medication. This website is designed to be an information resource for those who are deciding whether or not acupuncture treatment is suitable for them. You will find links to relevant research articles wherever conditions are highlighted. The fact-sheet page contains the latest information and research available from the British Acupuncture Council. Information is continually updated so do check back regularly.