Are you pregnant and suffering from morning sickness that is spoiling your pregnancy? Acupuncture may help to relieve it, and some people notice an improvement from the first few sessions.
The nausea and vomiting that appear early in pregnancy are known as morning sickness. They often appear between the 6th and 16th weeks of pregnancy. They become more intense between weeks 8 and 12 of pregnancy. While the symptoms can sometimes reassure some women, they can also affect quality of life and prevent proper eating.
50% of women may vomit and more than 80% of pregnant women experience nausea. Eating less is not an effective way to treat morning sickness, especially if vomiting is the main symptom. Vomiting can lead to dehydration, which affects the pregnant woman as well as the foetus.
While morning sickness is linked to hormonal changes (beta hCG levels, oestrogen…), stress, fatigue and other emotional factors can also play a role. If the pregnant woman has significant symptoms, whether physical or psychological, it is important to seek medical advice.
Acupuncture as support for morning sickness
If morning sickness needs to be treated, acupuncture can be offered alongside medical care, in liaison with the doctor or midwife. During pregnancy, its side effects are uncommon and usually mild when performed by a trained practitioner. Some studies suggest that it may help to reduce nausea and vomiting.
During early pregnancy, major changes take place in the body, and acupuncture can relieve symptoms at the energy level.
If symptoms are significant, it is always best to book an appointment with your doctor first.
