Morning sickness can affect some women as early as their first missed period. Others may experience it between the sixth and sixteenth weeks of pregnancy, but it should improve by weeks 12-14. In some cases, morning sickness can persist the entirety of a pregnancy in some cases.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition in which a woman vomits excessively while pregnant, and it usually necessitates hospitalization and medical treatment. Blood and urine tests may be required for women with severe morning sickness to check for ketone levels, dehydration, and electrolyte levels, assuring the safety of the baby and the mother. So, read on to learn more about acupuncture and its effectiveness.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture. It includes using tiny needles to align the flow of energy (chi/qi) and promote wellness by inserting them along different points known as meridians on the body. The technique dates back thousands of years and is gaining popularity as a viable morning sickness remedy. But what does science have to say about it?
Well, researchers in a 2002 study, divided nearly 600 women who were fewer than 14 weeks pregnant into groups that received pericardium 6 acupuncture, traditional acupuncture, sham acupuncture, or no acupuncture.
After just two weeks of treatment, the group receiving traditional acupuncture had decreased nausea and dry heaving. After three weeks, the other acupuncture groups had similar benefits to the no-acupuncture group. According to the researchers, despite treatment, the incidence of vomiting did not change in any of the groups.
HOW DOES THIS WORK FOR MORNING SICKNESS?
If you have never visited an acupuncturist before, you can expect to begin your first appointment by discussing your pregnancy, your medical history, and any symptoms such as morning sickness that you are experiencing. The practitioner will then conduct a physical examination on you.
Your practitioner will decide which points to stimulate after this initial assessment. For the needle insertion, you may sit or lie down. Wear loose-fitting sweatpants or yoga trousers or any loose T-shirt with a roll-up sleeve for easy access to your arms and legs.
You may experience some pain once the needles are in place, but they shouldn’t harm. You can remain seated on the table for 20 to 30 minutes. To help you rest completely, your practitioner may dim the lights or play peaceful music in the room.
Your acupuncturist will then provide you with a treatment plan that includes the number of sessions you will have each week as well as any other information you may require. If you are worried about the cost of therapy, make sure to ask about sliding scales, insurance, or payment arrangements before you start.
As a result, acupuncture can aid in the relief of morning sickness. It’s safe and worth a try to obtain some relief if you are feeling extremely ill. Even so, morning sickness should subside during the second trimester.
Don’t be afraid to express your concerns to your doctor. Other natural therapies may be suggested by your healthcare practitioner, or drugs may be prescribed to help with the most severe nausea and vomiting.
