Morning sickness is a familiar companion for many expecting mothers, bringing with it the challenges of nausea and vomiting during the early stages of pregnancy. If you’re among those facing this discomfort, take heart in knowing that you’re not alone. Studies show that approximately 50-80% of pregnant women experience some degree of morning sickness (Niebyl, 2010). It’s a common aspect of the journey into motherhood.
Morning sickness typically occurs during the first trimester, starting around 4-6 weeks and peaking around 9-12 weeks of gestation. While it can be extremely unpleasant and certainly disrupt your daily routine, the good news is that for most women, morning sickness tends to fade away as the second trimester begins.
What Are The Causes of Morning Sickness?
Though the precise causes of morning sickness remain a bit of a mystery, a combination of factors is believed to contribute to its appearance. Hormonal changes, specifically increased levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and oestrogen, play a significant role. These hormonal fluctuations can affect the gastrointestinal system, resulting in those unwelcome waves of nausea.
Other potential factors include heightened sensitivity to certain smells and tastes, changes in stomach emptying time, and psychological and emotional factors.
The interplay of these factors contributes to the development of morning sickness during pregnancy.
Nurturing Yourself Through Morning Sickness
While morning sickness might not be the most pleasant part of pregnancy, there are steps you can take to navigate through it with greater ease:
Smaller, Frequent Meals: Opt for light, easily digestible foods and break them into smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
Stay Hydrated: Sip on fluids like water or ginger ale to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of dehydration.
Avoid Triggers: Identify and steer clear of foods or scents that trigger your nausea.
Ginger: Ginger in various forms, such as ginger tea or ginger sweets, may help alleviate nausea.
Rest and Relaxation: Prioritize rest and embrace relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to manage stress
How Can Acupuncture Help Ease Morning Sickness?
Research is positive that acupuncture plays a role in managing morning sickness. One clinical trial reported that women receiving traditional acupuncture experienced less nausea and less dry retching compared with women in the no-acupuncture control group. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11843784/).
Drawing from our clinic’s experience, a combination of strategies tends to bring relief from morning sickness. In addition to acupuncture for morning sickness, self-help with ginger drinks and using a ‘Sea-Band’ to stimulate pressure points for morning sickness, such as Pericardium 6, on the inner forearm, seems to be helpful for most women.
So, when you ask, ‘Does acupuncture help morning sickness?‘ Our answer is a resounding ‘yes.’ With a blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, acupuncture steps in to lend a helping hand in making your journey through morning sickness a bit smoother.
If you’re seeking further information, guidance, or a reassuring voice, you’re always welcome to reach out to our clinic at 07810 770347. And if you’re eager to be seen promptly, don’t hesitate to book an appointment online or give us a call using the same number.