Morning sickness in the first trimester: the benefits of acupuncture

Pregnancy can be an exciting new chapter, but it can also be a bumpy road whilst your body is growing and changing. Morning sickness is often a heavy hitter in the first trimester and a common complaint that I support in my acupuncture practise at Elgin House Women’s Specialist Clinic. While morning sickness is usually considered normal and temporary, it can significantly impact a woman’s wellbeing and daily activities, and this is where acupuncture can be helpful in supporting your body through this transition. 

What is morning sickness? 

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. It is estimated that it affects 7 in 10 women. Although it is called ‘morning’ sickness, it can occur at any time of the day or night. It is most likely to begin around 6 weeks and ease around the 12–14-week mark, but for some it can continue during the second and third trimester.

How can acupuncture help? 

Chinese Medicine has a long history of supporting women through pregnancy. In fact, the earliest known recorded treatments for pregnant women are in a medical text written around the year 200CE called the Jin Gui Yao Lue. Since then, there has been a steady growth of knowledge, understanding and experience in how to address both common and complex pregnancy related conditions.

Acupuncture treatments focuses on reducing the frequency and intensity of nausea and vomiting. Sessions involve an in-depth assessment of where the nausea is felt, the severity and the factors that make it better or worse. Throughout this process, I factor in your overall health and wellbeing to achieve optimal outcomes. Not every morning sickness presentation is treated with the same acupuncture points, herbs, or diet therapy, and it is necessary to have an individually tailored assessment to achieve the best individual outcomes.

What does the research say? 

A randomised control trial was undertaken in Adelaide where 593 women (less than 14 weeks pregnant) who were experiencing nausea and vomiting receive weekly acupuncture treatment for 4 weeks. The results showed reduction in dry retching and nausea compared to the control group.

In the clinic

In clinical practise, I treat many women who experience morning sickness. Many women appreciate the treatment due to the natural and holistic approach and notice that they feel increased energy levels and a sense of relaxation and ease after sessions.

I suggest weekly treatment for four weeks to reduce the symptoms of morning sickness. Throughout your consultation and treatment, I will teach you to use acupressure points by yourself to manage the nausea and discuss lifestyle and Chinese dietary therapy advice. This is a general overview and is always tailored to the individual so treatment frequency may look slightly different for you.

All in all, although morning sickness is common it is not something you need to endure! Acupuncture can be supportive in reducing the frequency and intensity of nausea and vomiting you may be experiencing. I am very passionate about supporting you throughout your pregnancy journey and making it a time to enjoy rather than resent. Please reach out if you have any questions or are wanting support.

Smith, C., Crowther, C., & Beilby, J. (2002). Acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: A randomized controlled trial. Birth, 29(1), 1–9. doi:10.1046/j.1523-536x.2002.00149.x 

Morning sickness (2023). Retrieved from https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/dealing-with-morning-sickness