One of the most infamous side effects of pregnancy is morning sickness. Not every pregnant woman will deal with morning sickness, but at least some degree of nausea is common especially during the first trimester, and many women find that nausea leads to food aversions, heartburn, and sometimes vomiting. This is during a time when women want to be extra careful about what foods they eat in order to nourish their child — but how can they manage that if they struggle to eat healthy foods?
Acupuncture to the rescue! Acupuncture is an easy to receive, non-medicated treatment that helps the body get back into balance. Although western science does not have a clear handle on all the ways that acupuncture works, we know that it works in part by releasing neurotransmitters in the brain, adjusting the release of hormones throughout the body, and releases muscle pain and tightness by affecting the fascia.
Acupuncture for morning sickness works by redirecting the energy of the digestive system downwards — reducing burping, hiccuping, heartburn, and vomiting. It improves the overall movement of food through the digestive system and reduces the nervousness and agitation which can disrupt proper digestion. Specific acupuncture points are used depending on what type of symptoms mom is having along with the morning sickness — whether there is a lot of fatigue, exhaustion, and brain fog; or whether there is irritability, strong thirst, and a feeling of excess warmth; or other symptoms. The beauty of acupuncture is that it is always tailored exactly to your needs and your body.
Pregnant women typically benefit rapidly from acupuncture for morning sickness, although the nausea/vomiting may return after a period or days or weeks. For mild cases, 1-2 acupuncture sessions may suffice, while for more difficult/intense cases of morning sickness weekly or biweekly treatment during the first trimester may be necessary.
If you’re struggling with morning sickness or other pregnancy related concerns, please contact me to discuss whether acupuncture may be right for you. Here’s to your and your baby’s health!
