Nausea & Vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy are the one of the most common reasons women seek support from an acupuncturist. Symptoms vary from mild nausea that can often be alleviated by eating to the less common hyperemesis gravidarum, which is a severe and persistent form of vomiting leading to dehydration.
There are various explanations as to why pregnant women experience morning sickness. One of the theories is believed to be caused by rapidly rising levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the initial stages of pregnancy. It is responsible for maintaining a pregnancy by stimulating the production of progesterone. This is the hormone that is tested when you get a blood test to confirm pregnancy status. Oestrogen levels also increase quickly and in large amounts and may also play a role too.
Aside from dramatic hormonal changes within the body, other causes could be due to an imbalance in blood sugar levels, hunger, fatigue, over-exertion, emotional stress or sensitivity to smells.
In Chinese Medicine, the aim of treatment is to address the root cause of the problem. In this way, treatment is individualised to the specific needs of the pregnant women.
Below are a few tips to help manage nausea and vomiting in pregnancy:
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture would be the first recommendation. When symptoms are extreme where food is difficult to ingest, pregnancy supplements are the last thing on your mind to take, Acupuncture is an easy treatment to invest in to help reduce the intensity of nausea and help alleviate the symptoms. Depending on the symptoms, 1-2 sessions of acupuncture a week are required to manage the symptoms until they subside.
A study was performed on pregnant women who received acupuncture treatment weekly for a period of 4 weeks, reporting that they had less nausea and dry retching compared to those pregnant women who had no treatment at all, concluding that acupuncture is effective in treating and preventing morning sickness.
ACUPRESSURE
Take home acupressure press studs or anti-nausea bands can be used. They are placed on the acupuncture point Pericardium 6, located on the inner arm, 3 fingers up from the wrist crease between the two prominent tendons.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT
It is recommended to eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This helps regulate your blood sugar levels which also eases those feelings of nausea creeping up on you throughout the day. Regular eating also stimulates the metabolism and increases energy and concentration levels, something which wanes heavily during the first trimester.
Often newly pregnant women crave those carb comfort foods, in this instance, it is preferable to replace those high sugary foods with more slower releasing carbohydrates such as roasted root vegetables, sourdough bread or rice-based meals. Remember to include protein as much as possible to keep your blood sugar levels steady and this can be combined with your favourite carbohydrate snack. For example, bread/crackers spread with nut butters or hommus or a fruit & nut trail mix. Remember to be organised and have as many snacks readily available to consume to help reduce nausea throughout the day.
HYDRATION
Fluid requirements do increase during pregnancy and maintaining adequate hydration will prevent nausea worsening. Often, women may not feel like drinking large amounts of fluids, so it may be tolerable to increase fluids in small sips or consume more liquid through soups, broths, herbal teas, soda water or juicy fruits.
Ginger is a traditional Chinese Herb used to help alleviate nausea & vomiting. It is often included in a tailored herbal formula. Otherwise, home remedies include fresh ginger slices simmered in hot water or steeped in soda water and both options, sipped slowly throughout the day are effective in relieving nausea.
REST
Rest, gentle walks and rest again. Resting is extremely beneficial in the first trimester of pregnancy, especially for women experiencing nausea & vomiting. Your body is telling you to slow down and take it easy until all these symptoms pass.
Rather than waiting to see if those symptoms will pass, it is worthwhile being proactive by booking an appointment for acupuncture. Both acupuncture and these advice suggestions are a great combination in easing feelings of nausea as well as promoting relaxation during the initial stages of pregnancy.
