Nausea and Vomiting in Early Pregnancy
Overview
Pregnancy is by far the most beautiful journey, but it does come with its own downsides, like feeling queasy and nauseated every single morning! Well, you’re not alone! Nausea and vomiting are super common during early pregnancy, often referred to as “morning sickness,” even though it can strike at any time of day. While the condition often improves as your pregnancy progresses, it can be quite unpleasant to experience it on a daily basis.
The good news? There are ways to find relief and navigate this common pregnancy hurdle. Acupuncture, a traditional practice involving the insertion of thin needles at specific points on the body, is gaining popularity as a natural approach. Studies suggest acupuncture for nausea may help regulate hormones and stimulate the nervous system, leading to a reduction in such episodes.
What is Nausea or Morning Sickness in pregnancy?
Nausea in early pregnancy, commonly known as morning sickness, can be a positive indicator. Research has demonstrated that women who experience nausea and vomiting through the first trimester have a lower risk of miscarriage compared to those who do not have these symptoms.
What explains this link? Nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy might signal the rise in hormones necessary for a healthy pregnancy.
Studies indicate that these symptoms may be caused by the hormone HCG, which is produced by the placenta.
Our gynaecologist and obstetrician, Dr Bibiana Singh, prefers acupuncture for morning sickness. She is an expert in the technique with around 15 years of experience. For many years, she has been helping her pregnant patients find effective relief from nausea with this natural approach.
How does Acupuncture for nausea work?
The acupuncture treatment entails inserting several extremely fine needles into specific “heart points” on your body. Our acupuncturist, Dr Bibiana, will carefully guide you through the process, ensuring you feel comfortable and relaxed.
Acupuncture works by reducing the heightened sensitivity to food and smells that can trigger nausea, commonly experienced between weeks 6 and 14 of pregnancy. The response to acupuncture can be immediate or may gradually build over a series of treatments. Many patients begin to feel relief after their first session.
The Mechanism
Acupuncture for morning sickness can alleviate nausea symptoms through several mechanisms:
- It boosts the release of endorphins and ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) from the pituitary gland. These substances inhibit the chemoreceptor trigger zone and the vomiting centre in the brain, which are responsible for inducing nausea and vomiting.
- Acupuncture acts on the upper gastrointestinal tract to reduce stomach acid secretion. Increased stomach acid can cause nausea, bloating, and heartburn, especially during pregnancy when hormonal changes relax the oesophagal muscles and slow stomach emptying, leading to acid reflux.
- Acupuncture reduces stress and promotes relaxation by stimulating the production of hormones that enhance well-being. It also positively triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps slow the body down and manage stress more effectively.
Acupuncture for Nausea: Manage Morning Sickness Naturally with Dr Bibiana Singh
Morning sickness can be a challenging symptom during pregnancy, often leading to a loss of appetite and general discomfort. Hormonal changes, stress and low blood sugar levels can arouse these symptoms. To manage morning sickness, it is important to eat small, frequent meals and avoid trigger foods and caffeine.
Acupuncture, performed by Dr Bibiana Singh, can help restore balance in your body, promote relaxation, and stimulate the release of hormones that block signals to the brain’s vomiting centre. Additionally, using ginger can be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting.