In a 2004 study conducted by University Hospital in Sweden, 36 women were divided into four groups. The results revealed that 90% of the women involved in the acupuncture groups had a positive antiemetic (vomit prevention) outcome. The doctors concluded that both acupuncture and acupressure (the act of applying physical pressure to acupuncture points with hands, elbows, or other devices) were extremely effective in the relief of morning sickness and overall nausea.

Dr. Donnica Moore, a doctor and advice columnist of women's health, also addressed the efficacy of acupuncture for morning sickness. She states "There is clear evidence that needle acupuncture is efficacious for adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting. Many practitioners use it for nausea of pregnancy as well." She cites a recent study conducted by the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management in which the effects of active acupuncture could be seen 'often within minutes of stimulation.'

is article, "Acupuncture During Pregnancy," Jonathon Hardcastle takes acupuncture's benefits a step further and discusses pregnancy in the later trimesters. Acupuncture can help women with more problems than just morning sickness. Hardcastle states "Acupuncture has been used to successfully treat heartburn and hemorrhoids in the second trimester...In the third, it can provide relief from sciatica (which is inflammation or pain in the sciatic nerve of the back - often the baby will be pressed against it), joint pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome, which many women develop later in pregnancy." In fact, acupuncture has even been known to help turn a breech baby in the womb, and can also help to stimulate labor for an overdue baby. Many women find that acupuncture-induced labor is easier than labor induced by drugs such as Pitocin.

A primary concern of mothers and doctors alike is the vulnerability of a fetus to medication and its adverse effects. Acupuncture is a safe, healthy, and natural means of reducing pain and discomfort for a variety of afflictions during pregnancy. When performed in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular medical appointments, acupuncture can help women to reach their goals of a healthy baby and a smooth pregnancy.

For more information on how acupuncture can alleviate morning sickness and help other pregnancy discomforts, please contact Pacific College of Oriental Medicine at (800) 729-0941, or visit www.PacificCollege.edu