Morning Sickness

Often referred to as morning sickness, nausea and vomiting at any time of the day are common discomforts in early pregnancy. Many people can experience this as early as 5-6 weeks into pregnancy, and, for the majority, the symptoms begin to subside around the 14th to the 16th week. While specific causes for morning sickness are unknown, changing hormone and blood sugar levels are often thought to be factors. Stress and fatigue are also known to aggravate symptoms. Acupuncture can be effective in treating nausea and vomiting, by calming the sympathetic nervous system, bringing improved circulation to the digestive system, and thereby lessening the extreme spikes in hormone and blood sugar levels. Herbal medicine also offers gentle teas to soothe the digestive system.

For research further research click here

For research on safety of Acupuncture in early pregnancy click here

Bleeding and threatened miscarriage:

 1 in 4 pregnancies will experience bleeding in the first trimester, which can be disconcerting for many. Without any intervention, half of these people will continue on to have healthy pregnancies. Bed rest was once the standard practice, but the current recommendation is to wait and simply avoid over-exertion. This can be an anxious time for many. While it is impossible to prevent a miscarriage due to a chromosomal abnormality, Chinese Medicine has a long history of treatment to ensure optimal health of the mother at this delicate time. Acupuncture treatments can also reduce anxiety and offer a calm space where one can feel supported.