At Taupo Acupuncture we specialise in treating all conditions before during and after pregnancy.
Morning Sickness
Acupuncture is a safe natural and very effective method of helping one of the most common and unpleasant problems occurring in the early stages of pregnancy. Acupuncture is able to reduce nausea and vomiting by regulating and improving the function of the digestive system, regulating hormones and reliving stress and anxiety. Although morning sickness will most likely pass by is self usually after 12 weeks the reduction in food intake my lead to fatigue, tiredness, insomnia and irritability throughout the rest of the pregnancy. If vomiting is left untreated you may become dehydrated and require hospitalisation to receive intravenous fluids.
What Causes Morning Sickness
During pregnancy hormone levels rapidly increase and these hormones are thought to stimulate the area in the brain responsible for controlling the vomit reflex, these same hormones have an effect on the stomach and intestines causing them to over produce acids.
Fatigue levels before and during pregnancy can contribute to the severity of nausea and vomiting that a women may suffer.
Emotional factors such as stress anxiety, depression or fear can all contribute to morning sickness.
Some Tips to Help Morning Sickness
Eat several small meals instead of fewer large ones, try bland foods such as unfavoured biscuits or potatoes
Ginger is a traditional cure for nausea, try ginger biscuits, ginger tea, flat ginger ale or ginger beer, or ginger tablets
Suck on hard lollies such as barley sugars
Some people swear by motion sickness wrist bands
Vitamin B6 supplements have been suggested to improve nausea, take 25-50mg three times a day
Avoid fatty, spicy or particularly rich or strong flavoured foods
Eat regularly to avoid becoming too hungry as some studies have shown that low blood sugar levels can make nausea worse
Make sure you have plenty of fluid, water is best but also try fruit juice, flat lemonade, sports drinks or flavoured sports waters to maintain your blood sugar and sodium levels.
Get treatment at the first signs of nausea, prevention is better than cure
Avoid stress and get plenty of rest
If you would like to make an appointment or if you require more information you may email us at info@taupoacupuncture.co.nz
This page was last updated on the 29/01/2023