Morning Sickness Acupuncture
Morning sickness… (or in some cases ALL freaking day sickness!)
Morning sickness typically presents in the first trimester of pregnancy (Up to week 13). While the name suggests its occurrence only happens in the morning, this is far from the truth for a lot of women, and they can experience nausea with or without vomiting at any stage throughout the day. In some cases, morning sickness can extend further along than trimester one. There is also a severe form of morning sickness known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum, where hospitalisation is typically required (we all remember our Princess Kate going through this), where it is essential to ensure dehydration does not occur.
So… why do I have morning sickness?
It has been suggested that morning sickness can be a result of elevated levels of the hormone human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG) coursing through the body (1). It has also been linked to increased oestrogen levels that occur during early stages of pregnancy, as well as nutrient deficiencies. From a Chinese medicine point of view, morning sickness is closely related to the Stomach, and the Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) (2). When conception occurs, the Penetrating Vessel sends nutrients to the uterus to nourish the foetus. Due to the location of the penetrating vessel, this can affect the Stomach and cause what we call in the biz…”Rebellious Qi,” or as you may know it, nausea and/or vomiting.
What should I do to relieve my symptoms?
- Get Acupuncture! Many women are unaware that acupuncture has been found to be safe during pregnancy, with very few adverse effects being reported (3). In general, we usually see you throughout your pregnancy weekly for the first trimester, then space it out to monthly or as required during second trimester (provided you are symptom free). We then see you weekly in the third trimester to prepare the body for labour and promotion of a positive birth for mum and child.
- Sip on ginger or peppermint tea.
- Eat small, regular meals. Don’t eat too much in one sitting, and don’t skip meals. Make sure you are eating nutrient dense food, but avoid fatty and greasy foods.
- Sip on room temperature or warm water throughout the ay.
- Stay away from ice cream (sorry!), this can lead to an accumulation of phlegm and make your symptoms worse.
- Make sure you are getting enough REST!
And most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself. Keep up the good work! You are growing a human and that is an incredible thing!
References:
1. Wylde S, Nwose E, Bwititi P. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Feb 2016, Vol. 5 Issue 2, p261-7.
2. Betts, D. The essential guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth. The Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2006.
3. Jimin P, Youngjoo S, White A.R., Hyangsook L. Acupuncture in Medicine. Jun2014, Vol. 32 Issue 3, p257-26d.
About the Author:
Dr. Emily (Emmy) Cox (BHSc.Acu) joined the Bloom Chinese Medicine team in early 2019. Emily's passions in clinic lie in the areas of gynaecology, natural conception, fertility management, IVF support, pre and post-partum care, autoimmune disease management, and more. She is highly trained in these areas and is comprehensively trained in the highly effective Fertile Life Method.Over time Emmy has developed an interest in helping people to reach their full health potential, and offers a gentle style of treatment that focuses on the individual’s health goals. Learn more about Emily here.
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Bloom Chinese Medicine is an integrative Chinese medicine and acupuncture clinic committed to providing the best outcomes for our patients, and empowering them along their journey to optimal fertility and wellness. Centrally located in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, we have visitors from local suburbs and all over Queensland.
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