Acupuncture treats pregnancy-induced nausea

In the last month of pregnancy, acupuncture is effective for labor preparation/induction and labor pain management and can be used to help minimize postpartum recovery.

by Dr. Christina Kovalik — 

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to treat various conditions and ailments. It is safe to use throughout pregnancy or during any trimester to treat nausea, headaches, fatigue, constipation, low back pain, carpal tunnel, acid reflux, insomnia, anxiety and stress.

In the last month of pregnancy, acupuncture is effective for labor preparation/induction and labor pain management and can be used to help minimize postpartum recovery. Acupuncture can be especially helpful in preventing postpartum depression and hormone imbalances associated with the drastic plummet in hormones after birth. It may improve lactation, as well.

In some women, nausea is a common ailment associated with the first trimester, which may be caused by the increase in hormone production, blood sugar sensitivities or emotional causes. It affects 50 percent to 80 percent of pregnant women from early pregnancy through 10 to 16 weeks. Five percent of women experience nausea throughout their pregnancy.

Hyperemesis (persistent nausea and vomiting) is typically diagnosed when a woman has lost at least 10 percent of her body weight, has low electrolytes and is dehydrated. While this condition can be dangerous, natural medicine and acupuncture can easily prevent a trip to the hospital for dehydration with nutrient and supportive therapies.

Many common treatments also help nausea, such as ginger tea, ginger chews, herbal combinations and snacking every two hours. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy by helping to harmonize and balance the body, as well as promoting an overall calming effect.

Acupuncture is another tool that can be used to balance what may be out of balance and to reduce the side effects of pregnancy, while optimizing the health of both mother and baby naturally.

Dr. Christina Kovalik is a naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist in Scottsdale, Ariz. She is also the director of the AMCH Fertility Clinic in Phoenix and a founding member of the Blended Healthcare Consortium. www.drkovalik.com or 602-434-7922.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 29, Number 5, Oct/Nov 2010.