Acupuncture for Morning Sickness and Heartburn During Pregnancy
Morning Sickness: Nausea’s Natural Nemesis
Morning sickness affects up to 80% of pregnant women, often peaking during the first trimester. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, it’s believed to involve hormonal shifts, particularly the rise in hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) and estrogen. Stress and emotional factors may also play a role.
How acupuncture helps:
Studies have shown that acupuncture, particularly at the Pericardium 6 (PC6) point on the inner wrist, may significantly reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant people. This point is also used in motion sickness and post-operative nausea, with evidence supporting its effectiveness.
Heartburn Relief
As your baby grows, your digestive system can get a bit squished, often resulting in heartburn or acid reflux. Hormonal shifts in levels of estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy may relax the smooth muscle of the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.
That burning sensation in the chest is typically due to stomach acid creeping up the esophagus, and it can make meals (and sleep) a real struggle.
How acupuncture helps:
TCM views heartburn during pregnancy as a sign of stomach heat, food stagnation or an imbalance in digestive energy. Acupuncture can help calm this excess, promoting smoother digestion and reducing the upward flow of acid.
Acupuncture points located on the foot, lower leg, wrist, or mid-abdomen can assist in guiding digestive fluids to their appropriate pathways.
At Home Tips:
Nausea
Eat small, frequent meals – Aim for 5–6 small meals a day instead of 3 large ones.
Keep bland snacks handy – Crackers, toast, or dry cereal can help ease morning nausea.
Stay hydrated – Sip water, ginger tea, or electrolyte drinks throughout the day.
Try ginger – Ginger tea, candies, or supplements may help reduce nausea.
Get fresh air – Open windows or go for a walk to reduce queasiness.
Avoid triggers – Strong smells, spicy foods, greasy foods, or stuffy environments can increase nausea.
Acupressure bands- These put continual pressure on PC6, the empirical point for nausea. You can buy these or make them at home.
Reflux
Sleep with your head elevated – Use extra pillows or a wedge to keep your upper body raised.
Avoid lying down after eating – Wait at least 2–3 hours after meals before lying down.
Eat smaller, slower meals – Large meals can increase pressure on your stomach and trigger reflux.
Limit trigger foods – Avoid spicy, fatty, fried, and acidic foods
Talk to your doctor – If symptoms are severe, antacids or other pregnancy-safe medications may be needed.
We hope you find these tips to be helpful. Please contact the office with any questions.
Take Care!