Acupuncture and Pregnancy

Until yesterday, I didn’t spend my time thinking about the connection between peanut butter on toast and acupuncture; however, something happened to enlightened me.

Two women came in for their second appointment yesterday. Both were suffering from nausea (and in one case projectile vomiting). One was 20 weeks pregnant. The other 34 weeks. Both had dramatic responses to their first acupuncture treatment, and whereas they were unable to eat much previously, both commented that their appetite had improved, and in particular, that they were craving peanut butter on toast.

Both women are examples of “morning sickness” being poorly named (it’s rarely just in the morning), and unfortunately for them, they are examples of women who did not enjoy relief after 12-14 weeks gestation. They have both given me permission to share some of their story. Of course, their stories continue to unfold.

Karen

37 years old and pregnant with her second child, Karen came for acupuncture for nausea and headaches which were worse in the afternoon and evening. Her symptoms began in early pregnancy, but became worse after 14 weeks gestation. She came to see me at 20 weeks. Karen often has to lie down in the evenings with throbbing pain in her whole head and is suffering from sinus congestion. Karen stood up from her first treatment to find that the nausea and headache were gone. She was in a great mood, was breathing easier, and had a good appetite. She enjoyed 4 days symptom free. On the 5th day her symptoms started coming back and she called to book a second appointment. After the second treatment, Karen once again felt great. I suggested Karen come back in 1 week. I am very pleased with her response, but of course, not as pleased as she is.

Jennifer

Jennifer called me for a housecall at 34 weeks. She is 34 years old and pregnant with her second child. Her first child was born at 36 weeks gestation and her primary caregivers anticipate that is likely she will go into early labour this time as well. Jennifer looked to acupuncture for pain relief- particularly a pain below her right ribs. She also was suffering from daily vomiting. She was bringing up most of what she had eaten in a given day, which was particularly concerning on a background of extremely low iron, with accompanying exhaustion and intense heartburn. Jennifer came to my office for her second acupuncture treatment to report that she had not vomited since the first treatment (5 days! which may not seem like a long time for most people, but was a huge relief for her). We discussed prioritizing pain relief and supporting her “blood” (in Chinese Medicine, blood deficiency is related to but not limited to low iron counts). Jennifer is scheduled for an IV iron treatment tomorrow. Her situation offers an example of how acupuncture can be used as a complement to other interventions. Now that she is beginning to feel better and not vomit, Jennifer will likely gain strength and nutrition to support her in labour and postpartum.

I hope connections like “acupuncture and Peanut Butter on Toast” continue to bring relief to pregnant women around the globe. Hungry anyone?

Tags: acupuncture, headaches, iron in pregnancy, morning sickness in mid and late pregnancy, vomiting