Many women in Hervey Bay seek acupuncture as part of their care when dealing with morning sickness.
Morning sickness involves nausea or vomiting during early pregnancy and can affect daily comfort, appetite and energy levels.
experience some level of nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2022
report symptoms strong enough to affect daily routines, work or appetite.
Source: Better Health Channel, 2021
between weeks 6 and 12 of pregnancy, though timing varies from person to person.
Source: Royal Women’s Hospital, 2020
The Acupuncture Evidence Project reviewed research on pregnancy-related nausea and found acupuncture was associated with improvements in symptoms for some women.
Other studies have explored how acupuncture may influence nausea pathways and support overall wellbeing during early pregnancy.
Morning sickness refers to nausea, queasiness or vomiting that occurs during early pregnancy. Symptoms can vary from mild waves of nausea to persistent vomiting that affects eating, sleep and daily tasks.
Although the name suggests morning symptoms, many women experience nausea at any time of day.
Morning sickness is one of the most common experiences in early pregnancy. It’s influenced by hormonal changes, digestive sensitivity and the body’s natural adjustments during the first trimester. Symptoms often improve as pregnancy progresses, although the timeline differs for everyone.
Nausea can make simple tasks harder. Some women feel tired, struggle with certain smells, lose their appetite or find it difficult to work or socialise. When nausea affects hydration or nutrition, it can feel even more challenging.
Medical care focuses on monitoring hydration, managing nausea and supporting general pregnancy health. Treatment may include dietary advice, vitamin B6, anti-nausea medication or further investigation if symptoms become severe.
Many women explore acupuncture as part of their care for morning sickness. Acupuncture is commonly used to support nausea-related conditions and aims to calm digestive discomfort, ease queasiness and support overall wellbeing.
Some women also include Chinese medicine or herbal medicine discussions depending on their presentation and pregnancy safety considerations.
Morning sickness is often described as a disharmony between the Stomach, Spleen and Liver systems. In this framework, rising digestive energy, stress or emotional strain can create nausea. Acupuncture aims to support balance, calm the digestive system and settle the Stomach.
The Acupuncture Evidence Project (2017) reviewed research on pregnancy-related nausea and found positive associations for acupuncture in easing symptoms. A 2013 Cochrane-style review also explored acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy, noting improvements in some measured outcomes.
Not all studies look specifically at morning sickness alone, but they explore nausea pathways, digestive symptoms and acupuncture’s influence on the nervous system.
During a consultation, we’ll go through your symptoms, pregnancy stage and health history. If acupuncture seems suitable, I’ll use fine, single-use sterile needles at points chosen for your presentation.
Cupping or electroacupuncture may be used in some sessions, though not always in pregnancy. Chinese herbal medicine may also be discussed only when appropriate for safety and your overall pattern.
Sessions focus on gentle needling and supporting the body’s natural processes. I keep the approach calm, simple and based on your individual needs.
Depending on your presentation, your treatment plan may include:
Not all of these are used in every session. The approach is based on what seems suitable for you and your pregnancy.
Many women find relief from simple strategies:
Your care plan will be tailored to what you can manage day to day.
If you’d like to explore acupuncture as part of your pregnancy care, you’re welcome to get in touch with my Hervey Bay clinic.
Or call the clinic on 07 4317 4349 if you’d prefer to speak to someone.
The clinic is located in the arcade between the 50’s Diner and the Thai Diamond Restaurant on the Esplanade in Scarness.