Positive Health Online

Abstract

NORHEIM and colleagues, Havnegata General Practice, Harstad, Norway, investigated whether acupressure wristband could reduce nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.

Background

Methodology

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 97 women in early pregnancy received active treatment or placebo. Symptoms were recorded according to intensity, duration and nature of complaints.

Results

71% of women in the active treatment group reported less intensive morning sickness and reduced duration of symptoms. The same tendency was seen in the placebo group: 59% reported less intensive morning sickness and reduced symptom duration. Only duration of symptoms differed significantly between the two groups: in the active treatment group, duration of symptoms was reduced by 2.74 hours compared with 0.85 hours in the placebo group (p=0.018).

Conclusion

Acupressure wristband might be an alternative therapy for morning sickness in early pregnancy, especially before pharmacological treatment is considered.

References

Norheim AJ et al. Acupressure treatment of morning sickness in pregnancy. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care 19 (1): 43-7. Mar 2001.

Comment

This is indeed a good result and should be incorporated into clinical practice internationally.