Acupressure and vitamin B6 to relieve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: a randomized study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of acupressure and vitamin B6 in the outpatient treatment of nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.

Study design: Pregnant volunteers with symptoms of mild to moderate nausea and vomiting between 6 and 12 weeks' gestation participated in a 7-day clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive a device for acupressure therapy and placebo drug or an otherwise identical but non-stimulating placebo device and vitamin B6. The primary outcome measure was self-recorded symptoms according to Rhodes index. Secondary outcome measures were weight gain and medication use.

Results: The mean change in Rhodes index was not significantly different between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences in weight gain and medication use between the two groups.

Conclusion: Acupressure therapy is not more effective than vitamin B6 in reducing nausea and vomiting in symptomatic women in the first trimester of pregnancy.