The Effect of Acupressure in Pregnancy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting, 1998-99

Pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting is a common complaint and about 80-88% of pregnant women have experienced it. This study has been conducted regarding limited drug therapy and the efficacy of acupressure and Neiguan point (po). This clinical trial of cross over type has been performed in gyneocologic clinics with randomized sampling in two phase of control and case, 1998-99. In the case phase an elastic band (Sea band) has been fastened over the wrist on p6 for 5 days, then in the control phase the same elastic band has been fastened over the same area on the other wrist to fulfil our placebo effect 100 pregnant women have been assessed where 76% were primigravid and 84% were 17-24 years old. In 58% of all cases, gestational age of 10-12 wecks has been detected. Results have implied that number, duration, and severity of nausea and the number of vomiting were significantly different in the case group. Regarding the fact that acupressure is a simple method with minimum expenses and side effects, using such a method for eliminating the number, duration, and severity of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women is strongly recommended.