Pregnancy outcome following women's participation in a randomised controlled trial of acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
Recent studies have concluded that acupuncture is safe in the hands of a qualified practitioner. This study assessed the risk of adverse effects of acupuncture administered during pregnancy.


METHODS
593 women with nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy volunteered to participate in a randomised controlled trial, conducted at the Women's and Children's Hospital, in South Australia. Patients were given either traditional acupuncture, formula acupuncture, sham acupuncture or no acupuncture.


METHODS
Data were collected on perinatal outcome, congenital abnormalities, pregnancy complications and the newborn.


RESULTS
No differences were found between study groups in the incidence of perinatal outcome, congenital abnormalities, pregnancy complications and other infant outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that no serious adverse effects arise from acupuncture administered in early pregnancy.
Smith
C
C
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Adelaide University, Women's & Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
Crowther
C
C
Beilby
J
J
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006939:Hyperemesis Gravidarum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D009325:Nausea / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010358:Patient Participation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013021:South Australia; D016896:Treatment Outcome