Complement Ther Med. 2002 Jun; 10(2): 78-83.

Pregnancy outcome following women's participation in a randomised controlled trial of acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy.

Smith C, Crowther C, Beilby J.

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Adelaide University, Women's & Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

OBJECTIVES: 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. OUTCOME MEASURES: 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. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that no serious adverse effects arise from acupuncture administered in early pregnancy.