Pregnancy

Conclusions: The short acupuncture protocol demonstrated symptom reduction and a response rate comparable to those observed in standard depression treatments of similar length and could be a viable treatment option for depression during pregnancy.

Manber R, et al, Obstet Gynecol. 2010; 115 (3): 511-20

Conclusions: Acupuncture (p < 0.0001) and acupressure (p < 0.1) are effective, nonpharmacologic methods for the treatment of HG.

D. Habek et al, Research in Complementary and Classical Natural Medicine 2004;11:20-23

Conclusions: Scalp acupuncture has a better analgesic effect in vaginal delivery with no adverse effect on the mother and infant.

Bo QX, Zhang JX., Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006 Sep;26(9):659-61.

Conclusions: Elecoroacupuncture at Hego (LI 4) can be adopted for treatment of dystocia due to abnormality of force of labor.

Wang et al, Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006 Dec;26(12):843-6.

Conclusions: Acupuncture is well tolerated among term nulliparous women and holds promise in reducing interventions that occur in post-term pregnancies.

Harper et al, J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2006 Aug;19(8):465-70.

 Conclusions: The evidence from the Cochrane systematic review suggests that acupuncture may reduce the need for induction methods; however, there is a need for well-designed trials in this area.

Smith et al, Obstetrics & Gynecology: November 2008 - Volume 112 - Issue 5 - pp 1067-1074

Conclusions: The interesting results of this pilot trial warrant further investigation into the use of acupuncture for the initiation of labour in women at term.

Gaudet et al, J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2008;30(12):1118–1123

Conclusions: PNI research suggests two goals for the prevention and treatment of postpartum depression: reducing maternal stress and reducing inflammation. Breastfeeding and exercise reduce maternal stress and are protective of maternal mood. In addition, most current treatments for depression are anti-inflammatory. These include long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, cognitive therapy, St. John's wort, and conventional antidepressants.

Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, Address: Family Research Laboratory, 126 Horton Social Science Center, 20 College Road, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, 03824, USA

Conclusions: The authors concluded that Chinese herbal Medicine can regulate plasma beta-EP and placental endocrine function in threatened abortion in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage.

Sun F, Yu J. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1999 Feb; 19 (2):87-9.

Conclusions: The study concluded that acupuncture and stabilizing exercises were effective complements to standard treatment for the management of pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. Also, acupuncture was superior to stabilizing exercises in this study.

Elden H, Ladfors L, et al. Perinatal Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute for the Health of Women and Children, Sahlgrenska Academy, East Hospital, 41685 Gothenburg, Sweden.

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