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

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.