New research has suggested an upside to morning sickness – it may lead to brighter children.
Researchers in Canada found that babies born to women who experienced morning sickness had higher IQ’s when they were older1.
The study, published in the Journal of Pediatrics, suggested that the more severe the nausea and vomiting, the higher the IQ.
Morning sickness affects approximately 80% of pregnant women2. The condition can interfere with the weight gain needed to sustain pregnancy, cause dehydration that is harmful to both mother and child and at the very least, the sheer unpleasantness may adversely affect a woman’s attitude to pregnancy.
However, clinical trials have shown that acupressure is effective in treating conditions that induce nausea such as morning sickness3.
Borrowing from the ancient Chinese principle of acupuncture, Sea-Band ® works by exerting a constant, gentle pressure on a point on the inner wrist called the Pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure point, long known to relieve feelings of nausea.
Mrs S, whose symptoms began almost as soon as she became pregnant comments on Sea-Band:
“Before I became pregnant, I had never experienced nausea this bad. At first my symptoms were unpleasant, but then gradually over the course of my first 12 weeks, they became worse and worse. My body was dehydrated and I was not putting on the weight I needed. As a fitness instructor, I was almost unable to work but it was important I continued exercising throughout my pregnancy for both my own health and that of my baby.
“Just when I should have been overjoyed that I was pregnant, I had never, physically, felt so horrible. However, Sea-Band has really helped ease my symptoms. Sea-Band does not make me drowsy, lets me get on with my life, and I no longer have to worry that I will soon be suffering again. The best thing about Sea-Band is that it is drug and chemical free. As a mum, the last thing I want is to use a product that may be harmful for my baby.
“Now when I use Sea-Band, my morning sickness is a lot easier to manage, which is a huge relief when I have a class to teach and for my family and friends. I wear Sea-Band all day and only remove it when I have a shower, so I never have to worry that I am not getting relief. I am also no longer self conscious of my appearance and proudly started showing off my bump.”
References:
1. Nulman I, Rovet J, Barrera M, et al. Long-term Neurodevelopment of Children Exposed to Maternal Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy and Diclectin. Journal of Pediatrics 2009; published online 27.04.09
2. Nathan, A. ‘General Care of Pregnant Women,’ The Pharmaceutical Journal 8 March, 2003, Volume 270.
3. Cochrane Systematic Reviews Examine P6 Acupuncture-Point Stimulation for Nausea and Vomiting. Jeanette Ezzo, Konrad Streitberger, Antonius Schneider. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 1 June, 2006, 12(5): 489-495.
Notes to editors:
Sea-Bands are available in fun, fluorescent or new khaki and green, camouflage, coloured bands for the kids, or larger, grey or black bands for adults. These acupressure wristbands are drug-free, do not cause drowsiness or interfere with other medications, and are suitable for everyone, young (from aged 3 years) and old.
Nausea is reduced within five minutes after applying Sea-Band® wristbands and they may be used before or after the onset of nausea. The recommend price is £7.82
Sea-Band® is available from Lloydspharmacy, Superdrug, Tesco, Sainsbury, Waitrose, Morrisons, and other pharmacies.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. When acupuncture points are stimulated, the nervous system releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body’s internal regulating system. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional wellbeing.