No real help for morning sickness, still

DUBLIN, Ireland, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- A study review finds no reliable, safe and effective treatment for morning sickness -- vomiting and nausea in pregnant women -- researchers in Ireland say.

Lead researcher Dr. Anne Matthews of the School of Nursing at Dublin City University in Dublin and colleagues conducted a systematic review 27 randomized controlled trials that involved 4,041 women who were as much as 20 weeks pregnant.

Due to concerns that pharmaceuticals may damage their unborn children, pregnant women are turning to non-drug treatments, including complementary and alternative therapies, Matthews says.

The review finds six studies of acupressure and two of acupuncture showed no significant benefit compared to control groups. However, one study of acustimulation -- mild electrical stimulation of acupuncture points done to control symptoms such as nausea and vomiting -- did appear to be beneficial.

The review finds limited evidence that ginger can relieve nausea, as can vitamin B6, antihistamines and antiemetic, or anti-vomiting drugs, including the ante-natal drug Debendox.

However, some adverse effects include drowsiness after taking antiemetics and ginger caused heartburn in some people.

The findings are published in the Cochrane Library.