Acupuncture Relieves Depression in Pregnant Women

Presenters at the Pregnancy Meeting sponsored by the Society for Maternal-Fetal meeting, recently held in Chicago, revealed findings that acupuncture may be an effective treatment depression during pregnancy.

One of the study’s authors, Dr. Schnyer stated, “Depression during pregnancy is an issue of concern because it has negative effects on the mother and the baby as well as the rest of the family.”

Even though depression in pregnant women occurs on the same level as it does among women of the same age who aren’t pregnant and women during the postpartum (after birth) period, fewer treatment studies have been conducted on pregnant depressed women.

Anti-depressant during pregnancy affects the mother and the developing baby.

150 participants with Major Depressive Disorder were randomly placed in a either a group that received acupuncture specific treatment for depression, or one of two active controls: control acupuncture (they didn’t receive acupuncture specific treatment, but another form of acupuncture) or massage.

The mothers received 12 sessions during an eight week period. Junior acupuncturists unaware of the treatment group assignment needled participants at points prescribed by senior acupuncturists. The mother’s symptoms of depression were rated at the beginning, after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment.

The women receiving the acupuncture specific treatment experienced a significantly greater decrease in depression severity compared to the combined controls or the non-specific acupuncture group alone. They also had a higher response rate (63.0%) than the combined controls or control acupuncture alone. Symptom reduction and response rates did not differ significantly between controls.

Mild and transient side effects were reported by 43/150 participants (4 in massage; 19 in the control acupuncture and 20 in the depression specific group). Significantly fewer participants reported side-effects in the massage group than the two acupuncture groups.

Dr. Schyner said, “The results of our study show that the acupuncture protocol we tested could be a viable treatment option for depression during pregnancy.

Looking to find the best deal on acupuncture, then visit www.yoursite.com to find the best advice on holistic health information for you.