Comparison of Between Acupressure and Vitamin B6 in Reducing Pregnancy-induced Nausea and Vomiting

Although nausea and vomiting are the most common disorders that start in the early weeks of pregnancy.Despite the fact that various physical and drug interventions have been attempted, non has proved to be universally accepted as the standard treatment. The aim of this study was, therefore, to compare the effectiveness of acupressure with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in reducing the severity of nausea and vomiting among pregnant women.In this clinical intervention study 100 primigravida women with nausea and vomiting and gestation age of 10-16 weeks were randomly selected and divided in two groups. Age, BMI, profession, education, severity of nausea was matched both groups. Treatment with acupressure or pyridoxine was carried out for four days. In the acupressure group, sea bands were placed on Nigan (p6) point on hands. While in the pyridoxine group 40 mg B6 tablet was administered daily. Nausea scores and frequency of vomiting decreased significantly (p<0.001) after treatment in both groups. Acupressure was more effective in reducing the frequency of vomiting (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the severity of vomiting between treatment groups. Both acupressure and vitamin B6 are effective in reducing in reducing pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting. However, because sea–bands are more economical, are free of side effects and more efficient in reducing the frequency of vomiting therefove are preferable in controlling nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.