Did Kate Middleton Use Acupuncture? No, But Maybe She Should Have

This photo taken Wednesday, July 2, 2014, shows Britain's Prince William and Kate Duchess of Cambridge and the Prince George during a visit to the Sensational Butterflies exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London. (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

Everybody’s favorite Duchess, Kate Middleton, is now pregnant with the ’spare', and her recovering from hyperemesis gravidarum is getting a lot of press. Hyperemesis gravidarum is a rare condition, occurring in only 1-2% of all pregnant women and poses little danger to the baby if properly treated. However, it can cause many problems for the mother. In severe cases symptoms include extreme nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Doctors often prescribe rest, dietary changes, antacids, vitamins and ginger capsules. *Check out this post I wrote on why ginger is my #1 recommendation* Severe cases often require a stay in the hospital, as Kate did when she was pregnant with Prince George. In the hospital,  the mother can receive nutrition and fluids through an IV (intravenous line).

What I hope Kate and many other pregnant women dealing with this condition realize is that acupuncture can be wonderfully helpful. Many women turn to acupuncture when they are pregnant to treat morning sickness and numerous other complaints that can come up during pregnancy. Even though hyperemesis gravidarum is rare and much more severe than morning sickness acupuncture can still help. Regular treatment can greatly reduce the nausea and vomiting, help the mother rest and recuperate. Also acupressure as well as ear seeds can provide relief when the mom is not at the office. 

More About Hyperemesis Gravidarum and Acupuncture:

Video by The British Acupuncture Council

Jennifer Dubowsky, LAc, is a licensed acupuncturist with a practice in downtown Chicago, Illinois, since 2002. Dubowsky earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from University of Illinois in Chicago and her Master of Science degree in Oriental Medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, Colorado. During her studies, she completed an internship at the Sino-Japanese Friendship Hospital in Beijing, China. Dubowsky has researched and written articles on Chinese medicine and has given talks on the topic. She maintains a popular blog about health and Chinese medicine at Acupuncture Blog Chicago. Adventures in Chinese Medicine is her first book. You can find her at www.tcm007.com.