Effectiveness of acupressure in managing nausea, vomiting, and psychosocial well-being during pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of acupressure applied to the P6 point in reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and its influence on psychosocial well-being. Method: This quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study included 61 pregnant women (31 intervention, 30 control). Data were collected using the Pregnancy Descriptive Information Form, the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE) Test, and the Pregnancy Psychosocial Health Assessment Scale (PPHAS). Results: Following the intervention, the acupressure wristband group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in PUQE scores compared to the placebo group. Repeated measures analysis showed a significant and progressive decrease in nausea and vomiting severity in the acupressure wristband group from baseline through the fifth day, whereas no significant change was observed in the placebo group. PPHAS scores increased significantly within both groups after the intervention, however, no statistically significant difference was found between groups in post-intervention scores. Conclusion: P6 acupressure appears to be a safe, practical, and non-pharmacological method that effectively reduces nausea and vomiting and may support psychosocial well-being in early pregnancy.