Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Doxylamine/Pyridoxine for Moderate to Severe Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy

Diclectin (combination of 10 mg doxylamine and 10 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride in a delayed release tablet) During the first two days, patients will start with an initial oral dose of 2 tablets at bedtime. If the symptoms assessed on the second day are not relieved, 3 tablets will be administered on the third day (1 tablet in the morning and 2 tablets at bedtime). On the third day if the symptoms are still not relieved, another tablet will be added in the afternoon on the fourth day (1 tablet in the morning, 1 tablet in the afternoon and 2 tablets at bedtime). Therefore, the maximum assigned dosage of Diclectin or placebo tablets do not exceed 4 tablets per day. The treatment duration will lasts for 14 days.

Diclectin placebo will be packed and tested by a commercial pharmacy supply company specifically for this study. It have the same appearance, size, batch, odor, and taste compared with Diclectin. During the first two days, patients will start with an initial oral dose of 2 tablets at bedtime. If the symptoms assessed on the second day are not relieved, 3 tablets will be administered on the third day (1 tablet in the morning and 2 tablets at bedtime). On the third day if the symptoms are still not relieved, another tablet will be added in the afternoon on the fourth day (1 tablet in the morning, 1 tablet in the afternoon and 2 tablets at bedtime). Therefore, the maximum assigned dosage of placebo tablets do not exceed 4 tablets per day. The treatment duration will lasts for 14 days.

Participants will receive active acupuncture every day for 2 consecutive weeks, a total of 14 sessions. The needle will be left for 30 minutes. After de qi induced by acupuncture, the paired electrodes of the electroacupuncture device will be connected to the needle handle horizontally (except for PC6).

Blunt-tipped placebo needles will be used. Participants will receive sham acupuncture every day for 2 consecutive weeks, a total of 14 sessions. The needle will be left for 30 minutes. After de qi induced by acupuncture, the paired electrodes of the electroacupuncture device will be connected to the needle handle horizontally (except for PC6). Then, the paired electrodes of the electroacupuncture device will be connected to the needle handle horizontally (except for PC6).