In a first-of-its-kind study, a School of Medicine researcher is exploring novel ways to tackle the problem of depression among pregnant women.

Rachel Manber, PhD, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, is seeking volunteers for a study evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture and massage for treating depression during pregnancy.

Manber said depression affects between 3 and 11 percent of pregnant women.

Despite this, little research has been done in this area and no previous studies have investigated treating depressed pregnant women with acupuncture or massage.

Manber is enrolling 180 women for the study. During the trial, they will be randomized to receive either acupuncture or massage therapy. Bay Area practitioners will provide the acupuncture or massage in their offices.

Participants will receive at least eight weeks of treatment and be monitored on a monthly basis for up to nine months postpartum.

Pregnant women age 18 or older who are experiencing depression may be eligible for the study. Volunteers must be medically stable and between 12 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Participants cannot receive any concurrent treatment for depression while in the study. Interested women should call 724-4431 for more information.