Pregnancy can be a very exciting and sometimes overwhelming time, with many physical changes. Chinese medicine is a safe and effective treatment for many of the discomforts that may arise during the different stages of pregnancy.

The course of your pregnancy, birth and health of your baby can also be influenced by sensible and informed dietary and lifestyle choices.

First Trimester (0–12 weeks)

During the first trimester, weekly acupuncture sessions are recommended. These treatments support the early stages of pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Morning sickness is common during pregnancy and can happen any time of the day or night. Acupuncture treatment, dietary changes and adequate rest can effectively ease the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

There is a link between morning sickness and the extreme fatigue that many women experience during early pregnancy. Chinese medicine is effective in treating these symptoms and reducing their occurrence.

Second Trimester (13–28 weeks)

Once the pregnancy has been established and is stable, treatments are only performed monthly. As the belly grows, there is an increased strain on the body which may lead to a host of musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, sciatica and leg cramps. Chinese medicine can provide some relief from these aches and pains in conjunction with other complementary therapies such as massage and osteopathy.

Other minor ailments that Chinese medicine can address include heartburn, constipation, haemorrhoids and varicose veins, to name a few. Although these generally resolve after pregnancy, they do cause varying degrees of discomfort and anxiety and detract from the enjoyment of pregnancy.

At this early stage, it is also important to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes and hypertension by ensuring the body has adequate nutrients, sufficient rest and low stress levels.

Third Trimester (28–40 weeks)

Monthly treatments continue to support the growth of the pregnancy and ease any discomfort. During the later stages of pregnancy,  common complaints include oedema, carpal tunnel syndrome and insomnia.

The most effective time to address breech presentation babies is between 32 and 35 weeks. Moxibustion is a technique used to stimulate the acupuncture point with heat in order to encourage the foetus to turn.

The main focus of treatment shifts at 36 weeks where weekly treatments are resumed in order to prepare the body for labour. These treatments aim to relax and soften the ligaments, aid cervical dilation and nourish the body.

At this stage, it is also important for the expectant mother to slow down, get plenty of rest and maintain a calm emotional state in order to enter labour in the best possible health.

Labour

A number of clinical trials have used acupuncture to induce labour in healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies. These studies show that acupuncture can influence cervical ripening, increase spontaneous labour and shorten the first stage of labour.

An acupressure booklet is provided to teach both the mother and partner techniques for pain relief and relaxation during labour. This also promotes partner involvement during labour.

Fourth Trimester (Postnatal period)

Chinese medicine recognises the importance of a woman’s recovery after birth. Traditionally, mothers are advised to stay in bed for a month and not to go outdoors. After birth, the mother’s body is depleted and she is physically and emotionally fatigued. This makes her immune system extremely susceptible to disease; hence  the importance of rest and eating warming, nourishing foods to ensure a full recovery to health.

‘Mother roasting’ is another Chinese medicine practice.  This technique, which uses moxibustion over the lower abdomen to warm, rebuild and strengthen the mother, is performed within a week of childbirth to aid recovery.

Chinese medicine is effective in addressing many postnatal problems including mastitis, insufficient milk supply, fatigue, haemorrhoids, incontinence, night sweats, cramping, excessive uterine bleeding and any emotional concerns that may arise with motherhood.