TheHolisticParent.ORG Therapies for Pregnancy

Therapies

Acupuncture

Despite what some health “authorities” claim, acupuncture is quite safe during
pregnancy. It can help with a whole host of issues such as pain, stress, nausea,
morning sickness, fatigue, migraines, headaches, heartburn, hemorrhoids, and many
more.

There are recommendations by some practitioners to abstain from acupuncture
treatments during the first trimester of pregnancy when the baby is at its most unstable
point. Studies on this are conflicting. Some show these worries to be unfounded, while
others seem to show there is a risk. If you’re concerned about it after doing your own
research, then refrain and feel good about it. Your baby’s safety comes first. But know
that acupuncture has been used for over 2,000 years. It has a pretty good track record.
One other issue with acupuncture during pregnancy is to get a practitioner experienced
in doing acupuncture on pregnant women. There are points that can bring on labor, and
you’ll not want an inexperienced practitioner accidentally effecting one of those spots
before it is time for the baby to come. So make sure you feel comfortable with your
practitioner. I made sure I found one that specialized in pregnant women, and she was
8 months pregnant herself at the time, so I felt fairly comfortable.

Chiropractic

Chiropractic care is important during pregnancy, almost as important as prenatal care
in many respects. I can testify to the fact that chiropractic did quite a lot for me while I
was pregnant. Chiropractic care can help with back pain, sciatica, subluxation (a
common misalignment in pregnancy), headaches, breech positioned baby, pelvic
misalignments, and shorter labors.

To give more information on this topic, I asked a good friend of mine to share her
knowledge. She specializes in treating pregnant women and will graduate from
chiropractic school this December. For the following, I give credit to Alicia Brooks.
As a soon to be graduate of Chiropractic school in addition to a mother who has had
chiropractic care during pregnancy, I know firsthand the benefits this form of alternative
healthcare can bring to mothers to be. Pregnancy no doubt adds stress to the body, as
the fetus grows daily. This can place added stress to such areas such as the low back,
hips, knees, feet, and all the surrounding musculature.

The uterus is held in place by the round ligaments. This ligament surrounds the uterus
and pelvis and as the baby grows it stretches and by the end of the pregnancy is about
the size of your thumb. Round ligament pain is common, and can be described as a
sharp stabbing pain in expectant mothers in the lower abdomen or groin area. One
technique many chiropractors can perform is the Webster technique. During this
technique, the doctor gently stretches this ligament which can cause a reduction of
pain. This is also beneficial with a breech presentation. Many babies are breech
because they are constrained in the uterus. By allowing the proper stretch to this very
important ligament, many babies will then go into a vertex position.

The perineal ligaments are in the perineal area which is between the vagina and the
anus. These ligaments are very important in the process of birth because essentially
they are the strength that hold the “door shut.” By receiving a light force stretch contact
on the ligaments, which can be contacted lateral to the anus, when it is time for delivery
the door will easily open allowing for a smooth transition from stage 1 to stage 2 of
delivery. When these ligaments are stretched out, it also decreases incidence of
episiotomies and a reduces time spent in the second stage of labor.
Sciatica is a common complaint of pregnant women and usually results from piriformis
syndrome. The piriformis muscle begins in the pelvis, connects to the sacrum, and
helps to form the commonly known sacroiliac joint. This is a common pain producer in
pregnant women because of the added weight of the growing baby. The sciatic nerve
runs underneath and sometimes through the piriformis muscle. When this muscle is
tight, it causes compression on the sciatic nerve, and sciatica results. This can lead to
pain which extends in the hips, thighs, and travels down the leg. Chiropractors know
many ways to treat piriformis syndrome which can lead to great success. These
include a low force stretch in addition to post isometric relaxation exercises targeting
the piriformis directly.

Chiropractic care is great for the mother and the baby before and after birth. It allows for
the mother’s body to be in normal alignment before birth which will result, in most
cases, a easier and less complicated birth.

Massage

Prenatal massage is an important aspect of care. It is often viewed as an indulgence,
and while it is enjoyable, it offers plenty of benefits. Massage can help promote better
posture; relax tight muscles, aid in sleep and relaxation; decrease feelings of stress;
can help reduce nausea, fatigue, and depression; helps circulate blood; and enable a
woman to be more aware of her body. Massage has many benefits and feels great. I
know it isn’t in everyone’s budget to go get expensive massages. Have your partner
research the benefits of massage and then give you a few. If you have to carry and grow
a baby and then give birth to that baby, your partner can help with a few massages.
Some midwives even incorporate massage as part of their prenatal care. How
awesome is that!?

Perineal massage is another type of massage that is usually recommended to be
started at around 35 weeks. This is a massage of the vaginal tissue to help loosen and
stretch this tissue in preparation for birth. It can help prevent tearing. This type of
massage can be done by the woman’s partner or the woman herself. Some women
find this type of massage to be very uncomfortable, however. If it is very painful, take it
slowly or stop. While it can be helpful, the baby will stretch this tissue all on its own. It’s
more how those moments of birth play out in regards to tearing than it does the
preparation beforehand.

Pampering

Pampering can be a therapy. It is important to pamper yourself during pregnancy.
Pampering can include things like chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage, and it can
also include things like having your toenails painted with non-toxic nail polish, getting
your haircut, buying something special for yourself, baking some cookies, having
someone else cook dinner, reading a good book in bed. The possibilities are endless.
What makes you feel treasured, relaxed, special, honored, respected? Take the time to
indulge and honor yourself during pregnancy. This is a special time. Creating and
giving life is miraculous and amazing work. Pampering can help lighten your mood,
reduce your burden, relieve stress. It is very important.

Remedies

My goal with this section was not to list every possible remedy in the history of man.
There would be way too many for that. My goal was simply to convey the fact that there
are little known amazing remedies for almost everything pregnancy related. Exploring
these is fun, and many work quite well while also being safe. We live in the age of pill
popping, where a medication seems to calm every qualm. I tend to go for things that do
not disrupt the body’s integrity, but still get the job done. There are some great
resources for remedies in our Resources section.

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