Pregnancy and Lactation
- Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Pregnancy Preparation
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Pregnant Women
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Fetal Development
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prenatal Care
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Postnatal Care (Zuo Yue Zi—Month-long Care)
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to promote Lactation
Over thousands of year of clinical practice, Chinese Medical practitioners have acquired a wealth of empirical knowledge to help women prepare for a healthy conception and pregnancy. Consult with your Acupuncturist well in advance to confirm that you are in optimal physical condition to support a pregnancy, especially if you have been taking certain medications.
Menstrual Cycle and Pregnancy
The first day of bleeding during menstruation is the first day of the menstrual cycle. Ovulation usually occurs on or near the 14th days of the menstrual cycle. During the process of fertilization, of the over three hundred million sperm deposited into the vagina through intercourse, only a few hundred actually arrive in the fallopian tubes. Hundreds of sperm cells descend upon the egg releasing a special enzyme to help them cross the zona pellucida of the egg's protective layer. Only one sperm will gain access to the egg. This is known as the Moment of Fertilization. The sperm and egg cell combine to form a zygote or developing embryo. One week after fertilization, the embryo secretes a hormone which aids the embryo in embedding in the endometrial layer of the uterus. This is known as Implantation. From this moment forward, an embryo is formally settled and continues to grow in the womb. The first 9 weeks of pregnancy are referred to as the Embryonic Period. After 9 weeks of development it is now referred to as the Fetal Period.
Pregnancy is the result of when a mature egg released from the ovary of a woman (Ovulation) meets a sperm cell and becomes a fertilized egg or zygote. It gradually develops in the uterus to become a mature fetus. The process of development of the fetus in the mother's uterus is referred to as the state of pregnancy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Pregnancy Preparation
Acupuncture and Herbal formulas are very helpful in promoting high quality egg production and the development of a healthy uterine lining. On the premise of not using any contraceptives or other western medication, our clinic provides a two-month healthcare program employing Acupuncture, Herbal formulas and an Eastern Nutritional Health Diet to support the ovaries and uterus in preparation for a healthy conception and pregnancy. Acupuncture and Herbs are used to treat the patient based on her specific condition. The treatment plan is designed according to a woman’s individual menstrual cycle.
From days 5 to 11 of the menstrual cycle, the treatment will be concentrated on helping the ovary develop healthier eggs. From days 12 to 13, the treatment focus is to aid the fallopian tubes and ovaries to promote healthy ovulation. From days 14 to 28, the treatment will focus on promoting conception and embryonic development, should fertilization and implantation occur. Herbal formulas are used to improve the nutritional quality of the uterine lining and help maintain an early pregnancy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Pregnant Women
Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have developed a set of well-designed treatment plans for the mother and fetus. During the first trimester, Acupuncture and Herbs will be used to prevent miscarriage, ease symptoms of morning sickness and lessen fatigue. As the pregnancy progresses, a series of Acupuncture treatments will be performed to help relieve back pain, edema, hemorrhoids and shortness of breath. Acupuncture also aids in the treatment of complications of pregnancy such as hypertension, diabetes, yeast infections and urinary tract infections. In addition, wellness programs are available to address varicose veins, cellulite, stretch marks and gestational weight gain.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Fetal Development
In order to promote a healthy fetal development during pregnancy, Acupuncture and Herbs are used at various stages to promote the digestion and absorption of the appropriate nutritional supplements. Within the nine months of pregnancy, our preventive healthcare plan provides appropriate dietary plans to meet the needs of the developing fetus and support the important role of the mother. Monthly Acupuncture treatments also promote fetal development which can result in stronger skeletons, balanced nervous systems and fully developed organs. In the event of a baby presenting in a breech position, Moxibustion has been shown to have an enormous success rate in turning the baby in natural, non-invasive way.
Following is a week by week overview of the milestones of fetal development. Couples must pay special attention to the entire conception and embryonic development process in order to best nurture healthy and intelligent offspring.
| Week 1-2 | Focus: to attain a high-quality fertilized egg |
| Week 3-4 | Focus: embryonic development and heartbeat |
| Week 5-8 | Focus: development of the embryonic jaw, kidneys, liver, brain and spinal cord |
| Week 9-10 | Focus: fetal brain development and the formation of the genitals and gastric juices |
| Week 10-16 | Focus: the first stage of rapid proliferation of brain cells in the fetus. |
| Week 11-12 | Focus: bone cells and bone development |
| Week 13-15 | Focus: reflexes and respiratory function are established |
| Week 16-18 | Focus: reflexes are strengthening, begin prenatal fetal neural reflex training |
| Week 19-22 | Focus: rapid development of the sense organs and sexual organs. |
| Week 23-26 | Focus: the pancreas begins to produce insulin, neuronal synapses are increased |
| Week 27-30 | Focus: fetus begins to have a sleep cycle, mothers begin to secrete milk |
| Week 31-34 | Focus: fetal organs mature and the mother begins to prepare for childbirth |
| Week 35-40 | Focus: preparation for labor |
Click “Fetal Development & New Born Healthcare” for more information
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perinatal Care
Acupuncture has been employed for thousands of years to successfully induce women who are overdue in their pregnancy. Acupuncture and Acupressure treatment of the sacral region pre-delivery is performed in order to help shorten the labor process and promote contraction of the uterus. It is also a natural, safe and effective way to enhance muscle strength for delivery and relieve pain during labor.
This treatment is usually applied one week before due date.
- Pre/post-surgery therapy is available for women scheduled for Caesarian section. Pre-surgical therapy, which focuses on stress management, prevention of infection, reduction of blood loss, and enhancing and reducing the side effects of anesthesia, is usually applied 2 days prior to surgery .
- Post-surgical therapy uses Acupuncture points on the abdomen and leg to help women recover from surgery and help heal the scar. Acupressure has been proven to reduce nausea and vomiting after Caesarian section. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also has a special tea for women during labor to strengthen energy and prevent dehydration.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Postnatal Care (Zuo Yue Zi—Month-long Care)
Due to the loss of blood, vital essence and energy, a woman’s body is fragile and depleted after the birth experience. If they do not take the necessary precaution immediately after giving birth, they may increase their susceptibility to many illnesses, as well as potentially chronic conditions. Traditional Chinese medical theory recommends one month’s confinement post labor, during which time the mother should avoid lifting weights, eating raw and cold food, being exposed to wind, swimming and exercising excessively. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the above-mentioned activities may inhibit pelvic recovery, absorption in the gastro-intestinal tract, and circulation of qi and blood.
The first week following birth is the optimum time to take Chinese Herbs in order to detoxify the body from any medication used during labor, clear blood stasis from the endometrium, speed the contraction of the uterus to return to its pre-pregnancy size, and produce nutritious breast milk. Going forward, Chinese Herbs can be used to regulate recovery at which point the focus will shift to rebuilding the mother’s strength and conditioning her organs, which will have toiled particularly hard in the last trimester of the pregnancy to provide for both the mother and the fetus.
In our postnatal care month-long follow-up care, Acupuncture treatment can also be included in order to:
- Enhance immunity to prevent infection
- Balance hormones to induce milk production and prevent mastitis
- Increase circulation to achieve healthy muscles, joints and bone density
- Relieve stress and boost energy to avoid post -partum depression
- Stimulate and regulate hormone production in order to recover sexual energy and desire and
- Promote overall wellness and well-being including fitness, hair and skin care.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for Lactation Care
A good recovery of the mother’s constitution will also ensure ample lactation. Herbs can be used for women whose milk production is insufficient, whose milk is not fluid, and those who tend to develop breast masses. For women who suffer from mastitis, Chinese Herbs can be taken orally and applied externally to alleviate inflammation without the use of antibiotics. Furthermore, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal therapy, and a good replenishing diet, from the second month onward, can ensure the mother’s physical shape and health recover more quickly from the birthing process. Some of the more common breastfeeding problems are as follow:
- Sore Nipples: Many women find that their nipples not only feel sore after every feeding, but they are red and pointy instead of round and smooth -- all indications that your baby is not latching on properly. This means that your nipple ends up way in the back of your baby's mouth where the hard and soft palates meet. The solution is to insert your finger into the corner of your baby's mouth to break the latch as soon as you feel pain -- and then try latching on again. Ideally, your baby should take at least one inch of your areola into the mouth. The patient can ease pain by avoiding the use of soap on the breasts, which can be drying and irritating. Instead, wash with plain water. You might also want to let some milk air dry on your breast after feeding, which can help reduce some inflammation and soreness.
- Infections or Painful Lumps: New mothers may develop a sore or tender spot on their breast, or even a painful lump. This commonly results from a plugged milk duct, or the beginning of an infection known as mastitis. If the pain is from a blocked milk duct, it can be relieved by applying moist or dry heat compresses to the affected breast for 10 minutes, three times a day. Acupuncture and breast massage with heat therapy may also help unplug the duct. Immediately after expressing some milk, the pain will be relieved considerably. Continuing to feed on that breast is important because breastfeeding helps further open the milk ducts. It is safe for babies to breastfeed from an infected as breast milk contains such a high quantity of antibodies. Acupuncture and breast massage with heat therapy works effectively for preventing plugged milk ducts and/or treating infection with symptoms such as pain, tenderness, fatigue and fever.
- Yeast Infections or Thrush: Yeast infections are a less troubling but still uncomfortable condition on the surface of the breast. This problem can develop even after weeks or months of successful nursing. The culprit is thrush, a form of yeast that thrives on milk. This infection will likely affect both mother and baby. Signs of thrush include red or pink shiny skin that usually itches, and may flake or peel. To learn if your baby is infected, look for white spots on the inside of the cheeks, or sometimes a persistent diaper rash. Patients might also find that they have symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection -- a clumpy white discharge and extreme itchiness. Herbal formulas applied externally via sitz bath or soaking are the traditional method of treatment for yeast infections.
- Engorged Breasts: Engorgement is normal aftereffect of milk production and may develop when milk begins to flood the breasts, usually between the second and sixth day after a woman starts nursing her baby. Once milk starts to enter the ducts, there is also a flooding of lymph fluid and blood, which causes the breast tissue to swell. Swollen tissue pushes down on the milk ducts, which may cause the ducts to clamp shut. When milk can't be expressed, it builds up inside the breast and engorgement occurs. Showers are not recommended when patients have engorged breasts. Most important is to continue nursing. The more milk that is expressed, the less chance you have of engorgement remaining. Aroma therapy lymphatic drainage massage is the most effective treatment for engorged breasts.