Week 1-2 Focus: to attain a high-quality fertilized egg

A well-fertilized egg is the first step to a desired offspring. If intercourse occurred during the female’s ovulation period, the sperm would have the opportunity to travel to the egg and fertilization may occur. Therefore, it is important for couples who plan on becoming pregnant to prepare starting from the first day of the women’s menstruation. Couples should pay attention to nutrient intake (i.e. stay away from strong tea and coffee), quit smoking and drinking, avoid usage of products containing harmful chemicals, and refrain from radiation exposure. The prevention of these activities is especially important between the 11^th and 15^th day of the menstrual cycle.

Week 3-4 Focus: embryonic development and heartbeat

The formation of the three germ layers of the embryo is the initiation of the morphogenetic process. Theses germ layers will develop into all the tissues and organs of the infant. The presence of a heart beat by the fourth week indicates the start of a partially functioning circulatory system, which is the preliminary establishment of a life source. Therefore, it is essential not to neglect the intake of dietary vitamins and protein, despite the nausea and vomiting symptoms experienced during early pregnancy. During this phase, Acupuncture will be used to nourish the blood and ease stress and discomfort related to early pregnancy. Chinese Herbal formulas and Eastern Nutritional recipes are used to attune the digestive system of the mother for better absorption for both mother and embryo. During the fourth week, the development of skin (ectoderm of the three germ layers) is highly sensitive to the color pigment of ingested food. As the saying goes, you are what you eat. In order for the baby to have a glowing skin tone, Chinese Herbalists often recommend brightening foods such as: Tremella fuciformis (snow fungus), pearl powder, white chrysanthemum, and Dioscorea opposita (Chinese yam). Food products with darker pigmentation such as coffee, carrot and beet should be avoided by fair skinned individuals, whereas for darker skinned individuals, the opposite would apply.

Week 5-8 Focus: development of the embryonic jaw,kidneys, liver, brain and spinal cord

The beginning of the 7th week is a critical period for embryonic jaw development. Therefore, most medications and radiation should be avoided to prevent the increasing chances for embryonic deformity. In addition, the kidneys, liver, brain and spinal cord also start to mature and function during this period. Chinese Herbalists will use Angelica sinensis (Chinese angelica), Fallopia multiflora (Chinese Knotweed), wolfberry, and Astragalus root to nourish the development of these organs. Corresponding Acupuncture points are also used to promote the development of these organs.

Week 9-10 Focus: fetal brain development and the formation of the genitals and gastric juices

By the end of the 8th week, the embryo is referred to as a fetus. The fetus now has formed genitals and gastric juices are being produced. At this stage, the Acupuncturist will focus on promoting the mother’s Kidney Jing to balance Yin and Yang. For older women and those with family and genetic histories of certain diseases, an amniocentesis will be performed at this time to screen for birth defects and other abnormalities. Prenatal screening helps ensure the birth of a healthy offspring.

Week 10-16 Focus: the first stage of rapid proliferation of brain cells in the fetus.

The 10^th to the 16^th week is the first stage of rapid proliferation of brain cells in the fetus. The rapid formation of neurons and the stretching of spinal nerves cause the brain to increase in mass and volume. The 26^th to the 34^th week is the second stage of brain development concentrating on neuron connections. All the nerve cells that were formed in the first stage are still individual cells. During the second stage, these nerve cells will form connections, which will lead to positive stimuli to the nervous system. These connections between nerve cells have a significant meaning in terms of intelligence.

Food products and Herbs that are often used to stimulate brain development include: soybean, pecans, chestnut, string bean, garlic chives, Chinese cabbage, lychee, mussels, quail eggs, chicken, ginseng, Chinese Knotweed, ginkgo, Cordyceps sinensis, dodder, Cistanche salsa, Cornus officinalis, deer antler, and others. In addition, Acupuncture performed on the head and the Kidney Meridian of the mother will stimulate nerve growth and promote better connections among the nerve cells in the developing fetus.

Week 11-12 Focus: bone cells and bone development

During this stage, the fetus begins development of it’s locomotor system, which speeds the formation of osteoblasts and elongated bones. The occurrence of ossification demands higher intake of Calcium. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), walnut, wolfberry, dodder, Cornus officinalis, Chinese Knotweed, Astragalus root, Polygonatum sibiricum, Bovine bone marrow, lamb and other plants/products are used to provide Calcium and promote bone development. Acupuncture treatment at this phase will be employed targeting those points that correlate to bone development and digestive absorption.

Week 13-15 Focus: reflexes and respiratory function are established

Food products or Herbs that the mother should ingest for healthy development of the fetal nervous system include: black soybean, soybean and soybean products, sesame, walnut, Lateolabrax japonicas (Japanese sea bass), Chinese soft-shell turtle, mussels, sea cucumber, scallops, beef, quail eggs, mulberry, Cucurbita pepo L. var. medullosa Alef., American ginseng, ginseng, Chinese Salvia, Chinese knotweed, safflower, and Chinese angelica. Acupuncture treatment at this phase will be employed targeting those points that assist in the development of the nervous system and the respiratory function.

Week 16-18 Focus: reflexes are strengthening, begin prenatal fetal neural reflex training

The fetus can now “breathe” the amniotic fluid. In addition, genitalia of the male/female fetus are formed and visible. At this phase, the conditioned reflex response of the fetus is matured and it is the best time to start prenatal fetal neural reflex training as part of our comprehensive pre-natal care program. As observed via ultrasound, fetuses can now response to the surrounding environment.

Acupuncture treatment and Eastern dietary therapy during this phase will be focused on optimizing the development of the kidneys and the brain. Like the previous phase, food products or Herbs that mother should intake for healthy development of the fetal nervous system include: black soybean, soybean and soybean products, sesame, walnut, Lateolabrax japonicas (Japanese sea bass), Chinese soft-shell turtle, mussels, sea cucumber, scallops, beef, quail eggs, mulberry, Cucurbita pepo L. var. medullosa Alef., American ginseng, ginseng, Chinese Salvia, Chinese knotweed, safflower, and Chinese angelica. Acupuncture treatment at this phase will continue to be employed targeting those points that assist in the development of the nervous system and the respiratory function.

Remember, this is the best time to begin prenatal fetal neural reflex training. Stroking motions, conversation with the fetus, and lighting will all help train the fetus’ reflexes.

Week 19-22 Focus: rapid development of the sense organs and sexual organs.

The fetus’ sensory organs develop rapidly during these weeks. The germinal matrix of the brain is developed, with decreasing neuron production and increasing synapse formation. The divisions in the brain corresponding to the five senses (taste, smell, touch, sight, and hearing) are starting to form. At this time, the fetus can respond to shock and sound and their biological clock begins to synchronize with the outside world. In terms of sexual organ development, the female’s uterus and vagina are formed and the male’s testicles start to descend into the scrotum. Spermatocytes that will later play a role in testosterone development are also formed.

Acupuncture and Eastern nutrition during these weeks will continued to be used to optimize the development of the kidneys and the brain. Like the previous two phases, food products or Herbs that the mother should ingest for healthy development of the nervous system include: black soybean, soybean and soybean products, sesame, walnut, Lateolabrax japonicas (Japanese sea bass), Chinese soft-shell turtle, mussels, sea cucumber, scallops, beef, quail eggs, mulberry, Cucurbita pepo L. var. medullosa Alef., American ginseng, ginseng, Chinese Salvia, Chinese knotweed, safflower, and Chinese angelica. Acupuncture treatment at this phase will be employed targeting those points that correlate with the development of the fetal nervous system and sexual organs.

Due to the rapid development of the fetal sensory organs, manual contact, conversation, music playing, storytelling, and outdoor lighting will further promote the establishment and development of the fetus’ reflexes. Fetuses are especially sensitive to the low-frequency of male voices and respond to soothing elegant classical music. Therefore, fathers have a unique role to play in prenatal fetal neural reflex training during this stage.

Week 23-26 Focus: the pancreas begins to produce insulin, neuronal synapses are increased.

During this phase, fetal brain development has entered a peak period. The brain cells rapidly proliferate, differentiate and increase in volume. The synapses between neurons continue to increase. Sensory organs continue to develop: optic nerve function has been established, taste buds have developed, and the auditory ossicles are hardened for hearing.

Due to the fact that fetal brain development has entered a peak period, the mother should continue to intake food products that are beneficial for brain development, such as walnuts, sesame, peanuts, etc. The focus of the practitioner during this period is to begin fetal neural reflex training (such as rhythm training, audio training and light-reflex training). Meanwhile, the fetus’ growth will lead to increased weight gain and the expanding uterus will reach to the level of the costal margin, which might lead to shortness of breath for the mother. Acupuncture and Acupressure treatment can decease the swelling, enhance lymphatic circulation, ease breathing and stimulate adequate heart function to supply sufficient oxygen for the whole body. On the other hand, many mothers might develop gestational diabetes. While Acupuncture treatment on the dorsal aspect of the back can aid in the prevention of gestational diabetes, an oral glucose tolerance test between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy is still highly recommended for all pregnant women.

Week 27-30 Focus: fetus begins to have a sleep cycle, mothers begin to secrete milk.

The fetuses can now open and close their eyes freely and identify and track light sources. Plus, they begin to have an established sleep cycle which includes indication of dreaming. The fetal brain is now very active with the sulci (grooves) of the cerebral cortex starting to form. In addition, the auditory system is fully developed and the fetus begins to have hair. Please note that since the fetus now has a biological clock and is sensitive to light, it is advisable for the mother to keep to a habitual sleeping schedule. As the mother is beginning to secrete milk, acupuncture treatment will now focus on the hypothalamus to regulate the secretion of prolactin for sufficient milk secretion. This will also act as a preventative measure against the future formation of nodules in the breasts after birth.

Due to the fact that fetal brain development is still in a peak period, the mother should continue to intake food products that are beneficial for brain development, such as: walnuts, sesame, peanuts, etc. Other food products/Herbs with similar function are: soybean, chestnut, string bean, garlic chives, Chinese cabbage, lychee, mussels, quail eggs, chicken, ginseng, Chinese Knotweed, ginkgo, Cordyceps sinensis, dodder, Cistanche salsa, Cornus officinalis, deer antler, and so on.

Week 31-34 Focus: fetal organs mature and the mother begins to prepare for childbirth

While most fetal organs are continuing to develop, the development of the lungs and the gastrointestinal organs is near completion. The fetus is now able to breathe and secrete gastric juices. The fetus drinks the amniotic fluid and excretes it via the bladder, an exercise to prepare for the ability to urinate after birth. The fetus’ reproductive organs are also near completion and the amount of antibodies in his/her body has increased. Bones of the fetus are well-developed yet the cranial bones are still very soft; these bones are held together by strong, fibrous, elastic tissues called cranial sutures. During childbirth, the flexibility of these sutures allows the bones to overlap so the head can pass through the birth canal without damaging the infant's brain. Acupuncture can regulate the secretion of oxytocin which can facilitate birth and breastfeeding. Massage will be used to reduce edema, promote breast milk secretion and enhance the strength and flexibility of the back to prepare for labor.

Week 35-40 Focus: preparation for labor

• Acupuncturetreatment: Acupuncture can be used to adjust the fetal position for abnormal presentation of the fetus, so the baby may still pass through the birth canal head first. Acupuncture can also stimulate the secretion of oxytocin to facilitate labor when delivery is delayed past the due date. Acupuncture can also provide therapeutic effect for the mother mentally and physically. It can decrease prenatal anxiety, tension, insomnia and depression and reduce the physical symptoms of hypertension, diabetes, sciatica, varicose veins and wrist tendonitis. Clinical studies have shown that Acupuncture is especially effective in alleviating pain during labor.
• Lymphatic drainage: eliminates edema and clears fetal toxins accumulated during pregnancy which helps prevent neonatal jaundice and skin allergies.
• Meridian massage: Meridians (Jing luo) are the sets of channels in which qi flows in the body. Massage of the Du Meridian, the Bladder Meridian and the back muscles can strengthen the body in preparation for labor.
• Breast care: Application of essential oil on the breasts can promote uterine contraction, increase breast milk secretion, and prevent postpartum milk insufficiency and mastitis.
• Skin and blood vessel restoration: Chinese Herbal medicine combined with essential oils can be used to prevent stretch marks, varicose veins, loose skin and fatty deposits.
• Foot reflexology: Normally used to promote blood circulation and peripheral reflex, foot reflexology can be used to help condition the body and bring it to its optimal state for pregnant women prior to labor and delivery. It has been shown to eliminate edema and stress while improving overall immunity and strength.

Newborn Healthcare

Infants from birth through 28 days of age are referred to as newborns. Newborns’ diseases are most frequently related to unstable organ function and imbalance of autoregulation as a result of leaving the highly regulated environment of the womb. Since (if being breastfed) breast milk is the main source of nutrition for the newborn, conditioning the mother's diet along with the intake of appropriate Chinese herbal formulas is the most feasible and effective way to adjust a variety of newborns’ discomfort. Newborn conditioning mainly includes clearing fetotoxicity, prevention of milk ringworm, digestive conditioning and calming and soothing the nerves. Chinese herbal medicine, pediatric massage, pediatric chiropractic, and pediatric aromatherapy are widely used in the prevention and treatment of newborn diseases. Ming Qi Natural Healthcare Center offers natural therapies to effectively treat and prevent a variety of neonatal discomfort. If interested in any of the therapies available for Newborn Healthcare, please consult your practitioner.

Chinese herbal formulas in the treatment of such conditions as Fetotoxicity：

Postpartum acute severe allergic responses are most commonly a result of fetotoxicity. Symptoms include conditions such as rash, eczema etc. In TCM theory, consumption of excessive amounts of spicy and fried food during pregnancy can result in the passing of heat and toxins to the fetus, thereby inducing pediatric eczema. Chinese herbal formulas can be used to effectively clear fetotoxicity. A newborn’s taste is not yet fully developed few days after the birth; therefore an infant can usually tolerate specially concocted Chinese herbal teas to help clear the fetotoxicity. Chinese herbal teas can also be used in the prevention and treatment of neonatal jaundice, newborns’ allergy to breast milk and other such conditions.

Aromatherapy in the treatment of Nighttime Crying:

Another issue of concern for new parents is chronic nighttime crying, the source of which is not fully understood. Ruling out other factors that may lead to crying, we recommend the use of aromatherapy to help soothe the baby back to sleep. Sandalwood is a rare herb that has different formulations such as incense and aromatherapy oils, both of which are excellent for relaxing and calming babies. When the infants are crying, light sandal wood incense or essential oil in their room, far away from the baby. Sandalwood incense or essential oil can effectively pacify babies and prevent them from kicking at night while dreaming.

Breastfeeding in the treatment of Digestive Disorders:

Neonatal bloating, belching, and indigestion are very common among newborns. Appropriately adding Chinese herbs or dietary therapy that promotes the healthy functioning of the spleen and stomach into the mother’s diet (such as specific quantities of dried tangerine peel and ginger) can not only increase milk production, but can effectively ease the newborn’s symptoms of bloating, belching, indigestion, etc.

For more information, please refer to the "Herbal Diet Outpatient “section.

Aroma-herbal massage promotes development:

There are various form of Aromatherapy in TCM which are used in the wellness care and treatment of Newborns and Infants. Spleen meridian massage, for example, can promote digestion and absorption. Du meridian massage can help promote neonatal spinal neurodevelopment, maintain the stability of the nerve function, prevent and treat asthma, food allergies, indigestion and long-term bedwetting. The head "Aura" (Reiki) therapy can promote brain development and the closure of fontanelle and is an excellent therapy to promote infants’ brain cell synapse development. It can also be used in the treatment of hyperhidrosis and night terrors.