Our bodies are extremely unique, and so are our body’s needs during pregnancy. There are many natural therapies to choose from that can complement your pregnancy journey. However sometimes it can be a little overwhelming to know what is best for you. Here we discuss a number of modalities that can very supportive during your pregnancy.
Why use natural therapies during pregnancy?
Adding natural therapies to your care plan during pregnancy has shown to have many benefits. They can be great tools to assist in reducing and easing symptoms that may be present during pregnancy. Certain therapies may assist with meeting nutritional needs, improving sleep, reducing anxiety or supporting structural changes occurring in the body. They are also highly sort after in preparation for labour and to increase the chances of an uncomplicated birth.
Which natural therapies are right for me?
It is important to seek the guidance of your health care provider and midwife when making decisions during pregnancy. They might also be able to provide recommendations of particular modalities or practitioners that could be best for you specifically. As always, it is important to make sure you are working with a highly qualified practitioner in their field
Naturopathy
The body has different needs and requirements during pregnancy, labour and post birth. Whether nutrition and diet, or various lifestyle changes, naturopathic care can provide excellent support.
Naturopaths can address common complaints that can arise in pregnancy such as nausea, gestational diabetes, sleeplessness, cramping, constipation and migraines.
Furthermore, naturopathy can also assist in preparing your body for labour and birth. In final weeks of your pregnancy, a herbal mixture can be formulated specifically for your needs to prepare you for birth.
Our head naturopath Candace Borg specialises in natural fertility, pregnancy, birth and post natal care and is the director of The HypnoBirthing Collective. Find out more about Candace at www.candaceborg.com
Pregnancy Massage
Pregnancy massage is an effective mind body approach to help adjust to pregnancy as well as motherhood. It may assist in reducing stress, assist in hormone regulation, alleviate muscle pain, cramps, joint pain and swelling and can help to relax and calm the body and support restful sleep. Many women use pregnancy massage to help them adjust with changes in their body and to ease any stress or discomfort they may be feeling.
It is important to avoid massages during the first trimester. And in the 2nd and 3rd trimester there are certain areas and pressure points to avoid such as shoulders, lower back, webbing between the thumb and index finger, just above the Achilles tendon and any strong pressure on the legs. The abdomen may or may not be massaged, and if so, it is very lightly.
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Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most reported therapies to aid pregnancy niggles. Some studies have shown promising results for it’s effectiveness to alleviate common pregnancy ailments such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
This ancient Chinese medicine seeks to balance the flow of energy (known as chi or qi) in the body. Some attribute acupuncture to the ease of their general pain and discomfort, better sleep, maintenance of blood pressure and calming of their anxiety and stress during pregnancy.
Interestingly, acupuncture is said to be very helpful in preparing you and your baby for birth. It may be helpful in promoting optimal fetal positioning, preparing your cervix and uterus for birth, and helping your labour to start spontaneously and on time.
Prenatal Yoga
Research shows that prenatal yoga is very safe and can have many benefits during pregnancy including improved sleep, reduced stress and anxiety, and a decrease in lower back pain, nausea and headaches.
The beautiful thing about prenatal yoga is that it can increase the strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles that are required for childbirth. Prenatal yoga classes are a gentle journey of movement & breath to find blissful space, & to deepen connection between you & your bubba.
It is important to check with your health care provider before starting or continuing any exercise program. Be sure to look for a program taught by an instructor who has training specifically in prenatal yoga.
Our prenatal yoga classes are held here at NNT on Tuesdays and Saturdays with Cindy Elliot who will guide you to connect deeply to your body and your journey & create feelings of comfort for yourself and your baby.
Find out more about Cindy and our yoga classes here!
Chiropractic
As you can imagine growing a little human can create many structural changes in the body. As the uterus expands and the abdomen grows, this can place strain on your lower back and pelvis as well as joints, ligaments and muscles of these areas.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy is a safe and effective way to support your body, with many individuals reporting great benefits.
It involves a range of very gentle techniques modified for pregnancy that are specific to the requirements of the individual. Regular adjustments throughout pregnancy can help support and restore the normal function of your spine, pelvis, muscles and ligaments as well supporting your body for birth.
Each persons pregnancy is unique and having a supportive, expert team of carers throughout your pregnancy is essential. Natural therapy approaches provide a safe and effective way to assist you throughout your pregnancy.