In practice, I am often asked if I treat pregnant women and if naturopathic care is beneficial in pregnancy. The short answer to the above questions is “yes”. The long answer about how naturopathic medicine can benefit your health during pregnancy follows below.
Naturopathic care for women planning pregnancies begins as a part of pre-conception care. Seeking naturopathic care 3 or more months prior to planning a pregnancy is optimal. Doing a detox prior to conceiving is beneficial in removing toxins that may otherwise be passed onto a developing fetus. These chemicals can come from food, water, medications, the air we breathe, and some are made within our bodies. Diet and appropriate pre-conception nutrients are also addressed. Often, by the time women get a positive pregnancy test, much critical fetal development has already occurred and ensuring optimal nutrient status prior to conception is essential.
Naturopathic care can also help couples conceive. Nutritional support for male partners can improve the quality and quantity of semen. Acupuncture can help to regulate women’s menstrual cycles and can be an integral part of the IVF and IUI cycles.
Once a woman is pregnant, naturopathic care is used throughout the entire pregnancy. A Naturopathic Doctor (ND) can help you feel great throughout your pregnancy, addressing common pregnancy-related complaints such as fatigue, nausea, muscle cramps and more. Naturopathic doctors can make recommendations on specific foods you should eat and help prevent the onset of gestational diabetes. Your ND can find safe and effective natural methods to address your health concerns including sinusitis, colds, allergies and more. There are many naturopathic interventions in utero which can help maximize your baby’s health.
Acupuncture, moxa and homeopathic remedies can help turn a breech baby. Results are better the earlier that treatment is initiated! ND’s can also help prepare your body for labour and delivery. Nutrients and herbs at the latter stages of pregnancy help ripen your cervix and help your body ease into the birth process. Your ND can supplement the information provided to you by your midwife or obstetrician. Pre-labour acupuncture starting at 36 weeks gestation has been shown to reduce labour time and complications. Specific herbs and homeopathic remedies can be used at appropriate times to address a wide variety of issues…. but please talk to an ND before you use any type of natural remedy. Your ND can also help you plan for your own post-partum health care, establishing breastfeeding, and infant health care.
A naturopathic doctor can develop an individualized treatment plan that is safe, personalize for you, and takes your personal health history into consideration.
Alene Falomo ND
