This can be a very surprising and confusing time for a woman. A lot of women come to acupuncture seeking help in getting pregnant, but what happens next? When the pregnancy test comes back positive? There is no shortage of information on this subject, but I have had a difficult time finding a nice consolidated checklist that I can refer women to when they suddenly find that miracle of miracles, the embryo has implanted!
1. SUPPLEMENTS: Get yourself a good Prenantal vitamin with at least 400mg of FOLATE and at least 200mg of DHA daily. Some women get their DHA requirements from their fish oil.
2. I also recommend FLORADIX: this iron and B-vitamin supplement will help build the huge amount of blood your body now requires and is a miracle worker for foggy-mama-brain and hormonal depression.
3. STOP: Any sort of high impact exercise. This is the conservative point of view, but important if you’ve had miscarriages or ART procedures and invested a lot of money. Best to be cautious at least during the first trimester.
4. CAFFEINE: A cup a day is the max that is recommended. In Chinese Medicine we recommend staying away from coffee all together because it puts the nervous system into a state of stress, and sends stress hormones to the baby.
5. GET ACUPUNCTURE: Weekly. There is almost never a better time to receive regular treatments especially since most women prefer to abstain from medications at this time. Acupuncture can treat morning sickness, back pain, high blood pressure, breast tenderness, hormonal surges, and weekly visits will spare your little peanut any in-utero stress and emotions that you’re experiencing.
6. BE MODERATE: Do yoga, take walks, take naps, come home early from the office. Honor this sacred time.
7. EAT FREQUENT MEALS: 5-6 per day. And make sure they have protein. Snack on cheese, apples with nut butter, protein smoothies. A consistent blood-sugar level will prevent fatigue and morning sickness that first trimester.
8. TALK TO YOUR BABY. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY: This can be a very introverted time for a woman and the first trimester, especially when you aren’t sharing the news with others yet, can feel a bit lonely. But you’re not alone. And you’ll probably never have this much time to yourself again, for a very long time! So talk to your baby, ask your body what it wants, and listen for the answers. Allow yourself space to rest, get comfortable with the idea of what is happening, and take care of your needs.
9. SCHEDULE AN OB/MIDWIFE VISIT: Your first check-up is at the 8-9 week mark. Some docs will be see you before 8 weeks, but most encourage you to rest and wait before confirming the pregnancy with an ultrasound.
10. Check out PREGNANT CHICKEN: They have this spectacular and humorous week-by-week guide that accurately describes what is happening to you and junior.
There is so much more out there about not coloring your hair, staying away from those pedicure tubs, flying in airplanes and genetic testing, but I’ve found once you practice the above few things, you’ll feel safe and empowered to make these other decisions. If you have any details that I’ve left out, please share.
