Integrative Medicine for Pregnancy

Integrative medicine is a multidisciplinary approach to medicine that combines mainstream medical treatments with complementary and alternative medicine therapies, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, homeopathy, massage, aromatherapy, and yoga. Integrative medicine uses these therapies to help alleviate stress, reduce pain and anxiety, manage symptoms, and promote health in patients. The goal is to use less invasive treatments whenever possible and focus on prevention of disease and self-care.

Pregnancy can bring great joy and happiness but also plenty of unpleasant side effects, such as aches and pains, nausea and vomiting, emotional ups and downs, hemorrhoids, stress and anxiety, heartburn, and swollen ankles. Traditional medicine doesn't offer many effective treatments that are non-invasive. With integrative medicine, the use of alternative therapies to treat pregnancy symptoms is common and helpful. A pregnant woman who is in the care of an integrative medicine provider may be referred to a massage therapist or chiropractor to help ease her back pain. She may take a homeopathic remedy or an herbal tea to help reduce morning sickness.

Integrative Medicine Therapies Used During Pregnancy

A variety of complementary and alternative treatments are effective for pregnancy-related complaints. Always inform your primary doctor about any additional therapies you are using during your pregnancy.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese medicine dating back thousands of years. It involves placing hair-thin needles in strategic points along the body and/or head to clear energy blockages. Acupuncture is most beneficial in late pregnancy, where it can alleviate lower back and pelvic pain, heartburn, hemorrhoids, edema, and fatigue. Acupuncture can be useful in the first trimester to treat fatigue, nausea, migraines, and bloating. Since some acupuncture points cause uterine contractions when stimulated, consult a Licensed Acupuncturist before using this therapy and always inform the practitioner that you are pregnant.

Chiropractic
It is estimated that over 70% of pregnant women experience back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractic treatment can be effective in relieving back pain, along with other pregnancy aches and pains such as headaches, hip pain, pubic bone pain, and rib misplacement. During a chiropractic adjustment, the chiropractor will find any misalignment in the spine, hips, and pelvis and use gentle pressure to correct the imbalance. Chiropractic adjustments are considered safe for both the pregnant woman and the baby.

Pregnancy Massage
Receiving a massage while pregnant can be a very relaxing and healing experience. Pregnancy massage can relieve many pregnancy complaints, such as neck and lower back pain, leg cramps, stress, and anxiety. Massage can also help reduce swelling in the legs, regulate lymphatic flow and blood flow, and relieve anxiety, stress, and insomnia. Pregnancy massage is not recommended for women with high blood pressure or diabetes.

Herbal Medicine
There are many herbs that are safe for use during pregnancy. Herbs can relieve many pregnancy complaints, such as nausea, morning sickness, heartburn, and restlessness. They can be taken in capsule form, as a tincture, or as a tea. Some herbs are not safe for pregnancy so be sure to consult with your doctor and a professional herbalist before using any.

• Echinacea – boosts immune system to fight colds and flu
• German Chamomile – relaxing and calming; for sleeplessness and joint inflammation
• Ginger – relieves nausea and vomiting
• Lemon Balm – relieves nausea and helps digestion
• Nettles – helps with water retention and hemorrhoids
• Peppermint leaf – relieves morning sickness, nausea, and gas
• Red Raspberry Leaf – helps tone the uterus and stimulate contractions; recommended for use after the first trimester

Yoga
Yoga is a safe, mind-body therapy designed to bring the whole person into balance through body poses and breathing exercises. Yoga can help alleviate pregnancy aches and pains and strengthen the body for childbirth. Best of all, yoga is relaxing and calming and helps relieve anxiety and stress. The yoga poses are modified as the pregnancy progresses and the body and center of balance changes. Always inform your yoga teacher that you are pregnant and ask for recommended modifications to the yoga poses.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils of plants as remedies. The healing power lies within the essence of the oil when inhaled. Oils applied directly to the skin can cause rashes, irritation, or burns so it is important to dilute the oil by putting it into a bath or adding it to carrier oil, such as almond or grape seed. You can also put a few drops of oil onto a cotton ball and inhale as necessary. Aromatherapy can be helpful for the following pregnancy complaints:

• Labor pains – lavender, roman chamomile, clary sage
• Nausea or morning sickness – German chamomile, ginger, nutmeg, peppermint, roman chamomile
• Stress – roman chamomile, lavender
• Stretch mark prevention – neroli or sandalwood

Most essential oils are safe for pregnant women; some are not. It is advised to work a professional aromatherapist before using this treatment.

Bach Flower Remedies
Bach flower remedies provide a natural and safe way to ease the emotional ups and downs of pregnancy. The remedies are liquid concentrates made by soaking flowers in spring water.

Some helpful remedies are:

• Olive – when you are constantly tired
• Hornbeam – when resting makes you feel more tired
• Impatiens – when feeling impatient and frustrated
• Crab Apple – when feeling self-conscious and uncomfortable about the changes to your body
• Mimulus – helps with childbirth and labor anxiety
• Red Chestnut – when worrying about your unborn child
• Aspen – when feeling apprehensive about giving birth
• Rescue Remedy – when feeling panicked at the onset of labor

Homeopathy
Homeopathic remedies are diluted medicines made from crushed herbs, minerals, or animal substances. The way to use homeopathy is to choose the remedy that best matches the symptoms. Homeopathic remedies have such small amounts of the active ingredient that they are generally safe to use during pregnancy to treat minor complaints, viruses, or colds. One exception: avoid any remedy with blue cohosh as it can stimulate contractions.

The most common remedies for morning sickness are Sepia and Colchicum. Ipecac can provide relief from severe vomiting. Other remedies for morning sickness and nausea are Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Tabacum, and Veratrum. Constipation during pregnancy can be helped with Bryonia, Nux Vomica, Sepia, and Sulphur. Flu symptoms can be treated with a homeopathic preparation called Oscillococcinum, or Gelsemium and Bryonia remedies.

Always consult your medical practitioner before receiving integrative medicine therapy or treatment. It is also advised to find a qualified therapist or practitioner who is familiar with working with pregnant women.

Additional Resources
Evans J, Aronson R. The Whole Pregnancy Handbook: An Obstetrician's Guide to Integrating Conventional and Alternative Medicine Before, During, and After Pregnancy. New York, NY: Penguin Group; 2005

The American Pregnancy Association is a national health organization committed to promoting reproductive and pregnancy wellness through education, research, advocacy, and community awareness.