Pregnancy and the transition into motherhood is a joyous journey that requires special attention to ensure the well-being of both the expectant mother and her growing baby. According to a 2020 survey of 400 women, 86% reported feeling overwhelmed by the amount of pregnancy information available and how to make the right choices for their baby.
For women who prefer a holistic approach, things get even more confusing, and it is essential to strike a balance between alternative treatments and meeting the requirements to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy.
This article will explore the necessities to ensure that mom and baby are healthy throughout the pregnancy. We will discuss alternative treatments that align with a more holistic approach, all while aligning the two for the best outcome.
Necessities During Pregnancy
Some practices are essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy, regardless of whether a mother chooses a holistic approach. These include:
Proper Nutrition and a Balanced Diet
Proper nutrition is essential to the health of any person, but it is imperative throughout pregnancy. A balanced and nourishing diet is crucial for the health of mom and baby. Prioritize organic, whole foods rich in essential nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Some changes are required as you grow your baby. According to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, if you are pregnant with one baby, you need an additional 340 calories per day after the start of your second trimester. In addition, expectant mothers require additional amounts of calcium, iron, iodine, choline, folic acid, and various vitamins, so a prenatal vitamin is essential to ensure you obtain proper amounts.
Regular Exercise and Physical Activity
Unless put on bed rest due to medical issues, it is strongly recommended that women continue participating in regular exercise and physical activity throughout their pregnancy. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week, or around 30 minutes per day, five days per week.
Excellent options include walking, stationary bikes, and other low-impact exercises. Exercise during pregnancy improves circulation, reduces the risk of pregnancy issues like blot clots, and often reduces discomfort.
Adequate Rest and Stress Management
Pregnancy is physically and emotionally demanding for the expectant mother. Make sure you prioritize rest and incorporate stress management techniques into your routine.
Excellent tools to manage stress include meditation, deep breathing exercises, prenatal yoga, aromatherapy, and prenatal massage. These tools promote relaxation and improve the well-being of the mother and baby.
Prenatal Care and Ultrasound
Whether you take a traditional or holistic approach, it is essential to seek the care of a medical professional to guide you throughout your pregnancy. Clinicians and midwives recommend being seen before 12 weeks of pregnancy and having frequent visits throughout the remainder of your pregnancy.
In addition, two ultrasound appointments are essential to ensure the baby is developing correctly and check for any issues before the baby is born so the mother and care provider are prepared. The first scan, around 6.5-11 weeks, establishes whether or not the pregnancy is viable and how many babies are growing, and the second checks for anatomical abnormalities and ensures the baby’s health.
Alternative Treatments During Pregnancy
Caring for your baby doesn’t have to include only traditional methods. There are alternative treatments that aid women in a healthy pregnancy and birth. These include:
Herbal Remedies for Common Discomforts
Before introducing any herbal remedies, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider, as some are unsafe such as Saw Palmetto, Goldenseal, Dong Quai, Ephedra, Yohimbe, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, and Roman Chamomile.
Here are some great options to include:
- Red Raspberry Leaf helps tone the uterus, decrease nausea, and ease labor pains.
- Peppermint Leaf helps relieve nausea and vomiting.
- Ginger root helps reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Slippery Elm Bark alleviates nausea, heartburn, and vaginal irritations.
- Oats and oat straws relieve anxiety, restlessness, and irritated skin.
Acupuncture and Acupressure for Prenatal Care
Acupuncture and acupressure have been used for centuries to help women with various pregnancy ailments. A certified practitioner must perform acupuncture to ensure safety, but when executed correctly, it helps with discomforts such as morning sickness and back pain and promotes energy flow. Acupressure can be performed at home with proper instruction and provides relief from nausea and other ailments.
Chiropractic Care for Pelvic Alignment
Misalignment is common during pregnancy, and chiropractic care relieves many pregnant women. Ensure you seek a chiropractor experienced in prenatal care that can perform gentle adjustments to maintain pelvic alignments to help alleviate back pain and optimize your baby’s position.
Emotional and Mental Well-Being
Emotional and mental well-being is essential to a healthy pregnancy. There are several ways that women can ensure they take care of their mental health. They include the following:
- Holistic counseling provides guidance and support through talk therapy, mindfulness techniques, and hypnotherapy.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques include meditation, relaxation exercises, and positive mindset shifts.
- Aromatherapy and bach flower remedies such as lavender, chamomile, and neroli calm and relax a stressed mother through the use of essential oils.
Integrate prenatal necessities and alternative treatments to enjoy the best pregnancy possible for you and your baby!
Integrating traditional and holistic medicine into your care plan is essential to ensure the best outcomes for you and your baby. Key elements of both that will allow the best results include:
- Proper nutrition and diet
- Physical activity
- Adequate rest and stress management techniques
- Proper prenatal care, such as regular check-ups and ultrasound appointments
- Herbal remedies to help with symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, and anxiety
- Acupuncture, acupressure, and chiropractic care to aid in pregnancy discomfort
