Finding out that you are pregnant can be very exciting. This joy also comes with a renewed responsibility for your health. During your prenatal visits at our clinic, we will assess your health, determine what nutritional strategies are ideal for you, and develop a practical plan for social support and physical care.
Stress and Hormones During Your Pregnancy
As any doctor might advise, pregnant women should do their best to keep their stress levels to a minimum. Stress is a word used to describe imbalance in the way a person reacts to an external situation or physical state of being. During pregnancy, hormonal changes alter mood, sleep, and energy levels. This could result in a difficulty in managing stress. A naturopathic doctor can help you to examine your lifestyle and stress levels to see whether or not there can be adjustments which decrease your stress and balance your mood.
Healthy Eating and Nutritional Supplements
Your metabolic functions optimally perform when you have adequate nutrition. Even a mild deficiency can cause your body stress. A naturopathic doctor can help you to maintain blood sugar levels and protein balances. This can result in managing morning sickness, but also prevent gestational diabetes. We will also help you to maintain proper iron levels as this is crucial during pregnancy. Even if you have an OB/Gyn, we can review your blood work to see whether there can be improvements to your supplementation.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe way to manage digestive complaints, nausea, and headaches, all of which are common during pregnancy. Acupuncture can be given during the third trimester and encourages the fetus to travel towards the birth canal; thereby preventing a breech position. Herbs may also be given during the acupuncture treatment.
Herbal Medicine
It is very important that you do not self prescribe any herbs during your pregnancy. This is because some herbs that are otherwise safe are not safe to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding. A naturopathic doctor can help you to select herbs that are safe for pregnancy.
Exercise
Many pregnant women will feel fatigued, especially in their later trimesters. Vigorous exercise may not always be ideal. Your naturopathic doctor might recommend stretching, swimming, low impact cardio, and yoga.
Environmental Counseling
Toxins are everywhere; however, when you are pregnant it is important you try to avoid them as best as possible. In addition to helping you prepare your body for birth, a naturopathic doctor might also help you to understand how to prepare your home environment and eliminate, or reduce, as much chemical and toxins as possible.
Preparing Your Body for Pregnancy
If you are thinking about trying to get pregnant, you may want to consider cleaning your body of toxins and debris that have accumulated over the years. Water, air, household cleaners, and foods all contain toxins that are not healthy. To prepare you for an optimal pregnancy, consider a pre-pregnancy detox.
Whether you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, feel free to contact a clinic for an appointment with a naturopathic doctor.
