TCM during pregnancy and breastfeeding: what's safe
Pregnancy changes what's safe. Some gentle TCM can be used with care, and some points, techniques and herbs are avoided. Here's how Jelly approaches it, so you can decide with your doctor.
What women commonly come for
- Morning sickness and nausea
- Back, hip and pelvic aches
- Poor sleep and tiredness
- A baby in breech position later in pregnancy, only with your doctor's agreement
Small studies suggest acupressure or acupuncture at a wrist point may ease nausea for some women. For breech babies, a review found moxibustion probably reduces the chance of the baby still being breech at birth, though not the caesarean rate. Your doctor should agree before any of this.
What Jelly avoids in pregnancy
- Points traditionally avoided in pregnancy, such as those on the lower abdomen and lower back, and certain hand, ankle and shoulder points, before 37 weeks
- Strong cupping or gua sha on the lower back and abdomen
- Herbs that aren't considered safe in pregnancy
- Treatment in the first trimester unless there's a clear reason and your doctor agrees
Breastfeeding
Acupuncture, gentle gua sha and moxibustion can usually continue while breastfeeding. Herbs are different: some pass into breast milk, so Jelly checks each formula and will suggest avoiding herbs if she isn't sure.
After a caesarean, treatment near the wound waits until your doctor confirms it has healed.
Call your doctor or hospital first if you have
- Any bleeding, fluid leaking, or cramping pain
- Fewer baby movements than usual
- Severe vomiting where you can't keep fluids down
- A bad headache, blurred vision or sudden swelling of the face or hands
- After birth: fever, heavy bleeding, a red or painful wound, or low mood that won't lift
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