Alternative treatments before and during pregnancy
Alternative treatments offer hopeful mums-to-be all natural ways to improve their chances of conceiving and can also soothe ailments and offer benefits during pregnancy.
Surprisingly, despite all the advances in today’s science and medicinal fields, some women are finding the most helpful solutions can be found in nature or given in non-invasive manners. Regardless of whether you are trying to conceive, or are already pregnant, alternative treatments offer solutions in many forms.
Acupuncture
What is it?
Acupuncture is one technique that is believed to help combat infertility. This ancient Chinese way of healing pain is believed to stimulate the body’s energy and help the natural healing process begin. Fine needles are inserted into different points of the body by a trained acupuncturist. These needles give off signals to the central nervous system to begin the healing process. It can also regulate blood flow and fight against pain by triggering signals to release endorphins.
How can it aid conception?
For aspiring mums-to-be who are fighting against irregular ovulation, acupuncture is a potential solution. This process is said to minimise stress hormones that interfere with ovulation, raise the odds of egg implantation by increasing the blood flow to the uterus and help the egg to be released by stabilising the body’s hormone balance. Acupuncture is not just for mums, it can have benefits for aspiring dads-to-be as well. It can correct hormonal imbalances and enhance blood flow to the pelvis, which can result in an increased sperm count.
How can it help during pregnancy?
Many mums-to-be find acupuncture also has benefits when performed during pregnancy. It can help treat morning sickness, headaches, allergies, indigestion, backache and emotional strife such as depression.
Are there any risks?
When looking into acupuncture as a means of treatment it is important to find a specialist familiar with working on pregnant patients. One risk of acupuncture is that certain points can potentially trigger uterine contractions, making it extremely important that the acupuncturist is aware of your condition.
Is it available on the NHS?
Although a large portion of acupuncture treatments are done through private means, it is available in very limited numbers through the NHS each year. NHS acupuncture might be available at hospitals, GP surgeries, or specialist clinics. You should ask your GP to find out more information on the availability of NHS acupuncture in your area.
Homeopathy
What is it?
Homeopathy is an all-natural remedy that seeks to treat each patient’s symptoms as opposed to a particular illness or problem. As a part of homeopathic treatment herbs, minerals or even metal sources are used to fight against infertility.
How can it aid conception?
A popular herb used by aspiring mums is red clover flowers. This herb can be used to heal scarring of the fallopian tubes, regulate menstrual cycles, fix abnormal cells in the reproductive tract and help with “unexplained” infertility. Liferoot is also a popular herb used to regulate hormone production, suppress menstrual pain and improve fertility. Chasteberry has recently become a more popular herb. It can stimulate and help regulate the secretion of hormones, which regulate menstrual cycles and boost your odds of conceiving.
How can it help during pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant and are used to having at least one cup of coffee a day, pure fruit or mint teas can be used as a good alternative supplement to caffeine. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a cure to morning sickness, placing a slice of ginger in boiling water might just do the trick.
Is it available on the NHS?
Whether you are trying to conceive or are already pregnant it is extremely important to talk to your doctor or midwife before starting any all-natural treatment or remedy. Since it is hard to prove the effectiveness of homeopathy, many medical doctors and scientists do not accept it or actively use it as a means of treatment. However, there are five NHS homeopathic hospitals in the UK and some GP surgeries offer access to homeopathic treatment.
Reflexology
What is it?
Reflexology is based on the fundamental notion of certain reflex points on the feet being directly linked to different organs of the body. Therefore when certain points on the foot are stimulated it in turn stimulates certain points on the body.
How can it aid conception?
Reflexology can be used to increase fertility by improving blood circulation, helping to balance hormonal levels and regulating menstrual cycles. This technique has been found to be especially useful for women with endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome. This treatment may also be helpful for dads-to-be as it acts as a stress inhibitor, relaxes the whole body and increases the endorphin secretion.
How can it help during pregnancy?
Pregnant mums can also be treated with reflexology to minimise high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, backaches and other pains. Some therapists believe that if reflexology is used as a common therapy during a women’s pregnancy it can then be used during labour. However, this requires that a relationship is formed between yourself, your partner and your therapist to ensure that your partner knows exactly how to massage the trigger points on your feet during labour.
Are there any risks?
It is important to speak with a specialist before beginning reflexology treatment. One thing to avoid is pressure near the ankles, which corresponds to the uterus and ovaries and may cause premature labour. During the first trimester some reflexologists do not recommend this form of treatment for women who have previously had miscarriages.
Is it available on the NHS?
Reflexology treatment is offered as a complementary and alternative therapist through the NHS. Ask your GP for the location of a nearby practitioner or go online to the NHS directory to search for ones in your area.
Hypnotherapy
What is it?
Hypnotherapy can be a useful alternative treatment to reduce pain during labour. For this technique to be effective during labour, the mum-to-be must believe they can control their contractions and in turn will be less bothered by them. In order to accomplish hypnosis during pregnancy much practice and preparation will need to be done in advance. If you wish to perform hypnosis during pregnancy it is strongly suggested to hire a hypnotherapist to be present during the pregnancy or to have the hypnotherapist train your partner to hypnotise you. Self-hypnosis is another option, however due to all the distractions and demands of labour it may be harder to achieve. Shown benefits of hypnosis are that it can help minimise pain during labour, reduce the time of labour and can be a helpful tool in enhancing your emotional state both during and post pregnancy.
Is it covered by the NHS?
It is most likely that hypnotherapy will not be covered by the NHS. If you wish to seek this form of treatment it is best to find a private practitioner, who is a recognised member of a professional hypnotist organisation such as the National Council for Hypnotherapy. You should also consult your GP for advice.
Massage
What is it?
Massage can be a useful technique in soothing pregnancy pains. This technique stimulates the release of endorphins, which can give mums a better sense of well-being and comfort. It also has positive effects on circulatory, digestive and excretory systems, which are all under greater pressure during pregnancy.
What are the benefits?
During labour a massage can be a relaxing way to eradicate pain. The hand to body contact can soothe back pain and offer emotional comfort. The massaging of your back, shoulders, neck, face, forehead and temples can reduce tension and anxiety during labour.
Is it available on the NHS?
It is rare to find access to massages within NHS mental health services. However they are available in a few day hospitals, inpatient wards and residential crisis projects. Otherwise a private practitioner can be hired, depending on the length of massage, usually costing anywhere from £15 to £50.
Are there any risks?
It is important to talk to a health specialist before regularly starting massages with either a professional or your spouse. Though massages are generally risk free, certain areas such as the abdomen and lower back should be avoided during the first trimester.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 20/11/2008