How can Acupuncture and TCM support you through the First Trimester of Pregnancy?
Traditional Chinese Medicine has long been used to support birthing people from fertility and conception through pregnancy and into the postpartum. Each trimester of pregnancy brings different challenges to the pregnant body, and TCM has a framework for understanding and addressing these changing needs through every hurdle of pregnancy.
According to TCM, the First Trimester of pregnancy is governed by the Earth Element and the Spleen and Stomach organs. Common complaints during the First Trimester often revolve around Earth Element imbalances, as the body works hard to accommodate growing a new organ (the placenta) as well as produce additional resources to nourish a new life within!
The Spleen and Stomach are responsible for producing qi and blood through the digestive process, and we need a lot of both during pregnancy! The body’s blood volume nearly doubles during pregnancy and if the Spleen and Stomach aren’t harmonized this can lead to anemia, and digestive complications throughout pregnancy.
The Earth Element also corresponds to our center, both physically located in the center of our body and metaphorically as the core element around which all the other elements orient themselves. The Spleen has a special function in pregnancy to help lift and hold the fetus in the uterus. If the Spleen is weak there may be spotting and bleeding during first trimester as the body attempts to contain the pregnancy. When preparing to conceive it is imperative to focus on the health of the Spleen and Earth Element because this must be strong in order to sustain a pregnancy.
“A strong Earth Element allows you to be balanced and grounded in your life and well-nourished in your pregnant body.”
During the early weeks and months of pregnancy, accommodating this new life can throw our center off of balance as we literally and figuratively make space for a fetus to grow and develop. Common symptoms that arise in the First Trimester include: digestive disruption, nausea, morning (or all day!) sickness, vomiting, extreme fatigue, changing appetite and food aversions as well as bowel changes and constipation. All of these symptoms relate to imbalances in the Spleen and Stomach and the Earth Element.
How can TCM support a healthy Earth Element during pregnancy?
Acupuncture has so much to offer during the first months of pregnancy. The precise placement of needles on different meridians can help the body come into a parasympathetic dominant mode or “rest and digest”. When the body is relaxed it can put energy towards our digestion and allow us to process food better, allowing for our bodies to be nourished.
In addition to lowering stress, improved digestion means more support for blood and amniotic fluid production, better bowel motility, and improved sleep all of which are essential in pregnancy. Acupuncture helps to regulate the body’s nervous system generally but also specifically helps to support placental growth and placement, and reduce morning sickness symptoms including hyperemesis gravidarum.
Stimulating points on the Stomach, Spleen and Pericardium channel (we’ll talk more about this meridian later!) can reduce these signs of rebellion and help restore the proper movement of the digestion downward in the body.
Acupuncture points on the Stomach meridian can help to nourish the blood and regulate the qi of the stomach. When the qi is rebellious we have symptoms like burping, reflux, nausea, and even headaches. Acupuncture points on the Spleen channel help to regulate fluids, calm and relax the mind, and help prevent or stop spotting or bleeding during pregnancy. Acupressure or gentle gua sha are also wonderful tools to use on the Stomach channel of the legs during pregnancy to subtly activate the points on those channels and alleviate tension in the legs. **Always seek guidance from a licensed TCM practitioner on which points to stimulate and which to avoid as there are points that should be strictly avoided during pregnancy!
In cases of previous miscarriage, acupuncture during the First Trimester can also help to secure the pregnancy and promote healthy fetal development. Other common concerns during this time include headaches, physical discomfort, and mood changes which can all be supported through gentle acupuncture sessions. During this First Trimester acupuncture is recommended weekly or every other week as needed to address symptoms. Are you experiencing First Trimester symptoms and needing some support? Don’t hesitate to reach out for more info!