Transcript Holistic Approach to Pregnancy Shauna Braun Leah Crask Pregnancy Basics • • • • • • • • • Pre-pregnancy health Diagnosing pregnancy Prenatal care Gynecological and general health Milestones Testing and screenings Risk factors Labor and Deliver Post Partum.

Holistic Approach to
Pregnancy
Shauna Braun
Leah Crask
Pregnancy Basics
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Pre-pregnancy health
Diagnosing pregnancy
Prenatal care
Gynecological and general health
Milestones
Testing and screenings
Risk factors
Labor and Deliver
Post Partum
Pre-pregnancy Health
• Folic Acid
• Recent pregnancy
• Age
• Current medications incompatible with
pregnancy
• Social and financial health
Diagnosis
Prenatal Care
• S/S amenorrhea; morning • Call your practitioner as
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sickness; frequent
urination; tingling, tender,
swollen breast; darkening
areola; blue or pick lines
under skin
breast/abdomen; food
cravings; darkening line
navel to pubis (linea
nigra)
Urine test in office or at
home (OTC)
Blood test
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soon as you suspect your
pregnancy
Choosing a practitioner:
obstetrician, family
practitioner or nurse
midwife?
Types of practice solo
practice, group, combo,
birth centered,
independent CNM
Obstetrician (Ob-gyn)
• Trained to handle every conceivable
aspect of pregnancy
• Can also take care of all non-pregnancy
female health needs (paps, breast exams)
• Best for high risk pregnancy, better still an
obstetrician who specializes in your type
of high risk pregnancy.
The Family Practitioner (FP)
• One stop medical services for the entire
family
• Trained in primary care, obstetrics and
pediatrics after receiving MD
• Ideally familiar with your family dynamics
and interested in all aspects of your health
• If complications- may send you to OB, but
remain involved
Certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
• Emphasis on you as a person, rather than a patient, will take extra
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time to talk about feelings and problems
Oriented toward “natural” childbirth
More likely to treat pregnancy as a human condition rather than a
medical one
CNM is a RN who has completed graduate programs in midwifery
and is certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Trained to care for women with low-risk pregnancies and attend
uncomplicated births
Sometimes may provide routine gynecological care
May work in a hospital, birthing center or do home births
In most states CNMs can prescribe pain medication
Less likely to include medication and routine medical interventions
Studies show for low-risk pregnancies deliveries are as safe as MDs
Select one that is certified and licensed.
Direct-entry midwives
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Trained without first becoming RNs
More likely to do at home births
Some may also delivery at birthing centers
Those evaluated by the North American Registry of
midwives (NARM) are called Certified Professional
Midwives (CPM)
• Other direct entry midwives are not certified
• Licensing for direct entry midwives is offered in some
states, for more info call Midwives Alliance of North
America or check their website www.mana.org
Solo Medical Practice
• MD work alone using another MD to cover
only when unavailable
• See same practitioner at every visit
• Most likely your MD will deliver your baby,
but if unviable than a MD you’ve never
met before will deliver
Partnership or Group Practice
• OBs or FPs
• Can see a different MD each time to get to
know them all
• May not like all equally and will be unable
to choose who will attend birth
• Hearing different points a view can
reassuring or unsettling
Combination Practice
• One or more OBs and one or more CNMs
• Same benefits and drawbacks as a group
• Some visits extra time and attention a
midwife may offer
• Access to CNM and security of MDs extra
training and expertise
Birthing Center
• CNMs provide most of
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the care MDs on call as
needed
Low-risk patients only
May have to change
practices if complications
arise
May be transferred to
hospital for emergency
care
Inde CNM
• Maybe deliver at home,
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hospital or birthing center
Personalized pregnancy
care
Low-tech and natural
delivery
Covered by most health
plans, only some will
cover births outside of
hospital
Should have MD on call
for emergencies
Gynecological and General Health
• Practitioner should be informed of all aspects of
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gynecological history to provide the best care.
Multiple 2nd term abortions increase risk of
premature delivery
Obesity- increased risk of gestational diabetes
and high BP, difficulty dating preg.
Age
– Over 35 > risk of Down’s elevated BP, diabetes,
cardiovascular strain, miscarriage, preeclampsia,
preterm labor, longer labor, interventions needed
Risk Factors
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Maternal Age
Pregnancies too close together
Previous cesarean (c/s)
Obesity
Rh negative & incompatibility
Fibroids
Endometriosis
Incompetent cervix
Herpes & other STDs
Family history of genetic disorders or congenital defects
Couples with history of 3 or more consecutive miscarriages
Positive screening test
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Milestones
• 5-8 weeks fetal heart rate (FHR) can be see via
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intravaginal ultrasound (U/S)
9-13 weeks external genitalia developed enough to
determine sex; FHR heard & seen with Doppler or U/S;
U/S for dating
18-22 weeks fetal movement, showing; level 2 U/S
25 viable if delivered
32 + weeks Braxton hicks contractions, colostrum;
usually head down;
36 weeks changes in fetal movement
37 weeks term, lightening and engagement,
For more info visit
http://www.smanutrition.co.uk/PlanningPregnancy/Pregnancy/dev
elopment.htm
General Testing & Screening
• Every visit urine test for sugar & protein; fetal heart
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beat; fundal height; BP; weight
First month 1-4 wks: pregnancy test; blood type & Rh
status; urinalysis; antibody for diseases i.e. rubella,
STDs; genetics i.e. CF; pap; blood sugar
10-14 wks: 1st trimester screening U/S
15-18 wks: 2nd trimester screening AFP (alpha
fetoprotein)- spina bifida, downs, & other chromosomal
abnormalities
7 mo 28-31 wks: glucose screening test; Hct & Hgb
8 mo 32-35 wks: GBS
> 40 wks: non stress test
Special Testing & Screening
• CVS or chorionic villis sampling- 1st trim. test to detect chromosomal
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abnormalities ie- downs, tay- sachs, sickle cell, CF. Tube takes piece
of chorion/placenta
Amniocentesis needle takes amniotic fluid for genetics testing
NST/ non stress test indicates if the fetus can remain in the uterus
and how it may respond to labor, condition of placenta.
CST/ contraction stress test- same as above but with stimulated
contractions.
Biophysical profile- uses U/S evaluates 4 aspects of life- fetal
breathing, fetal movement, fetal tone, amniotic fluid volume
Umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry
For more info visit
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/Screening_pregnancy.html
Birthing Options
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Family-centered care, not yet offered everywhere, but trending to.
LDRP or LDR- labor, delivery, recovery and ideally post partum rooms.
Birthing chairs- gravity can speed delivery
Lebyer Births- with out violence: soft music, soft lights, and warm bath. No
longer routine unending and slapping baby’s bottom, umbilical cord cut
delayed, direct to mother’s arms.
• Water birth- concept of delivery under water to simulate the uterus
environment. Baby is pulled out of the water and placed in the mother’s
arms immediately after birth. Breathing doesn’t begin until infant is
exposed to air, little risk of drowning. Only for low risk pregnancies. For
more info and how to find a water birth http://www.waterbirth.org/spa/
• Home birth
• Labor room, Delivery room, recovery room and nursery
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For more info visit http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/topic13265 or http://blueprint.bluecrossmn.com/topic/topic13265
Labor and Deliver
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Birthing options
Mucous plug, bloody show
Rupture of membranes
Back Labor
IVs
Fetal monitoring
Labor Positions
Pain Management
Types of Delivery: vaginal,
cesarean, VBAC, forceps,
vacuum
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Stage 1 Labor
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Phase 1 Latent phase:
effacement & dilation to 3
Phase 2 Active phase:
dilation of cervix to 7
Phase 3: Transition: dilation
to 10 INTENSE
– Stage 2 Delivery
• Stage 3 Delivery of placenta
For more info visit http://ehc.healthgate.com/GetContent.asp?siteid=1853D48C-AD5D-4ACB-A0C49DCEEA0E6A98&docid=/hic/pregnancy/preg/labor
Pain Management During Labor
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Physical Therapy: massage, heat, pressure, counter-pressure, reflexology
Flower Essences
Counter Pressure on back
Hydrotherapy
Biofeedback
Acupuncture, Acupressure
Hypnosis
TENS Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
IV & IM Narcotics: Morphine, Fentanyl, Demerol,
Tranquilizers: Phenergan, Vistiril
Oral Narcotics for early labor
Epidural, Spinal and other regional blocks
General Anesthesia
Distraction: watching TV, music, meditation, breathing exercises, etc…
Visit http://www.reddinganesthesia.com/labor.htm for more information.
Early Labor Positions
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STANDING Helps work with gravity;
contractions less painful; helps backache;
may speed labor; aligns the baby with
the pelvic angle; could become tiring, but
less tiring if you lean forward supported
by partner.
WALKING Same advantages as standing,
plus may encourage descent of the
presenting part
SITTING Works with gravity; may be able
to rest; sitting cross-legged may open
pelvic outlet; fetal monitoring possible;
can slow labor after a long period.
HANDS AND KNEES Helps relieve back
pain; may rotate posterior baby; tiring
for long periods
KNEES, CHEST SUPPORTED Same as
hands and knees, but less strain on arms.
SEMI-SITTING Same as sitting; increases
back pain.
LYING ON SIDE Lowers blood pressure;
excellent resting position; contractions
may be longer
LYING ON BACK Least effective for
progress of labor; may become
hypotensive and the baby may become
distressed; may increase backache; fetal
monitoring can be done.
www.mjbovo.com
Second Stage Positions
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FORTY-FIVE DEGREE
ANGLE. Widens pelvic outlet; uses gravity to
some extent; better for backache than lying
down; (Legs pulled up may work well with
epidural; back and shoulders elevated)
LYING ON SIDE Lowers blood pressure; eases
backache; easier to relax between pushes.
HANDS AND KNEES Excellent for rotating
posterior baby; reduces backache.
SQUATING Uses gravity to help the baby
descend and rotate; partner can support your
back and arms; widens pelvic outlet.
LITHOTOMY Lying back with legs in stirrups;
good for forceps or vacuum, extensive
episiotomy, delivery of breech.
SEMI-LITHOTOMY Same as lithotomy, with
head and shoulders elevated
For more info visit
http://www.transitiontoparenthood.com/ttp
/parented/pain/positions.htm
http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/weekbyweek/laborandbirth/jeannie/11.html
http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/weekbyweek/laborandbirth/jeannie/15.html
Alternative Health Care for
Pregnancy
Alternative Pregnancy Health Care
• Herbs
• Acupuncture
– Moxabustion
• Massage
• Reflexology
• Aromatherapy
• Flower Essences
• Chiropractic Care
• Yoga
• Hydrotherapy
Western Herbs and Pregnancy
•There are many herbs known to
be beneficial during pregnancy and
post-delivery.
•Herbs are an excellent source of
vitamins and minerals.
•Herbs can be made into teas or
incorporated into foods.
Herbs and Pregnancy
• There are some herbs which are not safe to use
when pregnant. These herbs can stimulate the
uterus.
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Aloe Vera
Angelica
Autumn Crocus
Barberry
Black Cohosh
Celery Seed
Cinnamon
Devil's Claw
Goldseal
Hyssop
Juniper
Male Fern
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Mandrake
Parsley Seed
Pennyroyal
Pokeweed
Rosemary
Rue
Sage
Southernwood
Tansy
Thuja
Wormwood
Yarrow
Herbs and Pregnancy
• There are many herbs which are helpful during
pregnancy and have been used by women for
generations.
• Raspberry
• Nettle leaves
• Oats
• Dandelion root
• Alfalfa
• Yellow dock
Herbs for Morning Sickness
• Some herbs can work well for morning
sickness but should be taken under the
guidance of an herbalist
– Chamomile
– Ginger
– Peppermint
– Black Horehound
Herbs for Labor
Golden Seal
Can be taken during labor to assist the
uterus but should never be taken
during pregnancy.
Acupuncture
Regular treatments throughout
pregnancy can:
• Enhance the mother’s health
• Prevent complications
• Influence the development of the baby
• Help relieve morning sickness
Acupuncture for the 1st Trimester
During the 1st trimester acupuncture can
help to relieve:
• Fatigue
• Migraines and headaches
• Bleeding
Acupuncture for the 2nd Trimester
During the 2nd trimester acupuncture can
help to relieve:
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Heartburn
Hemorrhoids
Stress
Edema
Elevated blood pressure
Excessive weight gain
Acupuncture for the 3rd Trimester
During the 3rd trimester acupuncture can
help to relieve:
• Sciatica
• Backaches
• Public and joint pain
• By 32-34 weeks acupuncturist will begin to
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encourage a head-down position
Last 4-6 weeks treatments will be focused to
normalize and optimize labor
Moxabustion
If a baby is in the breech position many
acupuncturists will use moxabustion to turn the
baby. This technique has been used for centuries
in China.
• Moxabustion is a long stick of moxa or the herb mugwort
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that is lit and produces a gentle, smoldering heat.
Moxa is held by an acupuncture point on the little toe.
This is most effective when used at 32-36 weeks of
pregnancy
Should only be used with healthy pregnancies
Can also be used in the treatment of nausea
Prenatal Massage
There are some specific positions for prenatal
massage to keep the mother comfortable
and to limit pressure.
• Lying on side
• Lying on stomach with specially designed pillows
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cutout at the stomach so the mother can lay flat
and be relaxed
Propped up while lying on back- after 22 weeks
lying flat on your back can cause pressure on
deep blood vessels, reducing circulation to mother
and baby.
Benefits of Prenatal Massage
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Emotional support and nurturing touch
Relaxation and decreased insomnia
Stress relief on weight-bearing joints
Neck and back pain relief
Assistance in maintaining proper posture
Preparing muscles used during childbirth
Reduced swelling (edema)
Lessened sciatic pain
Fewer calf cramps
Lessened headache and sinus congestion
Aiding circulation, keeping blood pressure in check
Relieve depression and anxiety
Help stabilize hormone levels
Increase flexibility (helpful in the last trimester)
Help to relieve cramps, constipation, nausea and indigestion
Helps to prevent stretch marks
Prenatal Massage Precautions
• Massage is generally not recommended in the first
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trimester
Avoid during morning sickness (an increase in circulation
can intensify morning sickness)
Avoid if the mother has excessive swelling in the arms or
legs, fever or vaginal bleeding
Avoid deep work on the abdomen
Avoid deep pressure applied to the area between the
ankle bone and heel and the webbing between the
thumb and index finger (these areas are related to the
uterus and vagina and pressure can promote/induce
labor
Reflexology and Pregnancy
Reflexology is based on the idea that
points on the hands and feet correspond
with specific organs and systems in the
body. Therefore pressure is applied to
certain points and the related area of the
body is stimulated and cleared of
congestion. Reflexology also promotes
deep relaxation thereby encouraging the
body’s natural healing process.
Benefits of Reflexology during
Pregnancy
Reflexology can help to relieve the following
complaints during pregnancy:
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Morning Sickness
Nausea and headaches
Pain and discomfort
Loss of bladder control
Backaches
Stress and Anxiety
Sleeplessness and Fatigue
Digestive Problems
• Constipation and diarrhea
• Swollen or puffy ankles and
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legs
Cramps
Gestational Diabetes
Heartburn
Help to turn posterior babies
Help to turn breech babies
Induce labor
Reflexology During Pregnancy
Precautions
• Go to a Reflexologist who is experienced with
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treating pregnancy
Generally recommended that if the mother has
not received reflexology treatments before
pregnancy she should wait until week 18 to
begin treatments
Some medical conditions (such as septicemia)
could reduce the effect of treatment
Any unusual results of treatment should be
referred to a medical doctor (i.e. vaginal
bleeding)
Aromatherapy During Pregnancy
Aromatherapy can help with many
emotional discomforts during
pregnancy as well as some of the
physical discomforts.
Benefits of Aromatherapy
• Aid in relaxation
• Assist in dealing with stress
• Help ease aches and pains as the pregnancy
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progresses
Help alleviate tiredness
Help reduce stretch marks by keeping the skin
well nourished
Help the mother feel good about herself
Provide some relief from varicose veins
Help the mother stay in touch with her body
Aromatherapy During Pregnancy
The way essential oils work is by entering the
blood stream through the skin. They are mixed
with carrier oils in order to not avoid irritating
the skin.
When a women is pregnant less essential oils
should be used, making the carrier oil less
concentrated (advised to use only 5 drops per 1
once of carrier oil).
Essential oils can also be used by inhaling the
scent such as through a diffuser or on a tissue.
Tips for Using Aromatherapy
During Pregnancy
• Massaging abdomen, breasts and thighs with
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essential oils can reduce stretch marks (use a
carrier oil such as avocado oil which is very
nourishing for the skin)
Add 3-4 drops of an essential oil to a warm bath
for relaxation (avoid hot baths during
pregnancy)
Put 5 drops of essential oils on a tissue and
inhale
Use in a couple drops in a spritzer with water
Aromatherapy Oils for Use During
Pregnancy
The following oils are generally considered safe for
pregnancy (though there are many conflicting points of
view and some say to avoid all essential oils or
stimulating essential oils in the 1st trimester):
• Orange
• Benzoin
• Tea Tree
• Bergamot
• Lavender (avoid in 1st trimester
• Lemon
or if history of miscarriage)
• Neroli
• Patchouli
• Sandalwood
• Vetiver
• Spearmint
• Rose
• Grapefruit
• Tangerine
• Ylang Ylang
• Jasmine
• Mandarin
• Chamomile
Aromatherapy Precautions During
Pregnancy
The following essential oils should be avoided
during pregnancy:
• Lavender, rose, chamomile and geranium should be avoided in the
1st trimester or if there is a history of miscarriage otherwise they are
generally considered safe to use
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Basil
Cedarwood
Clary Sage
Cypress
Fennel
Jasmine
Juniper berry
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Marjoram
Myrrh
Peppermint
Rosemary
Thyme
Pennyroyal
Oregano
Flower Essences and Pregnancy
Flower essences are herbal remedies which contain the
energetic healing pattern of flowers infused in water and
preserved with alcohol.
Flower essences interact with the human energy field to
harmonize the emotions, clear and calm the mind and bring
about a sense of peace and well-being.
(Flower Essences for Pregnancy and Childbirth by Peggy Rada, September 1999)
Usage of Flower Essences During
Pregnancy
Flower Essences:
• Can be used throughout pregnancy and
labor
• Have no side effects
• Can be used by everyone
• Can be used alongside other treatments or
therapies
Taking Flower Essences During
Pregnancy
There are several ways to take flower
essences:
• Place several drops on the tongue, two or
more times a day (most common)
• Place on the insides of wrists
• Place a drop on the forehead (most common
with babies and children)
• Added to bath water
Benefits of Flower Essences
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Help gain and keep inner balance
Support decision making
Restore peace of mind
Help both parents face changes
Encourage bonding between mother and child
Soothe emotional oversensitivity
Help relieve backaches and sleeping problems
Keep the parents calm and collected before and
during the birth
Flower Essences for Pregnancy
There are many flower essences which can be
beneficial during pregnancy. A few are listed below:
• Alpine Lily- especially beneficial the physical experience of
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pregnancy and weight gain
Borage- uplifts spirits during pregnancy
California Wild Rose- for difficult pregnancies or births
Centaury- overwork or exhaustion
Chamomile- to balance emotions
Cherry Plum- for extremely stressful pregnancy
Fairy Lantern- for young mother challenges
Shooting Star- to prevent miscarriages
Pear- inner peace
Chiropractic Care and
Pregnancy
Chiropractic care involves adjusting
misaligned joints of the body, especially
the spine, to promote overall health.
Use of Chiropractic Care During
Pregnancy
• Chiropractic care is safe during pregnancy when
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provided by a chiropractor trained to work with
pregnant women.
Chiropractors should use tables that will adjust
to pregnant women’s bodies.
Chiropractors should avoid unneeded pressure
on the abdomen.
Many trained chiropractors will provide exercise
and stretches that are safe to use during the
pregnancy.
Reasons for Chiropractic Care
During Pregnancy
• Changes in the body can result in
misalignment of the spine or joints
• To help establish balance and alignment
with the pelvis
• Increase the amount of room in the pelvic
cavity for the developing baby
• Position the baby for delivery
Chiropractic Technique for
Pregnancy
The Webster Breech Technique
Developed by Larry Webster of the International
Chiropractic Pediatric Association
• Used to release stress on the pregnant woman’s pelvis and
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cause relaxation of the uterus and surrounding ligaments.
Making it easier for a breech baby to turn in the womb
naturally.
Facilitates safer deliveries for mother and baby
There has been a high success rate reported
Potential Benefits of Chiropractic
Care During Pregnancy
• Reduce chance of miscarriage
• Controlling vomiting and morning sickness
• Increased rate of full-term delivery
• Reduce labor and delivery time
• Relieve back, neck or joint pain
• Prevent cesarean section or vaginal breech
delivery
• Can be used to induce labor
Yoga and Pregnancy
Many women find that yoga helps to
relieve pregnancy discomfort and
teaches healthy relaxation skills in order
to better prepare mentally and
physically for the coming birth.
Yoga Tools and Benefits for
Pregnancy
• Yoga exercises- ensure a smooth pregnancy and
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relatively easy childbirth
Breathing or Pranayama- help ensure abundant
supply of oxygen
Mudras or Bandhas- stimulation of these gestures
have effects on the reproductive organs
Meditation- helps resolve neuroses, fears and conlfcits,
as well as create a deep awareness which help the
mother connect to the child
Deep relaxation- Yogic sleep (Yoga nidra) effective for
physical and mental relaxation and childbirth preparation
(from www.healthandyoga.com/html/preg.html)
Yoga Positions for Pregnancy
• The Swan
– Good release posture
– Takes the weight off the back
– Stretches hip joints and opens
pelvic area
– Opens chest area , encouraging
deeper breathing
• Tadasana (Mountain
Pose)
– Helps relieve pregnancy related
back ache
– Helps with tiredness by
encouraging deep breathing
(www.yogauk.com/YogaUK/inspiration/pregnancy.htm)
Yoga Positions for Pregnancy
Continued
• Trikonasana (Triangle
Pose)
– Helps with fluid retention in
feet and ankles
– Be careful not to over stretch
muscles especially near the
end of pregnancy (muscles and
joints are more stretchy during pregnancy
because of the release of relaxin in
preparation of birth)
• Recovery Position
– Relaxation postures such as
the recovery position oppose
the effects of stress
– Use any number of blocks or
cushions for comfort
(www.yogauk.com/YogaUK/inspiration/pregnancy.htm)
Precautions for Yoga During
Pregnancy
• After the 1st Trimester women should not perform and poses on
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their back because these can cut blood flow to the uterus (some
women are comfortable with these poses and should take care to
listen to their bodies).
Avoid poses that stretch the muscles too much, especially the
abdominal muscles, since because of the pregnancy hormone
relaxin.
Take care when performing standing poses, use a chair or the wall
for extra support.
Bend forward from the hips and allow as much distance as needed
to make breathing easier.
Twist more from the shoulders and back to avoid putting pressure
on the abdomen.
Listen to the body carefully and adapt poses to the body’s physical
changes.
If there is discomfort stop the exercise.
Hydrotherapy and Pregnancy
Hydrotherapy is the use of water for
therapeutic purposes.
Hydrotherapy is self-applicable, reliable,
safe and pleasant to experience.
Hydrotherapy for Pregnancy
• Paddling- run 6 inches of cold tap water in a bath. Walk
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up and down the bath raising feet out of the water with
each step. Start with 30 second and build up each day
until reaching 2 minutes.
Pelvic Splashing- splash lukewarm water around legs,
squat and splash around hips, between legs and on the
abdomen. Reduce the water temperature over 3 days
until the water is cold. Step out of bath into warm towels
and dress quickly.
• Benefits- assist with increased pressures of pregnancy,
stimulate circulation in the venous system and improve
muscle tone. Influences the internal muscles better than
stretching and conditions softer tissues, making them
less likely to tear or need surgical intervention.
(http://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Womens%20Health/mitch48.htm )
Hydrotherapy During Labor
• Splashing or Spraying the Face- use an atomizer or dip
hands into cold water and direct to forehead and eyes
– Benefits- stimulates the cranial nerves, helping concentration and
reducing anxiety
• Cold Compress of the Neck- place a towel wrung out in cold
water around the neck
– Benefits- Steadies and deepens breathing, relieves tiredness
• Hot Compress on Lower Back- place a hot towel against the
lower back and pelvis
– Benefits- encourages relaxation of the pelvis between contractions
• The Birth Pool- float in water, briefly at the beginning of labor
and then increase the length of time as the labor progresses
(Giving birth in water is an option)
– Benefits- eases pressure on the spine, body is decompressedinterrupting the intensity of labor pains, giving birth in water is less
stressful on the perineum
(http://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Womens%20Health/mitch48.htm )
Common Hydrotherapy for
Pregnancy
• A warm bath (thought not a hot bath)
• Prenatal water exercise classes
– These exercises help maintain muscle function
and improve circulation and the water helps
bare some of the weight of the pregnancy.
Doula or Labor Support Person
• Trained and experienced in childbirth
• Provides physical, emotional and informational support
•
•
•
•
•
•
to woman and their partners during labor and birth
Provides help and advice on breathing, relaxation,
movement, and positioning
Assists in gathering information about labor options
May attend prenatal appointment with the mother and
assist the mother in developing questions to ask the
provider
Provides continual emotional reassurance and comfort
Do not diagnose medical conditions, perform clinical
tests or give medical advice.
Goal is to help women have a safe and satisfying
childbirth experience
Possible Benefits of a Doula
• Decrease the chance of a cesarean
• Decrease the length of labor
• Reduce the need for pain medications
• Facilitate a normal, natural, nonintervening birth experience
http://www.childbirth.org/articles/labor/value.html
www.dona.org
www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/doulacontributions/index.php
References and Resources
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
http://www.abcbirth.com/
http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/topic13265
http://www.amazingpregnancy.com/weekbyweek/laborandbirth/jeannie
http://ehc.healthgate.com/GetContent.asp?siteid=1853D48C-AD5D-4ACB-A0C4-9DCEEA0E6A98&docid
Eisenberb, H. & Hathaway, S. What To Expect When Your Expecting 3rd Ed.. Workman Publishing Copyright
2002. NY, NY
http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/Screening_pregnancy.html
www.mjbivo.com
www.longs.com
www.mana.org
http://www.reddinganesthesia.com/labor.htm
http://www.smanutrition.co.uk/PlanningPregnancy/Pregnancy/development.htm
http://transitiontoparenthood.com/ttp/foreducators/arthome.htm
http://www.waterbirth.org/spa/
References and Resources
Acupuncture
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
http://homepage.powerup.com.au/~shentherapies/preguide.html
http://pregnancytoday.com/reference/articles/acupuncture.htm
http://www.asny.org/news6.asp
http://www.baby2kids.ie/Pregnancy/Complementary_Medicine/Acupuncture___Pregnancy/body_acupun
cture___pregnancy.html
http://www.healthypages.net/articles.asp?newsid=897
http://www.ukparents.co.uk/archives/acupuncture.shtml
West, Z. (2002). Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth. New York, New York: Churchill Livingston.
Aromatherapy
1.
2.
3.
4.
Fawcett, M. (1993). Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Childbirth. United Kingdom: Element Books.
http://elements.eyesis.co.nz/aromatherapy_and_pregnancy/
http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/aromatherapyduringpregnancy.asp
http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/aroma1/index.php
http://www.homemakingcottage.com/family/mother/aromatherapy_in_preg.htm
Chiropractic Care
1.
2.
3.
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/chiropracticcare.html
http://www.dcdoctor.com/pages/rightpages_wellnesscenter/pregnancy/chirocare.html
http://www.icpa4kids.com/pediatric_chiropractic_articles_chiropractic_care_in_pregnancy.htm
References and Resources
Doula
1.
2.
3.
http://www.childbirth.org/articles/labor/value.html
http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/doulacontributions/index.php
http://www.dona.org
Flower Essences
1.
2.
3.
4.
http://www.essences.com/vibration/feb01/pregnancy.html
http://www.fleursdevie.com/html/body_article_pregnancy.htm
http://www.floweressences.de/birth.htm
http://www.flowersociety.org/pregnancy_conception.htm
Herbs
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
http://www.allaboutmoms.com/herbs.htm
http://www.birthmattersmidwifery.com
Gardner Goodson, J. (2000). Healing Yourself During Pregnancy Freedom, California: Crossing Press.
http://www.gardenguides.com/herbs/preg.htm
http://www.motherlove.com/faq_usefulherbs.html
Weed, S. (1986). Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years. Woodstock, New York: Ash Tree Publishing.
Weschler, T. (2002). Taking Chare of Your Fertility. New York, New York: Quill.
References and Resources
Hydrotherapy
1.
2.
http://www.babydirectory.com/cgi-bin/showPreg.pl?HYDROTHERAPY
http://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Womens%20Health/mitch48.htm
Massage
1.
2.
3.
4.
http://members.efn.org/~djz/birth/add1095/partnermass.html
http://pregnancytoday.com/reference/articles/prenatalmassage.htm
http://pregnancytoday.com/reference/articles/prenatms.htm
http://www.aarogya.com/Complementary/Massage/pregnancy.asp
Reflexology
1.
2.
3.
http://www.clarewright.co.uk/preg_birth.htm
http://www.familiesonline.co.uk/article/static/118/
http://www.women24.com/W24/Display/w24Article/0,,1-9-10-30_3849,00.html
Yoga
1.
2.
3.
http://www.babycenter.com/expert/pregnancy/pregnancyfitness/5699.html
http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/preg.html
http://www.yogauk.com/YogaUK/inspiration/pregnancy.htm