Holistic Approaches to Pregnancy Complaints

For many women, along with the joy of pregnancy come a variety of pains and complaints. From back pain to nausea, the physical changes brought about by pregnancy can be uncomfortable at least and debilitating at worst. But are there alternatives to medication? We talked with two area practitioners - Dr. Donna J. Hedgepeth, a chiropractor at Keystone Chiropractic and Anne Barley of Essential Wellness - to learn more about holistic approaches to alleviating pregnancy's pains.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

"The pregnant women I see come to me with a range of complaints: pulling sensations in their lower front abdomen, low back and leg pain (sciatica), pulling in the pubic symphysis area, mid-back pain and neck pain with headaches," says Dr. Hedgepeth. "During pregnancy, changes in weight and center of gravity place stress on your posture. Therefore your joints and muscles must work differently to accommodate these changes. For some women, these changes are too much for their body to handle without creating discomfort. In these cases chiropractic can be a natural, effective solution. I work with the musculoskeletal system to decrease stress on the joints and muscles, therefore having an effect on a variety of aches and pains."

The effects that Dr. Hedgepeth sees in her practice are supported by a number of studies. In a study presented at the World Chiropractic Congress in 1991, Dr. J. Fallon presented the results of his work with 65 women who received chiropractic care from labor through delivery. 84% of these patients reported relief from back pain and discomfort during pregnancy. In addition, first time moms averaged a 24% decrease in their labor time, while veteran moms experienced a 39% reduction in labor length.

How Acupuncture Can Help

Anne Barley of Essential Wellness has another view of what causes pregnancy's pains. "In Oriental Medicine we believe that pain is caused by stagnation," says Anne. "There may be stagnation of qi (also known as chi) or blood in specific acupuncture channels causing pain in that area. Someone whose body is deficient in qi or blood prior to becoming pregnant may be more prone to pain, nausea and weakness during pregnancy. However, stagnation and pain can also occur in an otherwise healthy woman when the baby's weight shifts her center of gravity forward causing strain on the back."

Meditation is one thing that moms can do to alleviate stagnation, according to Anne. Another is staying mobile, even if it's just a slow walk around the block. But if those things aren't working, mom may want to consult an acupuncturist. "Acupuncture works very well to release the stagnation and stop pain," says Anne. "Research has shown that acupuncture relieves pain by stimulating the brain to release more endorphins, encephalin and other pain relieving neural chemicals."

Plus, acupuncture is very helpful in treating pregnancy related nausea. "One study found that acupuncture had a 90% efficacy rate in women experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum (severe vomiting)," reports Anne. Acupuncture is also effective in women experiencing milder forms of morning sickness.

Most insurance companies cover some of the cost of chiropractic care and a growing number offer discounts for acupuncture. "The exact discount offered varies and not all insurance companies offer discounts," says Anne. "It's best to check with your insurance company or check with individual practitioners to learn more about their rates and which insurance companies they work with."