Pregnancy is not an easy road for many women. It often comes with irritability, emotional distress, and physical aches and pains. Modern medicine can help treat just about all of these things, but more and more women are straying away from medications during their pregnancy. The good news is that you can alleviate pain and discomfort without taking more pills or vitamins. Alternative wellness practices have been used for centuries, far before the advent of oral medication. There are programs offering alternative wellness specifically to pregnant women to help them feel more comfortable. Here are a few of the treatments we think that every pregnant woman should know about!

Prenatal Massage

Prenatal massage is a therapy that is being used more and more commonly. Expectant mothers often have to deal with aches and pains. Prenatal massage is the perfect way to relax your muscles and bring you some relief without the use of oral medications. Prenatal massage is offered only by select OB-GYN practices, women’s healthcare groups, and massage therapists. Prenatal massage therapists must be specially trained and licensed before they can practice. Side-stances are used much more in prenatal massages than they are in traditional massages because laying on the stomach is not an option for expectant mothers. Some of the benefits of prenatal massage include:

• Stress relief
• Pain relief
• Hormone regulation
• Reduction of swelling
• Decreased nerve pain (Sciatica)
• Better sleep
• Improved mood

Pregnancy Yoga

Pregnancy or prenatal yoga is another alternative treatment that has grown in popularity over the last several years. Yoga is meant to help you relax, clear your mind, and improve your strength, balance, and flexibility. Expectant mothers turn to yoga to ease aches and pains and keep their bodies flexible and strong in preparation for delivery. Prenatal yoga typically involves breathing exercises, poses, gentle stretching, and relaxation techniques. Pregnancy yoga was developed specifically to avoid poses and movements that are dangerous for pregnant women. Harder yoga poses involve using your back to stabilize yourself. This is not advised for pregnant women, so prenatal yoga offers alternatives that can be performed safely. The benefits of prenatal yoga include:

• Stress relief
• Improved sleep
• Improved strength, flexibility, and endurance of the muscles used in childbirth
• Reduced back and hip pain
• Relief of headaches and nausea 

Acupuncture

Did you know that acupuncture can be used during pregnancy as a treatment for pain? Acupuncture has been used for centuries to promote healing and realignment of the body. Some acupuncture points have been proven to help alleviate possible pregnancy-associated conditions. When used during the first trimester, acupuncture can strengthen the lining of the uterus to hold the baby as it grows. Acupuncture can be used at other times during pregnancy, provided that you speak with your doctor first. Here are just some of the other associated conditions that acupuncture can help:

• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Mood swings
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Stress
• Preeclampsia
• Frequent urination
• Gestational diabetes,
• Physical pain
• And more!

Reiki

Reiki is a traditional practice of healing that extends back centuries. Reiki is a Japanese technique that helps reduce stress and promote relaxation and healing. Reiki is also known as a “laying of hands” in which the certified Reiki Therapist sends positive “life force energy” into the patient. When the energy flowing through a person is low, they are prone to feeling stressed and unwell. Reiki combats this by increasing the vibration of one’s life force energy, thus promoting health and positivity. Reiki is used to treat many different ailments and illnesses as well as help with pregnancies. Reiki for pregnant women is said to:

• Reduce stress
• Eliminate nausea
• Alleviate fatigue and exhaustion
• Foster a positive relationship between the mother and child
• Provides emotional support
• Soothe tension and anxiety
• Boost spirits and promote positivity and calmness

These are just a few of the many alternative treatments offered to pregnant women. If you are seeking relief from aches, pains, and stress, these options are worth exploring further. However, always talk to your doctor or OB-GYN before trying any of these methods. Women with certain medical conditions may not be suitable for one or more of these treatments. Your doctor should be able to provide references to specialists if these alternative methods are not offered in-house. Remember to listen to your body and stop at any point if you feel pain. There are countless resources online to learn more about these and other alternative treatments for pregnancy. If you have more burning questions, be sure to get a copy of the Twin Dr. book, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Pregnancy: But Were Too Embarrassed or Afraid to Ask.