Chinese Medicine Tips during Pregnancy

Through the ages, various cultures have imparted wisdom and advice concerning pregnancy and birth. Traditions and advice are diverse and often reflect a culture's history, religion and relationship with nature. This is especially true of Chinese culture in which many customs concerning pregnancy are related to ancient Chinese philosophies and spiritual practices.

YinYang

YinYang is an ancient and enduring philosophy that permeates and informs most aspects of Chinese life. The concept of YinYang relates to the dualistic yet interconnected, symbiotic nature of forces in the universe. Traditionally, the Chinese interpret most things from a YinYang perspective--from treating a common cold to explaining the origin of the universe, YinYang is at work. According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, although pregnancy is thought to reflect both Yin and Yang, Yin energy is dominant, which means that energy is received and stored through rest, peacefulness, openness and rejuvenation.

Activity

EthnoMed informs us that it is Chinese custom for pregnant women to avoid strenuous work or activity during the first three months of pregnancy. The Chinese approach to pregnancy dictates that protecting the growing fetus from miscarriage during the first trimester is tantamount. For this reason, sexual activity is also not recommended during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. There is a strong emphasis on maintaining peace of mind and body, both of which are believed to directly impact the fetus.

Diet

Traditional Chinese advice for pregnancy includes many ideas on which foods to eat and to avoid. Belief in YinYang greatly influences food choices at all stages of pregnancy and in the month following birth, as the opposing, interdependent life energies shift. Many obstetricians and nurses can attest to the refusal of laboring women to eat or drink anything cold, for example. The Chinese rationale is that cold substances at that time undermine proper balance. Superstitions regarding specific foods abound. For example, EthnoMed reports that women believe that eating shellfish can cause a rash in the baby and that some tropical fruits can cause miscarriage.

Superstitions

Pregnancy advice based on traditional Chinese belief includes the avoidance of many activities believed to hurt the baby and imperil pregnancy. EthnoMed explains that Chinese women customarily refrain from using knives, scissors or sharp objects on their bed, as it is thought to result in cleft lip of the baby. It is also thought wise for pregnant women to not use glue or tape to attach things to the walls near her bed, as doing so is believed to cause birthmarks on the baby's face.

Chinese Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Chinese herbs are used for health, energy and vitality. There are, however, some Chinese herbs that should not be used by pregnant women due to the adverse side effects they can cause during pregnancy, which can transfer to the unborn fetus. Pregnant women should seek medical advice from their doctors before taking any herbal supplements.

Ephedra

Ephedra is an extract of the plant Ephedra sinica. It is most commonly used in Chinese herbal practices to heal asthma, common colds and hay fever. Ephedra is also known as a stimulant and has been linked to numerous negative side effects. According to the MayoClinic.com, consumption of ephedra is linked to such disorders as hypertension, heart disease and in some cases, stroke. All of these disorders are potentially deadly especially to an unborn child if the mother suffers any of these side effects.

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is known as an orange herb and is most commonly recognized by its bitter taste. Goldenseal is used to help cure cold sores and to reduce swelling in breast cancer patients. It is also used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, constipation and even reduction of fever. It can cause a variety of negative side effects if used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. According to the Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, pregnant women should not take goldenseal because it may cause jaundice in infants. Goldenseal can also cause a potentially life-threatening disorder in infants called kernicterus, which is a form of brain damage caused by excessive jaundice 

Dong Quai

Dong quai is a medicinal herb that has been used in China and different Asian countries for centuries. It is most commonly known in China as Chinese angelica. It has many uses including treating anemia, fatigue and in some cases, high blood pressure. It can be potentially dangerous if taken by pregnant women. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the use of dong quai can cause miscarriage as it provokes contractions during pregnancy.