Author: Grace Yu (Yu Hsin Tzu)
Expectant mothers experience fatigue and nausea in early pregnancy, which is almost universal among women. From the moment you see two lines on a pregnancy test, this feeling of nausea often becomes more pronounced and may be accompanied by constipation or irregular bowel movements, leading to discomfort and affecting sleep quality.
Today, I want to share some knowledge about morning sickness to help us better understand the causes of this phenomenon. Morning sickness is primarily caused by the significant secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) by the placenta after pregnancy begins. As pregnancy progresses, the concentration of HCG increases at an exponential rate, typically peaking between 10 to 12 weeks, after which it gradually declines. However, elevated levels of HCG can still be detected throughout the entire pregnancy. Therefore, symptoms of morning sickness are usually most pronounced during the first three to four months, and some women may even experience persistent nausea and digestive issues throughout their pregnancy.
In addition to HCG, the hormones estrogen and progesterone also affect gastrointestinal motility, leading to digestive discomfort and fluid retention. For some women, the body’s ability to adjust may be weaker, resulting in ongoing feelings of discomfort.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), morning sickness is referred to as “妊娠惡阻”. The ancient text “Shang Han Lun” mentions the formula “Ginger, Ginseng, and Pinellia Pills,” which specifically addresses this symptom. This formula warms the stomach, dispels cold, promotes digestion, and helps alleviate nausea.
TCM practitioners will consider the specific symptoms of each expectant mother to create personalized treatment plans rather than relying solely on a single formula. Many people might wonder if it is safe to take Chinese medicine during pregnancy. Historically, many discomforts during pregnancy have been alleviated with herbal remedies. However, it is crucial to use Chinese medicine under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as they will tailor the prescription based on the symptoms, herbal combinations, dosages, and forms of administration.
I hope this information helps everyone better understand the discomforts that can occur during pregnancy, and that you find suitable relief methods under professional guidance. Take care of yourselves to ensure a more comfortable pregnancy!
Treatment methods during pregnancy may include Chinese medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, and biodynamic craniosacral therapy, all of which can serve as effective relief options.
We also have a long list of services specifically designed to help women in maternity and other stages of life. You can find them here.
