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Managing Your Third Trimester’s Pregnancy Symptoms

Madam Partum — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Third Trimester

The third trimester, from week 29 to week 40 (or until birth), is the final lap of pregnancy. This period can be both exciting and challenging as the body prepares for childbirth. Mothers at this stage will start feeling the anxiety, especially for a first time mom, of meeting your child for the first time. Mothers will start to worry about many other issues that lead to the birthing day and if everyone and everything is ready to receive your little one back home.

TCM Perspective of Third Trimester

The third trimester of pregnancy is a time of rapid growth for the baby and preparation for childbirth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this stage is crucial for ensuring a smooth delivery and postpartum recovery. TCM emphasizes nurturing the mother’s body, promoting relaxation, and preparing for labor.

TCM focus during Third Trimester

Strengthening Qi and Blood Flow
Preparing for Labor
Preventing and Alleviating Discomforts

Common Symptoms in the Third Trimester

During the third trimester, common symptoms are body and feet swelling, back pain, shortness of breath, insomnia, and Braxton Hicks contractions. Understanding what you will likely experience, you can now find out what you can do to overcome or relieve the symptoms.

Swelling (Edema)

During the third trimester, as your baby grows bigger, the requirement for fluid increases, causing your body to produce more fluid and retention. Also, the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins and slows down the return of blood and Qi from the legs, causing fluid to accumulate and hence swelling.

Physical Care

Elevate your feet when resting.
Wear comfortable shoes, and avoid standing for long periods.
Gentle exercises, such as walking and swimming, can help reduce swelling.
Go for Pre-Partum massage to help with water retention

Dietary Recommendation

Reduce salt intake.
increase consumption of potassium-rich foods like bananas, avocados, and leafy greens.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Our Pre-Partum Nourishing Herbal tea can prevent and help with water retention

TCM Solutions for Swelling

You can go for Pre-Partum massage to help with your water retention issue, and improve Qi and Blood circulation. If swelling affects your mobility or ability to proceed with your daily routine, you can consult a TCM Physician to seek TCM treatment such as acupuncture and TCM herbal prescription to ease your water retention.

Back Pain

As the baby grows, the additional weight can put significant strain on your back, causing discomfort and pain. During the third trimester, you might feel the back pain to be more severe, but do note that your baby has grown substantially since the Second Trimester, hence, the issue might not be as severe as you thought it might be.

Physical Care

Maintain good posture and use a supportive chair when sitting.
Engage in prenatal exercises and stretches that strengthen your back muscles.
Use a pregnancy pillow to support your back while sleeping.

Dietary Recommendation

Ensure adequate intake of calcium and magnesium to support bone health.
Consuming foods that strengthen the kidneys and bones, such as black beans and walnuts

TCM Solutions for Back Pain

You can start your Pre-Partum massage in the Third Trimester if you haven’t started your massage during your Second Trimester. If you are facing extreme difficulty in your daily life due to back pain, you can consult a TCM Physician to understand if you need additional TCM treatment to help you relieve your back pain.

Shortness of Breath

As the baby grows, the uterus expands and can press against the diaphragm, making it difficult to take deep breaths. This shortness of breath can be particularly noticeable when lying down or engaging in physical activity.

Physical Care

Sleeping by your side to give your lungs more room to expand.
Gentle exercises like walking and prenatal yoga can also help improve breathing.
Practice deep breathing exercises and avoid overexertion.

Dietary Recommendation

Eat smaller, more frequent meals to avoid feeling too full
Maintain good hydration

TCM Solutions for Shortness of Breath

TCM treatments such as acupuncture and TCM herbs can help improve respiratory function.

Insomnia

Difficulty sleeping is common in the third trimester due to physical discomfort and anxiety about the upcoming birth.

Many pregnant women find it challenging to get a good night’s sleep during the third trimester. Discomfort from the growing belly, frequent urination, and other symptoms can all interfere with sleep. Creating a comfortable sleeping environment and schedule can make a significant difference.

Physical Care

Establish a regular bedtime routine.
Use of supportive pillows.
Practice relaxation meditation or deep breathing exercise before bed.

Dietary Recommendation

Avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the evening.
Consume foods that promote sleep, such as warm milk, almonds, and cherries.
Avoid stimulants like caffeine.

TCM Solutions for Insomnia

Acupuncture and TCM herbs have been utilized to help people with insomnia, but do consult your TCM Physician to get the right treatment and prescription suitable for pregnant mothers.

Understanding your Third Trimester

Getting to the last lap of your pregnancy, there will be more things that need you to consider and make decisions. You will be overwhelmed with different considerations and decisions you will need to make, so by managing your pregnancy symptoms, you can keep yourself fit to welcome your little one into your life. We hope we have provided you with sufficient knowledge and insights to your pregnancy symptoms, you can let us know if you have any other symptoms that you wish to find out more about.

You can also look at how to prepare for your breastfeeding journey coming up next.

The post Managing Your Third Trimester’s Pregnancy Symptoms first appeared on Madam Partum.

Managing Your Second Trimester’s Pregnancy Symptoms

Madam Partum — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

Second Trimester

The second trimester of pregnancy, spanning from week 13 to week 28, is often considered the most comfortable phase. Many women experience relief from the more severe symptoms of the first trimester, but new challenges can arise. Understanding these symptoms and knowing how to manage them can make this period smoother and more enjoyable.

TCM Perspective of Second Trimester

The second trimester, often referred to as the “Golden Period” of pregnancy, is a time when many women experience relief from early pregnancy symptoms and increased energy. TCM focuses on nurturing and supporting the mother’s body to ensure the healthy development of the fetus during this stage.

TCM focus during Second Trimester

Qi and Blood Circulation
Preventing and Alleviating Discomforts

Concept of 养胎 (Yang Tai) in Pregnancy

养胎 (Yang Tai), meaning “nourishing the fetus,” is a central concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aimed at promoting the health and development of the fetus throughout pregnancy. 养胎 involves comprehensive care that includes physical well-being, proper nutrition, and emotional stability to ensure a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Common Symptoms in the Second Trimester

During the second trimester, you may experience symptoms such as back pain, leg cramps, constipation, heartburn, and nasal congestion. While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, they are generally manageable with the right care and attention. Do note that there are some pregnancy symptoms you might continue to experience since your First Trimester, so don’t be alarmed but you can find out what you can do to help ease or relieve the symptoms.

Back Pain

As your baby grows, the additional weight can put strain on your back, causing discomfort and pain. TCM attributes these discomforts to muscle straining and stagnant Qi and Blood circulation in the lower back and hips. This can affect your daily activities and quality of sleep.

Physical Care

Maintain good posture and use a supportive chair when sitting.
Engage in prenatal exercises and stretches that strengthen your back muscles.
Use a pregnancy pillow to support your back while sleeping.

Dietary Recommendation

Ensure adequate intake of calcium and magnesium to support bone health.
Consuming foods that strengthen the kidneys and bones, such as black beans and walnuts

TCM Solutions for Back Pain

You can start your Pre-Partum massage after 20 weeks to help you relieve your back pain. If you have severe back pain that affects your daily routine, you can consult your TCM Physician to see if they can provide any TCM treatment to help you overcome your severe back pain.

Leg Cramps

Leg cramps, especially at night, are common during the second trimester due to increased pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in your legs. You can strengthen your calf muscles with light exercising and regular stretching can help relieve the tension.

Physical Care

Stretch your legs before bed and stay active during the day to improve circulation.
Elevate your legs when resting to reduce swelling and pressure.
Keeping your legs warm during your sleep also ensures ample blood circulation to prevent leg cramps.
Ensure you get adequate rest throughout the day or when needed.

Dietary Recommendation

Increase your intake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium through foods like bananas, oranges, dairy products, and leafy greens.
Stay hydrated to prevent cramps.

TCM Solutions for Leg Cramps

TCM treatments such as Acupuncture and TCM herbal foot bath can help alleviate leg cramps. Acupuncture helps improve circulation and relieve muscle tension, while soaking your feet and legs with Epsom salts bath or TCM herbal baths can relax the muscles.

* do note that not all TCM herbs are suitable for pregnant mothers to use for their foot bath, so do check with your TCM Physician for the suitability of the TCM herbs

Constipation

Hormonal changes and the growing uterus pressing on the intestines can lead to constipation, which can cause discomfort and bloating. Consuming fiber-rich foods together with ample hydration can help to promote regular bowel movements.

Physical Care

Stay active with regular exercise to promote healthy bowel movements.

Dietary Recommendation

Increase your intake of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Probiotics, found in yogurt and fermented foods, can also support digestive health.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Consuming warm, cooked foods that are easy to digest, such as congee with vegetables
Avoiding greasy and spicy foods
Teas such as 陈皮 (Chen Yi) tea can soothe the digestive system and reduce bloating.
Virgin coconut oil can help with constipation.

TCM Solutions for Constipation

TCM treatments such as TCM Herbal Prescription, Acupuncture and Tuina Massage can help regulate bowel movements. Acupuncture can stimulate digestive function, while TCM Herbal Formulas can help relieve constipation and Tuina Massage to boost bowel movement.

Heartburn

The relaxing effect of pregnancy hormones on the lower esophageal sphincter can lead to heartburn, causing a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Other than that, as the uterus expands, it can put pressure on the stomach, can lead to heartburn and indigestion. TCM considers these symptoms to be due to Qi moving in the wrong direction and stomach heat.

Physical Care

Eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid lying down immediately after eating.
Elevate your upper body slightly to prevent nighttime heartburn

Dietary Recommendation

Avoid spicy, fatty, sugary, and acidic foods that can trigger heartburn.
Include soothing foods like oatmeal, yogurt, and bananas in your diet.
Teas such as ginger or 陈皮 (Chen Pi) can help soothe the digestive system and regulate Qi flow.

TCM Solutions for Heartburn

TCM treatments such as acupuncture and TCM herbal prescription can help alleviate heartburn. Acupuncture can help regulate digestive function and reduce acid reflux. TCM herbal prescription can help soothe the digestive tract.

Understanding your Second Trimester

The second trimester of pregnancy brings a new set of symptoms that can affect your daily routine. However, if you are able to understand these symptoms, you can find a solution to help you ride through them. Traditional Chinese Medicine provides a holistic approach to alleviating these symptoms, promoting overall well-being through natural and safe methods. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you are unsure or if you need a second opinion, and make sure the treatment is safe for you and your baby.

By addressing these common symptoms with both conventional advice and TCM practices, you can navigate the second trimester with greater ease and confidence. Enjoy your Second Trimester and get yourself ready for the final lap of your pregnancy. See you there.

The post Managing Your Second Trimester’s Pregnancy Symptoms first appeared on Madam Partum.

Managing Your First Trimester’s Pregnancy Symptoms

Madam Partum — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 10:13:00 +0000

First Trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy, which spans from week 1 to week 12, is a crucial period filled with significant changes and developments. As your body begins to adapt to the growing life within, various symptoms may arise that can impact your daily routine. Understanding these symptoms and knowing how to manage them is essential for a smoother and more comfortable experience. Let’s understand and explore common first-trimester symptoms, how it will affect you, and what remedies are there to help you overcome the symptoms.

TCM Perspective of First Trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy is a critical period for the formation and initial development of the foetus. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this stage is viewed as a time to ensure a stable and healthy foundation for the pregnancy. TCM approaches focus on supporting the mother’s body, calming the mind, and preventing common early pregnancy discomforts.

TCM focus during First Trimester

Nurturing 精 (Jing) Essence
Calming the mind (缓神)
Fetus Stabilising 安胎
Addressing Common Discomfort

Concept of 安胎 (An Tai) in Pregnancy

The concept of 安胎 (An Tai) refers to the practice of stabilising and protecting the pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage is highest due to embryos not being able to settle during the settling window.

Special Note:

TCM treatments or herbs are typically not administered unless severe pregnancy symptoms occur, as unnecessary intervention can disrupt the natural balance of the body. Only when needed, mothers will go through the TCM treatment and consume TCM prescribed herbs to strengthen the mother’s body and promote a healthy growth of the baby.

Common Symptoms during the First Trimester

During the first trimester, you may experience a range of symptoms due to the hormonal changes and physical adjustments your body is making. Some of the most common symptoms include nausea and vomiting (often referred to as morning sickness), fatigue, breast tenderness, frequent urination, and mood swings. Each of these symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, but they are all part of the natural process of pregnancy.

Nausea and Vomiting (Morning Sickness)

Morning sickness is one of the most well-known symptoms of early pregnancy. It can occur at any time of the day and can range from mild nausea to severe vomiting. This can make it challenging to maintain a normal diet and hydration, which are crucial for both your health and your baby’s development. Eating small, frequent meals and avoiding strong odours can help alleviate some of the discomfort.

Physical Care

Rest as much as possible to allow your body to regulate itself.
Avoid sudden movements that can trigger nausea, such as laying on your bed for 10 minutes before getting out of the bed every morning can help your body feel less giddy

Dietary Recommendation

Eat small and frequent meals throughout the day to avoid over-stressing your stomach
Consume easy-to-digest and simple food like crackers, toast and bananas can help
Sipping water, ginger tea or electrolyte drinks can help you stay hydrated and reduce the urge of vomiting.

Emotional Care

Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation or gentle yoga can help Qi and Blood circulation and improve your mental state,.

TCM Solutions for Nausea and Vomiting

If nausea and vomiting become too severe for mothers to move on with their daily life and routine. TCM treatment such as acupuncture and dietary recommendation could help ease the impact of the symptoms

Acupuncture helps to balance the body’s energy flow, reducing the intensity of morning sickness. Ginger, known for its anti-nausea properties, can be consumed in various forms, including teas, candies, and capsules, providing natural relief from this common symptom.

Special Recipe | Sugar Cane with Fresh Ginger Juice

Consume it in small sips to help ease your morning sickness. But do note that sugarcane juice contains a substantial amount of sugar content, so consume in moderation or when needed.

Ingredients

1 Glass of Sugarcane Juice
1 Tablespoon of Fresh Ginger Juice

Preparation

Warm up the sugarcane juice
Add in Fresh Ginger Juice

Fatigue

The surge in hormones, particularly progesterone, can cause overwhelming fatigue in the first trimester. Many women find themselves needing more rest and sleep than usual. This can be difficult to manage, especially if you have work or other responsibilities. It’s important to listen to your body and take naps or short breaks when needed.

Physical Care

Prioritise rest and naps when needed
Light exercise such as walking and prenatal yoga can help boost energy levels

Dietary Recommendation

A Balanced diet that is rich in iron and protein can help reduce fatigue. Enjoying your lean meats, vegetables and nuts are good options for you.
It’s important to stay hydrated too.

Emotional Care

Maintaining a regular sleep schedule or bedtime routine can improve relaxation and reduce mental fatigue.

TCM Solutions for Fatigue

Acupuncture could help you boost your energy, but it’s recommended not to go through any TCM treatment unless the condition directly affects mother’s and baby’s life.

However, from a TCM perspective, you can consume more warming foods that can nourish your Qi to improve your fatigue syndrome. A hot chicken soup with 黄芪 (Huang Qi) can combat fatigue. Do avoid raw and cold foods that might cause Qi deficiency during this period.

Frequent Urination

As your uterus expands, it places pressure on your bladder, leading to frequent urination. This can disrupt your daily activities and sleep patterns, especially for a first time mother, as you might not have any experience of this symptom that feels awkward.

To manage this symptom, it’s helpful to limit fluid intake before bedtime and to go to the bathroom regularly to avoid discomfort.

Physical Care

Plan regular bathroom breaks to avoid discomfort.
Do pelvic floor exercises to strengthen bladder control

Dietary Recommendation

Drink plenty of water during the day but reduce intake in the evening to minimise nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Avoid caffeinated drinks, which can increase urination frequency.

TCM Solutions for Frequent Urination

TCM treatments focusing on strengthening the bladder and kidney function can be beneficial in reducing the frequency of urination. Kidney-nourishing foods such as black sesame seeds and walnuts can help support your frequent urination symptoms. It’s also recommended to avoid diuretic foods and drinks such as lemons, watermelon and onions.

Understanding your First Trimester

The first trimester of pregnancy comes with a variety of symptoms that can affect your daily life. Understanding these symptoms and knowing how to manage them is key to a healthier and smoother pregnancy journey. TCM perspective provides a holistic approach to alleviating these symptoms, promoting overall well-being through natural and safe methods. Always consult with your gynae or TCM Physician before starting any new treatment to ensure it is safe for you and your baby.

By addressing these common symptoms with both conventional advice and TCM practices, you can navigate the first trimester with greater ease and confidence. Our next topic will focus on managing symptoms during the second trimester of pregnancy, so stay tuned.

The post Managing Your First Trimester’s Pregnancy Symptoms first appeared on Madam Partum.

4 Items that you regret not packing in the hospital bag

Madam Partum — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Are you ready for the D= Delivery Day? D-day marks the beginning of a lifelong journey of parenthood. Before you start off the D-day, you are probably busy sourcing for a checklist of hospital bags online on what to pack? When to pack? We have compiled four items that you regret not packing in the hospital bag to ensure you don’t miss out on the essentials.

4 Items That You Regret Not Packing In The Hospital Bag

Compression socks

Especially for caesarean birth, compression devices such as compression socks are highly recommended immediately after surgery. Many new mummies spend hours breastfeeding their babies and aren’t moving around much after “D-day”. Therefore, wearing compression socks provides good blood flow support and reduces swelling and water retention in the legs, feet and ankles.

Disposable sanitary pads

Indeed, all the hospitals will supply you with a pack of “huge” hospital grade maternity pads regardless of whether you have natural or caesarean births. But many first-time mummies may start missing their “comfy” brand after wearing the “huge” maternity pad. Yes, you have the choice. Throwing a pack of regular “sanitary pads” into your hospital bag will save you to heaven. Remember, just no tampons!

Postpartum bleeding or lochia, the flow is usually heavier in the first week of postpartum. Therefore, try to get your preferred brand with features such as “Longer pads”, “Overnight”, “Extra Heavy Flow”, and “Extra wide or wings” to maximize the comfy level and yet save you from bloody episodes.

Nipple cream

Breastfeeding is a natural process but not always easy. Some mummies may have a rocky start to breastfeeding and take a long time to practise it with their babies. As a result, episodes such as nipple sores, cracks, itchiness, or some blood can be expected in the first few days. Besides applying breast milk, nipple cream is an alternative to moisturize and support the healing of the nipple. Do I need to clean or wipe it off before nursing? The answer is “No”. Try to get the nipple cream with lanolin*, a natural and waxy substance derived from the sheep’s wool. It is safe to use and non-toxic for both mother and baby.

*Lanolin products should not be used by anyone with a known allergy to wool.

Breast pump

If you are determined to breastfeed, a breast pump should be the first item to be packed into the hospital bag. Would I be able to use it since I’m determined to breastfeed my little one? The answer is still “YES”. The breast pump will become essential if your baby needs medical interventions or close observation in the nursery. Vice versa, if you were exhausted from childbirth and required more time for bed rest, pumping would be “perfect” in this situation. Grab your breast pump and start to use it every 3-hourly and 8 times a day to build up milk production as early as possible.

Still clueless on what to pack in the hospital bag? Join Madam Partum’s newsletter mailing list to download the free printable hospital bag checklist.

The post 4 Items that you regret not packing in the hospital bag first appeared on Madam Partum.

Water Retention in TCM Perspective

Madam Partum — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 01:49:00 +0000

Your hands and feet are the most common parts to experience water swelling, or edema, especially in the third trimester. During pregnancy, the fluids in your body increase so that it can support both you and your baby. They accumulate in your tissues as a result of increased blood flow and there is additional pressure of your growing uterus on the veins in your pelvis as well as your vena cava. The vena cava is this large vein that returns blood to the heart from your lower limbs. If it is blocked, there can be fluid retention and swelling in your lower limbs.

What causes swelling during pregnancy from a TCM perspective?

According to TCM, edemas are caused by poor Qi flow in the body and the kidney may be too weak to metabolise the water. This causes dampness in the body, or an excessive buildup of Yin energy, which is bad for the body.

You are advised to see a certified practitioner to find out what kind of edema you have according to TCM, so you can have the right treatment to support you in your final pregnancy trimester so as to achieve a harmonious and healthy pregnancy.

What can I do to relieve swelling during pregnancy?

Pre Partum Massage

Not only is this helpful for edema issue, it is superb to help with relieving of tension and aches associated with pregnancy weight gain as you go along.

Foot Reflexology

Reflexology has long been a popular way to relieve foot swelling and pain. However, do ensure that the establishment and therapist is fully trained.

Elevate Your Foot

This is great for maintaining good blood pressure and decreasing water retention. It’s best to do it for at least 15 minutes at a time, three times a day.

Try Compression Socks

They are crafted to help control swollen feet, ankles, and lower legs. They work by squeezing your lower legs to prevent fluid retention in the area.

Food that you can eat or avoid to prevent edema

Fun Fact! Did you know that you should actually drink more water if you are having Edema?

Many people would think that they should avoid drinking water and that is incorrect. If your body thinks you’re dehydrated, it will hold on to even more fluid to try to make up for it. 😮

Food to Avoid

Food to Take

Sufficient protein in each meal that you take. Go for the healthier choice like lean meat such as chicken breast
Foods that are high in potassium such as bananas, avocado, and kidney beaLs
Leafy greens are great natural diuretics, not only great to keep swelling low but also provide plenty of vitamins and minerals that are important for pregnancy in general.
Drink more water – if your body thinks you’re dehydrated, it will hold on to even more fluid to try to make up for it. So try to drink at least 10 glasses of water every day to keep your kidneys flushing out the bad stuff and your body happily hydrated.
Red dates This amazing dried fruit is packed full of B-vitamins for energy creation, fibre for keeping regular and iron for your increased pregnancy needs. Plus! Red dates are chock full of magnesium, calcium and potassium to help regulate fluid retention and reduce pregnancy swelling.
TCM Herbs – Poria 茯苓 – that eliminates water retention and dampness in the body

Red Bean Soup with Dried Orange Peel

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, red beans are believed to reduce fluid retention, alleviate edema, promote diuresis, eliminate skin heat and toxins.

While dried orange peel (陈皮) is a warming ingredient high in antioxidants and helps with indigestion, reduces nausea and treats diarrhoea.

Ingredients

1 cup red beans (soaked overnight)
1 piece dried orange peel (soaked for 10 – 15 minutes till soft)
100 g rock sugar – or to taste (may be substituted with brown sugar)
6 cups water (1.8L of water)

Steps

Put the red beans, dried orange peel and water into a medium sized soup pot.
Bring to a boil and let it remain boiling for about 5 minutes. Lower the heat and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until the red beans are broken and soft.
Remove dried orange peel.
Add rock sugar and stir over medium heat till it dissolves.

In summary, other than the food that you should take more of or avoid that we have shared, you can help prevent foot swelling or water retention by practising a balanced lifestyle, such as getting regular gentle exercise, drinking plenty of water and resting enough.

The post Water Retention in TCM Perspective first appeared on Madam Partum.

Common Ways to Induce Labour

Madam Partum — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Nearing your EDD but no signs of labour yet?

Try pregnancy sex, as long as your doctor or gynae gives the ‘okay’ to do so! Unless they tell you otherwise, sex is totally safe throughout the entirety of your pregnancy (except after your water has broken; that can lead to infections). It is a natural and intimate process that might induce your uterus to start contracting and soon you will be on your way!

Natural childbirth is a fulfilling and satisfying experience that every mother looks forward to. In reality, is it possible to induce labour naturally? The answer is always a YES or NO because the safety of mothers and their babies is of utmost importance during childbirth. Still no signs of labour, let’s try the three common ways to help you get into the labour stage.

Pregnancy Sex

Hungry for sex? Say YES to your spouse before the arrival of the bundle of joy. No matter what trimester you are in, having sex is totally safe and pleasurable as long as you get doctor’s “green light”. You are free to do it like a regular bedtime routine or whenever you feel good.

Studies have shown that “sexual intercourse” near your Expected Due Date (EDD) is one of the best ways to induce labour naturally. When you are having sexual intercourse, Oxytocin, often called the “love” or “happy” hormone, is released, and it helps to trigger contractions. Moreover, a high amount of prostaglandins found in the semen may help to relax cervix tissues and help labour to start too.

Exercise

Regular exercise is always good for everyone, even when you are pregnant! From a TCM perspective, exercising can improve Qi and blood circulation in the body, which helps to enhance the quality of sleep and reduce stress and anxiety in the long run. Besides walking and swimming, Kegel exercise is highly recommended because it helps strengthen the pelvic and vaginal area, which aids in uterus contraction.

Read here to explore other safe exercises during pregnancy

Body Massage

Is body massage safe during pregnancy? The short answer is “YES!”. Most studies have shown that prenatal massage has potential benefits for mothers during pregnancy, especially in easing lower back and pelvic pain from carrying a baby in the womb. What’s more! It helps alleviate common pregnancy issues such as water retention, leg cramps and soreness. Pampering yourself with a good body massage will help to relieve muscle tension and ease mental fatigue. Certainly, it also stimulates the release of “happy” hormones needed for labour to begin.

The post Common Ways to Induce Labour first appeared on Madam Partum.

Safe Exercises for Early Pregnancy

Madam Partum — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Exercising has been linked to provide many benefits for pregnant mothers, and from a TCM perspective, exercising can improve Qi and Blood circulation which will aid in blood flowing to the uterus for your baby’s growth. While there could be worriess that exercise might cause complications or miscarriage, avoid doing high impact exercises, exercise that causes additional stress or put further strains on your pelvis and torso, it is relatively safe for you to exercise.

If you are unsure about your exercise plan, you can always consult your gynae if the exercise you are planning to do is safe for your pregnancy. However, there are some exercises or sports we will recommend to avoid during pregnancy.

Exercise to avoid

High impact or intensity (HIIT)
High risk of falling (Gymnastic, Parkour)
Increase stress and pressure on pelvis and torso (Heavy Weight lifting, Mountain biking)

For starters who didn’t have the habit of exercising and decided that you should do it for your baby. You can start by exercising 10-30 minutes per day and 2 days a week, and build up the number of days and duration per day as your body gets stronger for longer duration exercises.

Benefit

Improve Qi and Blood flow
Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve your sleep

There are various low impact exercises that you can consider to include in your exercise plan. These are relatively low-risk and helpful for mothers during their pregnancy.

Kegel Exercise

An important benefit of Kegels is that it can help strengthen your muscles in your pelvic and vaginal area without overstretching it. These muscle strengthening will also help you during your labor and minimize Postpartum symptoms such as incontinence, Postpartum depression and even constipation. You can do 3 sets of Kegel exercise per day and increase the quantity and duration of each set.

Benefits

Strengthen your pelvic floor muscle
Better urinary bladder control
Improvement of fecal incontinence
Aid in smoother labor

Here’s how you do the Kegel!

Tighten the right muscles and hold for 3 – 5 seconds
Relax for 5 seconds before repeating
Repeat steps 1 & 2 for 10 times to complete a set.

Prenatal Yoga

There are a lot of wonders when it comes to prenatal yoga, as it’s nature of increasing your flexibility, strength and endurance of your muscles, it also focuses a lot on breathing which helps in keeping you calm and improves your mental wellness.

Benefits

Breathing techniques that can keep you calm
Aid you with the contraction during your labor
Improve your balance and flexibility
Strengthen your muscle and improve your motion flexibility
Get to your inner calm and self-awareness

Tips on Prenatal Yoga

Consult your doctor on before starting a prenatal yoga program
Don’t over do it, over exert yourself.
Do it in a well-ventilated space
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water
Avoid certain postures that you feel uncomfortable

Walking

Walking is a wonderful way to stay fit during pregnancy, and definitely one of the simplest exercises you can do and there are a lot of benefits to it. First of all, it improves your Qi and Blood circulation as it works your heart, lungs and blood vessels during the exercise.

It also strengthens your muscles and improves your metabolism to reduce your back pain, improves your fitness and helps you maintain a healthy weight gain during your pregnancy. You can also improve your bowel movement to minimise constipation.

Benefits

Improve muscle strengths
Reduce back pain
Maintain a healthy weight gain
Boost Qi and Blood circulation
Minimise constipation
Improves your mood and energy level
Helps you to sleep better

Walking Exercise Tips

Wear good walking shoe for better support
Bring a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated
Don’t overdo the walk
Take breaks when needed
Walk with you partner or a friend

Swimming

The sense of weightlessness provided by water relieves the general discomforts associated with pregnancy, and it is the perfect environment for a mother-to-be to both relax and exercise. This is very significant when you reach your 3rd trimester when the weight gain starts to put more pressure on you.

You will also be able to have a better sleep during the night after spending some time in the pool. It also provides stress and pain relief when you are in water, and it can be a great and relaxing moment when you take time off for yourself.

Benefits

Low impact exercise
Strengthen core muscles
Relieve some weight pressure on your body
Improve Qi and blood flow

Swimming Tips

Ensure the water is not too warm above 39°C
Swim in moderation and don’t tire yourself out in the waters
Swim at the outer lanes or close to where you can get support or help
Start at a more comfortable water depth

The post Safe Exercises for Early Pregnancy first appeared on Madam Partum.

Top 3 Conditions Faced in Pregnancy

Madam Partum — Wed, 18 May 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Do you know what are the top 3 conditions faced by pregnant women?

First condition will be gestational diabetes, which happens to women during pregnancy. Just like a normal diabetic person, the mother’s glucose levels are higher than usual, which can lead to some health concerns.

During pregnancy, some people may develop high blood sugar levels. This condition is known as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes typically develops between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.

And if your gynaecologist suspects that you may have Gestational Diabetes, they may call for an OGTT test.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

The OGTT measures blood glucose after you fast for at least 8 hours. First, a health care professional will draw your blood. Then you will drink the liquid containing glucose. You will need your blood drawn every hour for 2 to 3 hours for a doctor to diagnose gestational diabetes.

What are some of the early signs

Being thirsty all the time.
Frequent urination.
Feeling tired or nauseous

Dietary Tips

A proper diet, and regular exercise are important healthy lifestyle adjustments to prevent gestational diabetes.

Food to take more of:

Shiitake mushrooms, mulberry, pumpkins, pearl barley and green beans
Vegetables and fruits. But take note of the hidden sugar in fruits and avoid them such as durians, longans, mango
Eat smaller meals and at regular timing to curb cravings

Food to Avoid:

‘Cold’ foods, such as raw vegetables.
Simple carbohydrates, such as potatoes, french-fries, white rice. Go for complex carbohydrates such as Oatmeal, wholemeal bread and brown rice.
Sweets – candy, soda, cakes, donuts and chocolate
alcoholic beverages

Preventive Care Tips

Maintain a balanced diet rich in whole grains, complex carbohydrates, lean meats and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Cut down on sugary drinks, snacks and desserts.
Be active and include low impact exercise daily – such as walking or swimming
During pregnancy, target a healthy total weight gain of 11kg to 16kg over the nine months. Excessive weight gain can also increase risks.

This condition is the development of high blood pressure associated with protein in the urine from week 20 of pregnancy onwards, and may even occur up to six weeks postnatal. Some moms may experience sudden swelling of limbs, a severe headache, reduction of urine output, or even gastric pains. It can also lead to clotting issues that may affect organs, such as the liver and kidney.

To find out if you have this condition, your gynae might call for a few tests as an early diagnosis. These tests can be as basic as Blood Pressure test or Urine test to detect signs of protein.

Early Signs

What are some of the early signs

Sudden swelling of limbs
Severe headaches
Reduction of urine output

Preventive Tips

There are some precautions you can take to prevent preeclampsia.

Dietary Care

Use little or no added salt in your meals.
Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
Avoid fried foods and junk food as these food will add to the dampness constitution in your body.
Avoid beverages containing caffeine and drinking alcohol – if you really need your dose of coffee, opt for decaf.

Physical Care

1. Get enough rest.
2. Exercise regularly so as to ensure that your pregnancy weight is controlled
3. Elevate your feet several times during the day
4. Include massage as part of your pre partum plan to relieve bodily aches and the swelling that will cause much discomfort. You can start to plan in pre partum massage from week 20th onwards.

TCM and Treatment

Swelling is common in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to the increase in circulating fluid in the body. From a TCM perspective, swelling may be from stagnant Qi, or deficiency in the spleen or kidney organ systems.

Placenta previa is when a pregnant woman’s placenta blocks the opening to the cervix that allows the baby to be born. This condition can cause severe bleeding before or during labor.

The main symptom of placenta previa is sudden light to heavy bleeding from the vagina.

What are the signs

cramps or sharp pains
bleeding that starts, stops, and begins again days or weeks later
bleeding during the second half of pregnancy

How do you test for it?

A proper diet, and regular exercise are important healthy lifestyle adjustments to prevent gestational diabetes.

Coping with it

A placenta previa diagnosis can be alarming for people who are expecting a baby. Here are some ideas for how to cope with your condition and how to prepare yourself for delivery.

Get educated

The more you know, the more you’ll know what to expect. Get in contact with other people who have been through placenta previa births.

Be prepared for caesarean delivery

Depending on the type of your placenta previa, you might not be able to have a vaginal birth. It’s good to remember the ultimate goal — the health of you and your baby.

Rest

Pelvic rest is important while you are experiencing this condition. Additionally you should not engage in any strenuous activity or heavy lifting. You’ll also be asked to avoid sex as well.

The post Top 3 Conditions Faced in Pregnancy first appeared on Madam Partum.

5 Chinese Herbs To Boost Your Pregnancy Health

Madam Partum — Wed, 11 May 2022 04:00:00 +0000

TCM promotes the holistic approach to maintain balance during pregnancy. TCM Herbs are prescribed and added into the pregnancy diet to boost energy levels and strengthen the body in order to cope with the changes during pregnancy. But when should you consume it and what is safe and beneficial for pregnant mothers? Let us share more with you!

Here are 3 common herbs that can boost your pregnancy health, and in the next post, we will be sharing another 2 herbs, one from a fruit and one from a flower!

A well-balanced diet with grains, vegetables, protein and fruits is one of the keys to keeping your baby’s healthy development during pregnancy. However, is that enough? Ask yourself the following questions, and so obviously, it’s time to nourish your pregnancy body with TCM herbs if your answer is “yes” to any of them.

1) Do you FEEL breathless during pregnancy?
2) Do you FEEL the water retention is worse?
3) Do you FEEL the constipation issue is worse?
4) Do you FEEL your skin complexion or colour is darkening?

Codonopsis Root

Codonopsis Root, known as “党参, Dǎng shēn”, is a herb that boosts vital energy or “qi” and reduces fatigue during pregnancy. If you constantly feel “breathless” and quickly get tired, rejuvenate yourself with a bowl of warm black chicken soup with Codonopsis Root every alternate week.

Black Chicken with Codonopsis Root

Black chicken with Codonopsis Root, Astragalus Root, white fungus, red dates for 1-2 hours. Sprinkle with a bit of goji berry after turning off the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Ingredients:

300-400g of Fresh Black chicken
5-6 sticks of Codonopsis Root
2 small pieces of White Fungus
5 Red dates
10g Wolfberries
1 liter of water

Steps:

Blanch black chicken by bring it to boil from cold water.
Boil herbs (except goji berries) with black chicken with 1 liter of water for 30 minutes
Simmer over a low heat for a further 45-60 minutes
Turn off the heat and mix wolfberries into soup and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Drink the prepared soup while it is hot.

Astragalus Root

Astragalus Root, known as “黄芪, Huáng qí”, is one of the most commonly used “super” herbs in many TCM medicine because of its potential healing benefits in treating a wide variety of health conditions. Vice versa, it is a “super” TCM herb for pregnant mothers because it promotes strength and stamina and the immune system.

Chinese Yam

Chinese Yam (淮山) comes with an abundance of “vital” properties that most pregnant mothers need. Consuming Chinese Yam is beneficial to supporting the spleen and digestion system and improving the absorption of nutrients. Rejuvenating your body with a plate of stir-fry Chinese yam and mushroom is always an excellent choice for you and your family members.

Stir-Fry Chinese Yam and Mushroom

Peel the outer skin of Chinese Yam (with gloves) and cut it into slices. Boil the sliced Chinese Yam in water for 3-5 minutes. Stir fry the mushrooms with garlic and add in Chinese Yam for 3 minutes before turning off the heat. Add salt or soy sauce for extra flavours.

Ingredients:

300-400g Fresh Chinese Yam
100g Mushroom
3 cloves of chopped Garlic
Salt or soy sauce
Oil

Steps:

Peel the outer skin of Fresh Chicken Yam and cut into slices
Blanch chinese yam by bring it to boil from cold water for 3-5 minutes
Add oil and bring it to hear
Stir fry the chopped garlic until it turns yellowish
Add mushroom and fresh Chinese Yam for 3-5 minutes
Add salt or soy sauce for extra flavors

Dried Lily Bulb

Dried Lily Bulb, known as 百合, is a common herb used in many of Asia’s tonic desserts. It is sweet and contains properties to soothe and promote lung health, calms and relaxes minds and improves fluid and skin complexion. With the loss of appetite and bouts of nausea and vomiting, this dessert will be a perfect choice for the day.

Dried Lily Bulb with Red Dates

Boiled dried lily bulbs with longan, lotus seeds and red dates for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Add rock sugar to enhance the taste.

Ingredients:

20 petals of Dried Lily Bulbs
20 Dried Longan
20 Dried Lotus Seeds
20 Red Dates
1500ml of water
A handful of Rock sugar

Steps:

Soak dried lotus seeds with hot water for 10 minutes.
Boil all the ingredients (except rock sugar) with 1.5 litre of water for 15 minutes
Simmer over a low heat for a further 30-45 minutes
Turn off the heat and add a handful of rock sugar for flavours.

Dried Orange Peels

Did you know that consuming red beans* (赤小豆) with dried orange peels will reduce water retention for mothers during pregnancy? If you have been troubled by water retention, pampering yourself with a warm red beans soup bowl is always an excellent choice! Dried orange peels (陈皮) are known herbs to improve “qi” circulation, digestion and bloating.

Red Beans with Dried Orange Peel

Boiled 2 cups of red beans (赤小豆) with one piece of orange peels for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Add rock sugar to enhance the taste.

*Based on TCM perspective, there are two types of red beans, known as红豆 or 赤小豆. 红豆are generally bright red and round. 赤小豆 is deep or dark red and oval.

Ingredients:

1.5 cups of red beans (赤小豆)
1 piece of dried orange peels
1500ml of water
A handful of Rock sugar

Steps:

Boil all the ingredients (except rock sugar) with 1.5 liter of water for 15 minutes
Simmer over a low heat for a further 30-45 minutes
Turn off the heat and add a handful of rock sugar for flavours.

Watch our Cooking With Yen episode, with invited lovely mum @keweitay. Featuring the Pre-Partum Collagen Nourishing Soup, made up of superior ingredients, filled with the richness of collagen from the fish maw and white fungus.

This soup is perfect for general consumption, especially for your family members and a little one who wishes to nourish their body. Click here to buy the soup.

Note: Above herbs and recipes are suggested for pregnant mothers with general consumption only. If you are suspected of or having health complications during pregnancy, it’s best to consult with your Chinese physician or TCM practitioner before taking it during pregnancy. Madam Partum shall not be liable for any consequences whatsoever arising from the consumption of the above herbs and recipes.

The post 5 Chinese Herbs To Boost Your Pregnancy Health first appeared on Madam Partum.

Remedies To Reduce Cellulite Or Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

Madam Partum — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 04:00:00 +0000

Stages of Stretch Marks

A mother’s stretch marks signifies how beautiful your body really is, a constant reminder and proof of the meaningful journey you’ve been through to give birth to your precious little one.

Do you know that stretch marks form in three different stages? And what can you do to reduce stretch mark appearance? Remember to continue following us for more tips.

You hear of how your friends complimented you on your pregnancy ‘glow’ and that could be attributed to your pregnancy hormones and increase in blood. During pregnancy, our body goes through an amazing phase of emotional and physical changes in order to gestate and grow your babies. Your skin and muscle will start to stretch to accommodate your growing baby and belly.

You may also experience stretch marks, as your abdomen and breasts grow. Stretch marks during pregnancy are usually found on the belly, breasts, thighs, and buttocks. They start out red, pink, or brown. Within a few months, they will fade to a light pink or silver. What week of pregnancy do stretch marks appear? Some women will start to get them in the second trimester, others might see them at around 30 weeks pregnant, and still others may not notice them until the last few weeks of the third trimester. Some women don’t get any at all.

Stage 1

Early stretch marks will appear pink in color, and may also be itchy. The skin immediately around the stretch marks may also look ‘flattened’ and ‘thin’.

Stage 2

Gradually, the stretch marks will enlarge in length and width and become a reddish or purple color.

Stage 3

Once the stretch marks have matured, they lose their reddish/pink hue. In the months after pregnancy, they will start to fade and become pale white or silver. They may also appear slightly depressed and irregular in shape or length.

Most women develop stretch marks on their abdomen during pregnancy, however, it is also common to get them on the breasts, thighs, hips, lower back, and buttocks. While they can appear anywhere on the body, they are most likely to appear in places where large amounts of fat are stored.While it’s important to know why, how and where stretch marks form in pregnancy, even more, important is to know how to help prevent them from forming in the first place.

How can I Reduce or Prevent Stretch Marks?

In TCM, we believe that food itself is medicine and can change the way our body works. Creating a diet or consciously seeking food that is beneficial to your body can help you in the long run. We all know one of the most important components of women’s skin is collagen.

Skin Food

Collagen and elastin fibers in the skin are necessary to keep rapidly growing skin taut. Eat foods that are rich in Vitamin E and C, zinc and silica, which help to form collagen. Vitamin C, in particular, is an important antioxidant that helps protect tissue from damage. Vitamins B2 (Riboflavin) and B3 (Niacin) are also said to help promote and maintain healthy skin.

Drinking sufficient water (approximately 2 litres a day) is essential in order to help strengthen and renew your skin.

Collagen Food Booster

Pre Partum Nourishing Collagen Soup helps in increasing the collagen intake which will be helpful in supporting mommies’ health during pregnancy and in her postpartum recuperation. When making this at home, boil it with bone to make a delicious bone broth collagen soup that is also good for general consumption for the family too!

Fish – are rich in collagen, especially the skin, as much of collagen are stored in the fish skin.

Citrus Fruits and Berries (like Oranges, Grapefruit) – Vitamin C plays a major role in the production of pro-collagen, the body’s factory to collagen. Therefore, getting enough vitamin C is critical.

Cashew Nuts – contain zinc and copper, both of which boost the body’s ability to create collagen.

Exercise

In addition to boosting energy levels as shared in our earlier post and the many other benefits such as reducing mood swings, improving sleep patterns and enhancing one’s overall self-image, exercise can also help to prevent stretch marks. Exercise improves circulation, which keeps the skin elastic and more able to stretch as it grows.

Control your Weight

Stretch marks can occur as your skin stretches due to rapid weight gain. A healthy range of weight gain would be between 11.5 – 16kg. If twins are expected, the recommended weight gain would be between 17 – 25kg. During your first prenatal check-up, have a discussion with your obstetrician & gynaecologist (O&G) about the amount of weight you should be gaining throughout your pregnancy.

Keep your Skin Supple

In addition to ensuring that you keep your skin supple through eating the right foods and getting enough exercise, you should use a topically-applied stretch mark oil or cream that is specifically formulated to maximize the skin’s elasticity and minimize the occurrence of stretch marks.

Your skin may also feel extra dry and itchy. This can be normal. You cannot totally prevent stretch marks, but there are things you can do to minimise their appearance if they do form. A nutritious diet, drinking plenty of water, stretch mark control creams and skin firming oils, and managing your weight can help. However, see your doctor if you experience excessive itchiness in late pregnancy.

The post Remedies To Reduce Cellulite Or Stretch Marks During Pregnancy first appeared on Madam Partum.