New mothers experiencing morning sickness and fatigue in early pregnancy: Can they take traditional Chinese medicine to nourish their bodies? Traditional Chinese medicine explains dietary taboos + ...

Having children is a major life event. During the 40 weeks of pregnancy, expectant mothers experience various physiological and psychological changes. Some pregnant women experience discomfort in early pregnancy, such as morning sickness, loss of appetite, and fatigue. Registered Chinese medicine practitioner Wong Ching-ching recently shared with the *Sing Tao Daily* that the first 12 weeks of pregnancy are the most crucial stage for embryonic development and also the period most prone to miscarriage. Hormonal changes during early pregnancy also increase the likelihood of pregnancy discomfort. Dr. Wong shared three methods to alleviate pregnancy discomfort and dietary restrictions during early pregnancy.

Dr. Wong pointed out that the first trimester generally refers to the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This period is the most important stage for embryonic development and also the time when miscarriage is most likely to occur, so extra caution is needed. Some pregnant women experience symptoms of miscarriage in early pregnancy. If these symptoms persist and are accompanied by lower back pain, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, it indicates an unstable pregnancy. If the woman does not rest and recuperate in time, the chance of miscarriage will increase. Light vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, intermittent but without lower back pain or abdominal pain, is called "troubled miscarriage" in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Lower back pain, abdominal pain, a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen, or vaginal bleeding during pregnancy are called "restless fetal movement." Both are considered signs of threatened miscarriage and require rest and care to reduce bleeding and protect the fetus. She cautioned that this period is crucial for embryo implantation and development, and women should avoid strenuous activity, walking, or lifting heavy objects.

3 ways to improve pregnancy discomfort

Due to hormonal changes, pregnant women are more prone to symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating at work, and even dizziness in early pregnancy. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, this is because the fetus is initially formed, and qi and blood are concentrated in the uterus, causing an imbalance in the qi and blood used normally, thus making them more prone to fatigue. If the expectant mother already has insufficient qi and blood, insufficient kidney qi, or weak spleen and stomach, Traditional Chinese Medicine recommends that in addition to rest, she should also properly nourish and strengthen her body. Regarding pregnancy discomfort, Dr. Huang also shared the following three methods to improve pregnancy symptoms:

Do expectant mothers need to take supplements?

Dr. Huang reminds expectant mothers that not all pregnant women need to take supplements, especially those with symptoms of heatiness. Many mothers choose to drink chicken essence for supplementation. Dr. Huang says that chicken essence is relatively mild and is more suitable for those who feel listless after waking up, are thin, have insufficient qi and blood, or feel tired and lack energy in the afternoon. It can also be used to supplement protein and energy. As for ginseng, deer antler, Korean ginseng, angelica, etc., it is not recommended for expectant mothers to consume them, because these kinds of tonic Chinese medicines are easy to over-tonify, which can easily disturb qi and blood and cause fetal restlessness.

In early pregnancy, expectant mothers should pay extra attention to their diet. Dr. Huang reminds everyone to avoid any food or medication that may affect fetal development or the mother's pregnancy. The following types of food should be avoided: