Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Solve Pregnancy Sleep Problems?

Very soon after conception, a woman's body begins to devote a significant portion of its energy to that growing bundle of joy. But even though all that effort can leave many women feeling tired and fatigued throughout pregnancy, sleep can sometimes be hard to come by. It's not just from lying awake wondering about baby names or nursery decorating schemes...fluctuating hormones, a changing body, and stress can often keep a pregnant woman up all night, not to mention the occasional tiny foot kicking at her bladder. If a woman already has low energy (in Chinese medicine it's called a deficiency in qi) or is particularly stressed out, she can feel even more fatigued during pregnancy (and crave more sleep!) than usual, since the energy she normally has for work and physical activities is now redirected inward, and if she can't sleep at night, well that's a recipe for disaster.

Exhausted and run-down is no way to spend nine whole months! Traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture and certain herbs, can definitely help build up your strength and stamina as well as help you get more restful pregnancy sleep. I also recommend eating well and trying to avoid stress. If you feel fatigued during pregnancy, it's helpful to see if you're experiencing any nutritional deficiencies. Not getting enough B vitamins, iron, or folic acid can definitely zap energy. A practitioner of Chinese medicine can usually identify these deficiencies or refer you to a nutritionist. Just be sure that before you start taking any herbs or herbal supplements, you clear it with your regular doctor first -- not all of them are safe to take during pregnancy.