Balancing energy levels in Pregnancy

What an exciting time it is anticipating the birth of your baby, whether it is your first or a new addition to your growing family. We can say with confidence, there are few experiences in life that top the moment your pregnancy is confirmed. At Senses we offer Reflexology, Yoga , Pilates and Holistic support for you as you prepare for a healthy pregnancy . We can continue to work together as your body adjusts to the various changes of pregnancy. I have been inspired to start a blog series offering safe, simple self-help suggestions for the common side-effects of pregnancy. Topics will include everything from the first trimester through to preparing for labor and finally, the postpartum period.

“PREGNANCY FATIGUE”

Fatigue is a common in the early stages of pregnancy, with a sudden loss of energy as your body gets used to all the changes. Your body is adjusting to the extra workload of the developing placenta as well as hormonal changes. This fatigue often lasts throughout the first trimester, with a sense of renewed energy starting at about week 13. Toward the end of your pregnancy, in your last trimester, fatigue is often linked to the additional weight gained, lack of sleep due to frequent bathroom visits, or the position of the baby, making it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position.

During a consultation with me, we will look at all the things you would like to address and  I will then advise a course of treatments like reflexology to help you sleep better or pilates to help you move better and feel stronger, yoga to stretch out tight hips all suited for your particular presentation. I  explore reflexology and the 5 elements system with you and they include looking at deficiencies in the body and then addressing how we can balance the system:

• Qi deficiency: fatigue that is worse after exertion and better with rest.
• Yang deficiency: includes some of the signs of Qi deficiency plus sensations of feeling cold.
• Yin deficiency: fatigue, restlessness, and heat signs, like warm flashes or night sweats.
• Liver Qi stagnation: fatigue that is worse with inactivity and stress.
• Liver Blood deficiency: fatigue, weakness, dry skin, pale lips, and poor memory.

Reflexology, and exercise is useful at any stage of your pregnancy.  We would advise you to listen to your body and slow down if needed.  This is not the time to push the envelope on your energy reserves.  Small, simple lifestyle or nutritional changes will correspond to increased energy.

SELF-HELP SUGGESTIONS

For those presenting with patterns such as Qi deficiency or Yang deficiency:

• Think about how you can reduce your workload.
• Dress warmly.
• Start work later in the morning if possible.
• Go to bed earlier.
• Pay attention to your sleep hygiene: keep your room dark; remove electronics like TV’s and laptops from your bedroom; if outside noise is an issue, use a white noise device.
• Your diet should incorporate Qi and Yang tonifying foods and preparations: limit the consumption of cold and raw foods; lightly steam or roast veggies with rosemary, add a little garlic or ginger to stir-fry;  add cinnamon, or cloves to fruit compotes or rice soup.

Yin deficient patients need to support and conserve their Yin energy:

• Seek out activities that are calming as opposed to stimulating, i.e., gentle moving meditations, Qigong or prenatal yoga help to center and ground your energy reserves.
• Avoid foods that are too stimulating like caffeinated drinks, pick-me-up snacks with too much sugar.
• Incorporate Yin nourishing foods like banana, mango, legumes, and fish .
• Small frequent meals, rather than less frequent, large meals, keep blood sugar levels stable, minimizing those after meal or mid-day energy slumps.
• Try different kinds of milk to make fruit smoothies, such as almond, rice, hemp or coconut milk as these are less mucus-producing, and nourish the Yin energy.

Remember how incredible your body is.  Enjoy, marvel, and embrace the changes your body is going through and bringing forth!