Prenatal and Postnatal Care in White Rock, British Columbia
Receiving proper care before, during and after pregnancy can make all the difference. There are so many unknowns, symptoms and questions that come up. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. Working with a naturopathic doctor can help to optimize your health and your baby’s health during your pregnancy. We support you at every step of the way to help reduce symptoms and ease anxiety.
What symptoms can be improved?
Symptoms can change daily in pregnancy, and every woman has a different and unique experience. My goal is to set you up to have a healthy pregnancy, ensure you are taking the proper forms and dosages of certain vitamins and nutrients, prevent difficult symptoms and provide you the tools to manage symptoms should they arise for you. Below are a few symptoms that I commonly treat during and after pregnancy:
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Hair loss
- Heartburn
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Pelvic and back pain
- Swollen ankles and feet
What to expect when seeing a naturopathic doctor for pregnancy health
Your initial visit is 1.5 hours and includes a full health history and assessment. I often run lab testing in order to better understand factors such as hormonal health, thyroid function and nutrient deficiencies. At the end of your first visit you will receive a treatment plan that is specific for your health concerns and goals. This always includes a proper, high quality prenatal vitamin with the most absorbable forms of nutrients at the proper dosages. This makes a huge difference in the health of your pregnancy and your associated symptoms. I also educate all of my pregnant patients on what food, supplements and herbs to avoid during the duration of pregnancy. Every treatment option I choose is safe in pregnancy. I ensure there are no interactions between any medications or supplements you are currently taking.
The second visit is often 1-2 months afterwards, and is 1 hour long. We will review all labs in detail, perform any necessary physical exams, follow up on our prior treatment plan and address any new questions or concerns that have come up for you. Subsequent visits are around 30 minutes, and occur every 1-2 months depending on the case.
Acupuncture can be helpful in pregnancy to ameliorate unwanted symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, swelling, constipation and back/pelvic pain. Acupuncture points are chosen specifically for you, depending on your goals and concerns. I often recommend doing acupuncture every 1-2 weeks during pregnancy because symptoms can change from week to week. Acupuncture is beneficial for preparing the body for labor. It is often recommended during the final weeks of pregnancy.