PREGNANCY AND INFERTILITY

Both maternal and paternal health is important to consider when planning to start a family. Our practitioners address conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, unexplained infertility, recurring miscarriage, low sperm count, etc. Natural therapies can establish optimal health of the organs and systems that are vital to reproduction and pregnancy in order to allow conception to take place.

In addition to addressing specific conditions impacting fertility, our practitioners work with couples interested in preconception healthcare. Many conditions we experience as adults are influenced by the environment of our mothers body during pregnancy.

Involvement in preconception care with your naturopathic doctor would entail dietary and lifestyle guidance as well as supplementation to ensure the optimal environment to support your baby for nine months. Naturopathic medicine can help to prepare the body and mind for pregnancy, support the body while pregnant, treat common pregnancy related complaints and support the health of your new baby.

Treatments may include acupuncture, nutrient supplementation, herbal medicine, lifestyle and dietary counselling as well as stress management.

Osteopathy treatments for infertility may involve things like; treating pelvic muscle and skeletal hip/sacral/coccyx restrictions, visceral treatment to increase blood flow to and from pelvic organs, utilize the small intestine and surrounding musculature to unwind tension around the uterus/bladder. Treatments for pregnancy may involve; treating any rib restrictions & diaphragms for better range of motion, digestion and breathing, treating pelvic muscle and skeletal hip/sacral/coccyx restrictions, gentle releasing of lower back muscles to assist in pain relief.

Acupuncture is safe throughout pregnancy. It can help alleviate symptoms of morning sickness and fatigue in the first trimester and beyond. Throughout the 3rd trimester, it can help alleviate pelvic and back pain. It can also aid in ripening of the cervix and reducing stress and anxiety in preparation for labour. It is possible to reduce the need for medical interventions (i.e.. epidurals, C-sections, etc.) during labour with regular acupuncture treatments throughout pregnancy. Acupuncture can help in identifying the root cause of infertility (every body is different!) and treating that root cause as well as any current symptoms. It can also be a great supportive treatment for those going through IVF or other alternative methods of conception, increasing the chances of success.

Massage therapy is often a safe and effective tool in managing aches and pains during pregnancy and may help to reduce the stress and anxiety that may accompany pregnancy and infertility.

Chiropractic treatments may be really effective for helping with the pain and discomfort that comes with pregnancy. Usually pregnant patients with pain in the spine or hips do very well with chiropractic care.

Counselling is a great way to support your mental health when it comes to fears, anxieties, grief, etc.. that may accompany pregnancy or infertility. Oftentimes there is a large mental and emotional aspect to both of these things, so supporting your mental health is essential. Speaking to a therapist may help.