Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture in Pregnancy

Acupuncture is one of the gentlest and most well-studied ways to support pregnancy. Our TCM doctors adjust the points they use for each trimester and position you comfortably on your side or well supported. It can help with:

• Nausea and morning sickness
• Fatigue, sleep and stress
• Heartburn, digestion and constipation
• Headaches, back pain and pelvic pain
• Anxiety and emotional support, especially after fertility treatment or a previous loss
• Preparing your body for birth in the final weeks

How often:

• First trimester: weekly, especially after IVF or when symptoms are strong
• Second trimester: every 2 to 4 weeks, or more often if symptoms flare
• 36 weeks to birth: twice a week to help prepare your body for birth

Looking for something a little more indulgent? Our Mama Facial pairs body acupuncture with a mask, LED and a longer hands-on facial massage, with no facial acupuncture, so it is a lovely pregnancy-friendly way to rest.

Prenatal chiropractic with Dr. Chelsea Berry

Chiropractic in Pregnancy

As your baby grows, your centre of gravity shifts, your ligaments soften and your pelvis carries more load every week. Dr. Chelsea Berry is trained in the Webster Technique, a gentle chiropractic approach focused on pelvic balance and alignment during pregnancy. She adapts every visit to your comfort, and no forceful cracking is ever needed.

Book chiropractic if you notice:

• Low back pain or stiffness
• Pelvic girdle pain, including SI joint pain or pain at the front of the pubic bone
• Sciatica or pain travelling down the leg
• Hip pain, especially when sleeping on your side
• Round ligament pain
• Rib, upper back or neck tension as your posture changes
• Headaches
• Pain rolling over in bed, climbing stairs or getting in and out of the car

How often: many patients come every 2 to 4 weeks to stay ahead of discomfort, and more often in the third trimester or when pain flares. Chelsea will recommend a rhythm based on how you are feeling.

Gentle relief for swelling

Lymphatic Drainage in Pregnancy

Your blood volume and fluid levels rise a lot in pregnancy, and swelling in the feet, ankles and hands is very common, especially later on. Brazilian lymphatic drainage uses light, rhythmic movements to help move that fluid, ease heaviness and calm your nervous system. It can help with:

• Swollen feet, ankles and hands
• Heavy, tired legs
• Bloating and puffiness
• Stress and sleep

How often:

• From the second trimester: every 2 to 4 weeks
• Third trimester: every 1 to 2 weeks as swelling builds
• Postpartum: wonderful for recovery, including after a caesarean once your care provider has cleared you

Please let us know about any pregnancy complications before booking. Sudden swelling in your face or hands, swelling with a headache or vision changes, or pain and swelling in one leg should be checked by your midwife or doctor right away.

Naturopathic medicine

Naturopathic Support in Pregnancy

Our naturopathic doctors work alongside your midwife or doctor to make sure your body has what it needs through each trimester. It is a great idea to see an ND early in pregnancy, even when everything feels fine. They can help with:

• Your prenatal supplement plan: choosing the right prenatal and adding vitamin D, omega-3s, choline or iodine based on your diet and bloodwork
• Bloodwork review: checking iron, B12, vitamin D and thyroid, and catching deficiencies early
• A safety check of everything you take: going through your supplements, herbs, teas and skincare to flag anything that is not pregnancy safe, which is especially helpful when you are coming off a fertility protocol
• Nausea and morning sickness
• Constipation and heartburn
• Blood sugar support if you are at risk of gestational diabetes
• Thyroid support as your needs change
• Mood, sleep and anxiety
• Preparing for postpartum, including recovery nutrition, rebuilding iron after birth and breastfeeding support

Iron & Nutrient IVs

Your need for iron rises a lot in pregnancy, and low iron is very common, especially in the second and third trimesters. It can show up as exhaustion, breathlessness, dizziness, restless legs or a racing heart. When oral iron is not enough or is hard to tolerate, an iron IV infusion can rebuild your stores much more efficiently. Our naturopathic doctors also offer nutrient IVs where they are a good fit.

These treatments always start with a consultation with one of our NDs, who will review your bloodwork and history and coordinate with your midwife or doctor. Iron infusions in pregnancy are generally given after the first trimester when they are medically indicated, so it is worth getting on our radar early. If you have recent bloodwork, including ferritin, please bring it along.

Working Alongside Your Care Team

Our care is here to complement the care you receive from your midwife, family doctor or OB, never to replace it. Our practitioners share notes and coordinate with each other, and we are always happy to communicate with your care team. Many of our patients continue straight on from our fertility care, and we love being there for the whole journey.