Pregnancy: Your Journey Begins
A New Chapter: Embracing Pregnancy Congratulations! Seeing those two pink lines is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring a wave of questions and emotions. At The Violette House, we are dedicated to supporting you physically, emotionally, and holistically throughout your pregnancy. This guide will provide essential insights to help you navigate this transformative journey with confidence and ease.
Acupuncture: A Pillar of Prenatal Wellness
Acupuncture is a time-honored practice that fosters a healthy pregnancy by harmonizing the body, alleviating discomfort, and optimizing fetal development.
First Trimester (0-12 weeks): Weekly acupuncture is highly recommended to enhance stability, ease nausea and fatigue, and support emotional balance.
Second & Third Trimesters: Ongoing treatments help alleviate back pain, improve sleep, reduce swelling, and support digestion and circulation.
Final Weeks (36+ weeks): Acupuncture assists in labor preparation, supports optimal baby positioning, and encourages a smooth birthing process.
Post-natal Support: If you are past 40 weeks, acupuncture can naturally encourage labor and promote a gentle birth experience.
Urgent Considerations: When to Seek Immediate Care
While pregnancy is a natural process, certain symptoms require prompt attention. Contact us if you experience:
Spotting, bleeding, or cramping (though sometimes normal, it should always be assessed)
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Unusual muscle pain, extreme fatigue, or insomnia
Diagnoses such as placenta previa, incontinence, gestational diabetes, GBS positive, or breech positioning
A scheduled C-section and seek pre- and post-operative support
Through acupuncture and moxibustion, we offer support to help maintain a healthy pregnancy and minimize complications.
Nourishing Yourself and Your Baby
A well-balanced diet is essential for supporting fetal growth and maternal well-being. Consider the following nutritional principles:
Balanced Meals: Aim for three meals and three snacks daily.
Quality Over Quantity: Rather than “eating for two,” focus on nutrient-rich foods that provide essential nourishment.
Digestibility Matters: Favor warm, easily digestible meals like soups and stews to support digestion and energy levels.
Protein Power: Strive for 75-100g of protein daily to support fetal development.
Organic & Whole Foods: Prioritize organic, grass-fed meats and organic fruits and vegetables whenever possible.
Smart Carbohydrates: Opt for whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables over refined sugars and processed foods.
Hydration: Stay well-hydrated with water, herbal teas, and mineral-rich broths.
Coping with Morning Sickness: Small, frequent meals, incorporating protein every 1-2 hours, and consuming ginger, peppermint, or lemon tea can provide relief. Avoid rich or heavy foods that may exacerbate nausea.
Foods to Limit or Avoid:
Raw or smoked fish, raw shellfish, and raw eggs
Unpasteurized dairy products and deli meats
Raw sprouts (alfalfa, mung bean, etc.)
Spicy foods (which can be overly stimulating in early pregnancy)
Alcohol and excessive caffeine (limit to 100mg per day)
Green tea (which may inhibit folic acid absorption)
Foundations of Nourishment: Foods That Deeply Support Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body becomes a vessel of creation and transformation. The foods you choose can either deplete or replenish your reserves. To help you feel your best and nourish your growing baby, focus on nutrient-dense, energetically balanced foods that support vitality and digestion:
Key Foods to Emphasize:
Bone Broths & Mineral-Rich Soups – Strengthen blood and fluids while warming the digestive system.
Stewed or Braised Meats – Especially grass-fed beef, lamb, and chicken to support Qi and blood production.
Cooked Greens & Root Vegetables – Such as kale, chard, sweet potatoes, and carrots to nourish yin and blood.
Warming Grains – Oats, millet, and brown rice support digestion and energy without dampening the system.
Eggs (fully cooked) – A gentle, complete protein that builds essence and supports tissue repair.
Seaweed & Small Fish (low in mercury) – Provide iodine and trace minerals vital for fetal development.
Black Sesame Seeds, Goji Berries & Jujube Dates – Tonify blood and support reproductive wellness from a Chinese medicine perspective.
Eating Practices to Support Absorption:
Chew slowly and eat without distractions to enhance digestion.
Favor warm, cooked meals over raw or cold foods, especially in early pregnancy.
Aim for gentle variety—too much complexity can overwhelm digestion.
This way of eating doesn’t just fuel pregnancy—it builds the foundation for postpartum healing and long-term vitality.
The Art of Rest: Honoring Your Changing Body
Your body is undergoing profound transformations, making rest and rejuvenation essential:
Prioritize ample sleep and listen to your body’s natural rhythms.
Reduce stress by incorporating meditation, deep breathing, and gentle stretching into your routine.
Set boundaries and avoid unnecessary obligations that may drain your energy.
Movement for Vitality: Safe Exercise in Pregnancy
Maintaining circulation and mobility is crucial for overall well-being and labor preparation. Gentle, intentional movement supports your body’s natural rhythms.
Recommended Activities:
Walking, swimming, tai chi, prenatal yoga, and Pilates
Strength training with appropriate modifications
Balancing exertion with periods of rest (e.g., swim a few laps, then float to relax)
Exercises to Avoid:
High-impact activities, excessive twisting, or abdominal crunching
Hot yoga or any exercise that causes overheating
Intimacy & Pregnancy: Understanding Your Body’s Needs
During the first trimester, we advise refraining from intercourse, particularly if you have a history of miscarriage, infertility, or pregnancy-related bleeding. As your pregnancy progresses, open communication and comfort adjustments can help maintain intimacy.
The Wisdom of Warmth: A Chinese Medicine Perspective
According to Chinese medicine, a warm womb fosters a thriving pregnancy. To support this:
Consume warm foods and avoid icy beverages
Dress warmly, particularly in colder months
Refrain from sitting on cold surfaces and exposure to extreme cold
Avoid saunas, hot tubs, and overheating—warm baths are fine but avoid excessive heat
Travel & Pregnancy: Making Informed Choices
Although research is inconclusive on the risks of flying during pregnancy, we recommend avoiding air travel in the first 12 weeks to minimize any potential miscarriage risk. If flying is necessary, prioritize hydration, frequent movement, and circulation support.
Essential Prenatal Supplements
Prenatal Vitamin (Whole food-based) – A comprehensive multivitamin for essential nutrients
Prenatal DHA – Supports fetal brain and nervous system development
Vitamin D – Crucial for immune function and bone health
Maternity Probiotics – Recommended from week 20 onward for gut health
Pregnancy Tea – Herbal blends support digestion, relaxation, and overall well-being
Further Reading: Deepening Your Knowledge
Expand your understanding with these trusted resources:
The Natural Pregnancy Book – Aviva Jill Romm
Beautiful Babies – Kristen Michaelis
The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child Care – Sally Fallon
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn – Penny Simkins
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother – Amely Greeven & Marisa Belger
Pregnancy is an extraordinary journey, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Located in Groton, MA, The Violette House is here to provide compassionate care, holistic therapies, and unwavering support every step of the way. Book an appointment for acupuncture, nutritional guidance, and pregnancy wellness to optimize your experience and prepare for your baby’s arrival with confidence and grace.