Are you pregnant or trying to conceive? Take a look at some of the prenatal treatments available here in the UAE that can help you on your way.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest treatment procedures in the world and is a form of therapy that promotes the natural healing of the body. It is a safe, drug free and effective natural therapy with the overall aim being to restore the body’s equilibrium. Acupuncture is performed by using a very specialised, skinny and painless needle. It is safe and there are no side effects to the treatment.
Dr. Tang of the Dr. Tang Acupuncture Clinic in Dubai says “in our clinic, we provide therapies to assist women in conceiving naturally and also in preparation for IVF and IUI. We believe that the patient should not go for IVF without preparing the reproductive system to be in the best condition to conceive.” Dr. Tang cites that stress is one of the main causes for infertility and acupuncture is clinically considered to be the best drug free therapy for stress and depression.
Chiropractic care for pregnancy involves gentle forms of adjustments and manipulations to the joints and muscles, where there may be small misalignments or excessive tension, leading to problems. It is perfectly safe for both mother and baby when performed by an appropriately qualified chiropractor, and one who is experienced in prenatal care.
Dr. Steven Marsland from the Canadian Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi advises that chiropractic care can be beneficial in pregnancy for a wide range of problems, including pelvic and low back pain, sciatica, pubic symphysis dysfunction (PSD), upper back and neck pain. Many women also see a chiropractor to check and maintain an optimal pelvic alignment, as there is a large amount of evidence that this can help make the birth process less traumatic, shorten labour time, and reduce the need for intervention. There are no side effects, though some people may experience some short-term soreness for a day or so after the treatment.
The philosophy of Osteopathy focuses on the unity of all body parts and the principle that structure and function are interrelated and interdependent. Treatment aims to normalise the structure so that it functions as efficiently as possible. Osteopathic treatment during pregnancy can help to align the body so that the pelvis and spinal mechanics are in the best possible position and with as little tension or restriction as possible. Osteopathic treatment will maximise the body’s ability to change and support you and your baby with minimum pain and discomfort.
Lauren Whalan, an Osteopath from the Osteopathic Health Centre in Dubai tells us that Osteopathic treatment may help to ease back pain, neck and shoulder pain, muscular tension, lower abdominal pain or pubic symphsis pain, headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, insomnia, circulatory problems, heartburn, indigestion, and constipation to name a few conditions. Osteopathy is safe and gentle for both the mother and the baby with the techniques used during pregnancy being carefully selected and adapted to suit each patient to minimise any risk. About half of the patients report mild increase in pain or stiffness, headache, or tiredness after the first one or two sessions. This is part of the normal process and patients need not worry about this, however they must report this to their Osteopath during the treatment.
Jade Lukas from the Canadian Medical Centre in Abu Dhabi is a physiotherapist with training in pregnancy and post-natal healthcare. Jade explains that Physiotherapy consists of a full assessment of posture and functional physical movements including strength and any pain that may be present. After identifying any problem areas treatment may include manual therapy. This can include mobilisation of the spine, soft tissues and myofascial release along with exercises to strengthen particular muscle groups specific to pregnancy. This will assist the body in coping with pregnancy as it progresses.
The benefits of physiotherapy include a stronger body and easier labour, as well as a leaner and stronger body post-partum. There are no negative side effects.
Pre-natal massage is a technique involving deep bodywork designed to promote relaxation, improve circulation, take some of the strain off muscles and joints and generally re-energize.
Moira Pirzad, Owner of De La Mer Day Spa says that regular prenatal massages can not only help with relaxation, but may also relieve insomnia, joint pain, neck and back pain, leg cramping, and sciatica. Additionally, massage can reduce swelling in the hands and feet, relieve carpal tunnel pain and alleviate headaches and sinus congestion — all common pregnancy problems. Pregnancy massage should only be considered after the first-trimester, with the best time being during the second trimester. If there are any underlying health conditions, it may be best to avoid antenatal massage – check with your doctor. Always tell the therapist you're pregnant and take care to choose a certified pregnancy massage therapist as they are specifically trained to know which pressure points to avoid.
Reflexology is an ancient complementary healing therapy that is natural and non-invasive. It is based on the principle that different reflex points on our feet, hands, face and ears correspond to all our organs, glands, systems and musculoskeleton of the body. Reflexology is usually performed on the feet, however it can also be done on the hands and ears. Anne Cook, owner and director of The Healing Zone Academy says “we use the feet as the client is more relaxed lying on a massage bed and the therapist is able to get a good position to do the treatment that way.”
Holistic Wellness Specialist Vandana Mendonca says that as Reflexology works to help the body reach a natural balance it is completely safe to receive it during all stages of pregnancy, and a trained reflexologist will know which reflex areas to stimulate according to the stages of pregnancy and the general health of the individual. Mendonca uses a combination of face, foot and hand reflexology and has noticed that with regular sessions women tend to feel relaxed, calm and balanced. This in turn also keeps the baby calm, and also addresses pregnancy related conditions including back pain, swelling of hands and feet, heartburn, indigestion, nausea, disturbed sleep, hormonal imbalances, mood swings and more.