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Understanding Tocolysis: A Safer Pregnancy
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Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. After the congratulatory “woo’s” and “wow’s,” it is still important to prioritize the health of the mom and fetus. Tocolysis is the procedure in which medications are used to delay the delivery of the fetus in women presenting preterm contractions. Therefore, understanding the diet, lifestyle, and precautions will allow each mother-to-be to enjoy a smooth-sailing pregnancy.
What Is It For?
It is the biggest blessing for a baby to be in the protection of the womb for 10 full months. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case all the time, miscarriages happen, as well as preterm birth (categorized as giving birth before week 37).
Therefore, the procedure of tocolysis is to prevent preterm birth or miscarriages and to protect the fetus inside the womb so that all organs and functions will be fully matured at the time of birth.
What Situations Require Tocolysis?
The Ministry of Health and Welfare states that one should rest as soon as possible if there are warning signs of frequent uterine contractions, amniotic fluid rupture, vaginal bleeding, fetal drop, and strong abdominal pain or tightness. If these symptoms keep occurring, however, it is required to seek medical attention immediately, and highly recommended to consider tocolysis procedures.
1. Preeclampsia
Sometimes known as “pregnancy toxemia” or “fatty liver syndrome,” preeclampsia is a condition that will only happen during pregnancy to those who don’t have a history of high blood pressure. Symptoms like high blood pressure, protein in urine, or whole-body edema may potentially lead to a life-threatening condition called eclampsia, which causes spasms, seizures, etc, affecting the mother and the baby’s overall health.
2. Placenta previa
Under normal circumstances, the placenta should be attached to the upper segment or on the side of the uterus so it doesn’t block the fetal passage. If the placenta is placed “lower,” like covering or near the cervix, it is considered placenta previa. Clinically, placenta previa is categorized into 4 scenarios:
- Total placenta previa
- Partial placenta previa
- Marginal placenta previa
- Low lying placenta
It is extremely dangerous for women with total placenta previa and partial placenta previa to give birth naturally.
3. Short cervix length and cervical atresia
The length of the cervix is also a cause of miscarriage, often accompanied by fatigue and a feeling of falling. Pregnant women should avoid standing or lifting heavy things for too long. If more prominent symptoms arise, TCM doctors can also perform acupuncture procedures. (⚠️Must be performed by a licensed TCM doctor.)
Normally, the cervix is completely closed before and during pregnancy, and will only change (thinner, shorter) towards the end of the pregnancy to allow for the fetus to pass through. But if the cervix doesn’t close or open beforehand, called “cervical incompetence,” it could lead to preterm birth. The actual cause of cervical incompetence is still unknown.
4. Recurrent miscarriages
Recurrent miscarriages refer to those who have miscarried up to 3 or more times and are often directed to TCM for conditioning and further care. The majority of recurrent miscarriages could be caused and affected by immune problems. Too much oral medication isn’t recommended, and can sometimes be paired with acupuncture for a more well-rounded treatment.
5. Insufficient amniotic fluid
Insufficient amniotic fluid is also often paired with TCM for treatment. Once water ruptures and the fetal urinary tract system is ruled out, TCM doctors theorize it might be an energy deficiency that affects the production of amniotic fluid.
3 Warning Signs of Preterm Birth
Symptoms of abdominal pain, cramps, frequent uterine contractions, and abnormal bleeding and discharge might be warning signs of preterm birth.
⚠️ Frequent uterine contractions
It is normal to experience short and irregular contractions during labor. However, if uterine contractions happen between weeks 20 to 37, and contractions are long, frequent, and regular, it is highly recommended to seek immediate medical attention.
⚠️ Abnormal bleeding or discharge
A small number of women may see vaginal bleeding in their early terms of pregnancy. However, vaginal bleeding in mid to late pregnancy may be a sign of preterm birth. If mucus and blood are found in discharge and secretions before week 35, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention
.
⚠️ Continuous abdominal pain or cramping
Pain and cramping is normal during pregnancy, but the focal point of the discomfort must be identified first. For example, if diarrhea and vomiting occur, it might be gastrointestinal problems; if premature placental separation happens, any sensation of touch to the stomach will hurt. Any form of discomfort and pain must be taken seriously and to seek medical attention.
3 Common Methods That Help
When situations arise that may require tocolysis, it is recommended to start alleviating pressure by these three methods.
Balanced diet
Women in pregnancy should consume frequent meals that are less in quantity, and focus on a light, nutritious diet. It is also normal to experience water retention, bloating, or edema while pregnant, so a diet with less sodium is strongly recommended.
Avoid stress
Getting adequate sleep and rest is also equally as important; without enough rest, it’s easy to experience negative mood changes, and with hormonal changes during pregnancy, prenatal depression could be a risk. To be able to properly release stress and pressure is an important part. Dr. Yu Chuan Chen states that it’s important to “be happy and try not to get angry since it’s unhealthy for the fetus.”
Traditional Chinese medicine conditioning
Early pregnancy calls for sufficient rest, and alongside Western medicine, it’s also common to condition and care for one’s health with traditional Chinese medicine. The medication, herbal soups, and acupuncture procedures are all harmless to fetal development, and can even assist in alleviating the discomfort that comes with pregnancy.
NUWA TCM’s Detailed Treatment Plan
As stated above, adequate rest, sleep, and diet all contribute to overall health during pregnancy. If tocolysis is required during the first few months of pregnancy, it is also recommended to implement both Western and Chinese medicine treatments. Dr. Li Ling Shen from NUWA TCM states that the overall health of a pregnant woman could be impacted by stress or previous unhealed wounds. The graph below shows us some of the most common situations.
| Syndromes | Backache | Abdominal pain | Bleeding/blood clots | Others | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spleen & Kidney Deficiency | Backache, difficulty standing straight | Dull pain in lower abdomen | Light red and brown spotting | Frequent diarrhea | Shou Tai Pill |
| Qi & Blood Deficiency | Uncertain | Dull pain with falling sensation in lower abdomen | Light red bleeding, volume uncertain | History of amenia | Tai Yuan Drink |
| Blood Heat | Common | Dull or sharp pain in lower abdomen | Bright red bleeding | Dry mouth | Qing Re An Tai Drink |
| Blood Stasis | Uncommon | Sharp pain in specific region of lower abdomen | Dark red bleeding with clots | - | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Pill, Shou Tai Pill |
NUWA TCM’s Medical Director, Dr. Yu Chuan Chen points out that in TCM theory, it is best to undergo tocolysis in early pregnancy, in case situations like a decreased immune system, blood deficiency, or a cold uterus arise.
Better Diet, Better Health
| Nutritional Value | Types of Food |
|---|---|
| Whole grains | Recommended to choose whole grain or brown rice over white rice to avoid refined starch |
| Quality protein | Beans, seafood, eggs, meat, and soymilk and tofu for vegetarian options |
| Iron | Consume more red meat and leafy greens like beef, spinach, red amaranth, etc. to replenish vitamin C |
| Vitamins & minerals | Consume more vitamin B, folic acid, DHA-rich food like dark leafy greens, nuts, tuna, salmon, mackerel |
| Calcium | Common foods high in calcium are: milk, cheese, sesame seeds, red amaranth, kale, fish |
What should we eat to better nourish ourselves? It’s best to consume nutrient-rich food and to avoid raw, oily, fermented, or high-sodium food. The graph below states the recommended nutritional value:
Everyone’s physical condition is different, so please consult with your doctor if there are any questions!
Daily Care For the Long Run
It is so critical to take care of yourself in all aspects during your journey, and keeping these things in mind will have benefits in the long run.
1. Avoid smoking and alcohol
Avoid smoking and alcohol at all costs, for it could greatly affect fetal development.
2. Avoid lifting heavy items
During pregnancy, the uterus presses on the pelvic cavity, forcing pressure onto it. So it is best to avoid lifting heavy items and doing excessive physical labor.
3. Routine prenatal checkups
Pregnant women should have regular prenatal checkups to ensure the good physical health of the fetus and mom. If there are any discomforts and concerns, you should also reach out to your doctor.
Pregnancy is a rewarding and heartwarming journey, and it is best to follow doctor’s orders and recommendations to be in top-notch health. If there are any concerns or questions, you are more than welcome to consult NUWA TCM for a safe and healthy pregnancy. 👉Register for an appointment online
Author’s Information
NUWA TCM
NUWA’s TCM team boasts over 20 years of experience, with clinics in Taipei and Taichung. We offer an individual acupuncture room, prioritizing your privacy and comfort above all else. We hope we can provide even more comfort on this recuperating journey in our TCM clinic.
Main Services: Infertility treatment, pregnancy preparation, pregnancy, postpartum care, miscarriages, menstrual pain, allergies, weight loss, F.A.C.E., sleep disorders, child growth and development, etc. 👉 Learn more about NUWA Healthcare