Prenatal Care for Pregnant Women
Phase 1: Early Pregnancy Care
According to Sun Simiao, an ancient Chinese physician and author of the book "Qian Jin Yao Fang," during this phase, when the fetus is not fully formed, it is not advisable to take medication. The focus should be on mental well-being. Pregnant women should try to avoid looking at unpleasant things, listening to inappropriate sounds, speaking arrogantly, and having negative thoughts or fears. This phase requires both physical and mental care.
In terms of diet: meals should be light and well-cooked, and it is important to consume foods that clear heat and nourish the body rather than foods that warm the body, as this can lead to fetal heat and excessive movement, increasing the risk of miscarriage.
If experiencing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or indigestion, pregnant women can try some food therapy to alleviate these symptoms. For example, a cup of sugarcane juice (120cc) mixed with 10cc of ginger juice, 60cc of apple juice, 10cc of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of honey diluted in 100cc of water can be helpful. Eating 100g of fresh grapefruit or a dish of scrambled eggs with fresh Artemisia argyi leaves can also help warm the body and stabilize the fetus.
Phase 2: Mid-Pregnancy Support
During the mid-pregnancy phase, the fetus grows rapidly, and it is important to care for both the body and mind to support the development of the fetus. Pregnant women should avoid strenuous activities and maintain a calm and peaceful state of mind. Overexertion can lead to energy depletion, while excessive relaxation can cause stagnation of energy. It is also recommended to get moderate sun exposure and avoid wearing clothes that expose the belly and buttocks to cold temperatures.
In terms of diet: meals should be delicious, diverse, and nutritious, but not overly filling. It is important to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables to promote regular bowel movements.
During this phase, there is often insufficient Yin and blood, leading to the development of internal heat. It is advisable to nourish Yin and replenish blood. For example, boiling pork ribs soup with 100g of black beans and ten red dates can help nourish the blood. Boiling a tea with 30g of Codonopsis pilosula, 10g of longan dried fruit, and ten red dates can help nourish Qi and blood. Another option is to stew 3g of American ginseng with 100g of lean meat, or for those with anemia, stewing beef is recommended. It is also beneficial to consume other nutritious foods.
