Empowered Pregnancy: A Proactive Guide for Expectant Mothers with Latitude
Pregnancy is a transformative and joyous journey, but it also brings with it a myriad of physical and mental changes. As an expectant mother, taking care of your well-being becomes paramount not just for yourself but also for the health of your growing baby. At Latitude Wellness, a multidisciplinary clinic located in downtown Vancouver, BC we understand the unique needs of pregnancy and have designed a collaborative approach to ensure that you receive comprehensive care for both your physical and mental well-being.
What to Expect when your Expecting - Common Health Concerns
When you're expecting a new addition to your family, it's an exciting and transformative time. While the journey to parenthood is filled with joy and anticipation, it's also important to be aware of common health concerns that may arise during pregnancy.
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One of the earliest signs of pregnancy, morning sickness can be challenging for many women.
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Back pain is a common challenge experienced by many pregnant individuals due to the shifting dynamics in the body. As the pregnancy progresses, the increasing weight of the baby, coupled with hormonal changes, can impact the alignment of the spine and pelvic region. This often results in discomfort and strain on the neck and shoulders, mid-back, lower back and pelvis making back pain a prevalent aspect of the physical adjustments occurring during pregnancy
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Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition commonly experienced during pregnancy. This discomforting condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Common symptoms are pain, swelling, numbness and tingling and in some incidences, weakness.
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Nutritional needs undergo significant changes during pregnancy to support both the mother's health and the optimal development of the growing fetus.
Fun Fact: Ensuring the appropriate nutrients during pregnancy is akin to providing your baby with exclusive access to optimal development. From fundamental folic acid supporting intellectual groundwork to iron fortifying a robust blood supply, and omega-3 fatty acids fostering cognitive development, your well-rounded diet acts as an essential support system for your baby's comprehensive growth -
Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy, driven by changes in hormones like hCG, progesterone, estrogen, and oxytocin, are a natural part of the complicated changes happening in the body. These imbalances can manifest in symptoms such as mood swings, nausea, fatigue, and fluid retention.
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Pregnancy brings forth a myriad of mental health considerations, including emotional fluctuations, anxiety about the baby's well-being, body image concerns, and shifts in relationship dynamics. The anticipation of parenthood can lead to stress and sleep disruptions, emphasizing the importance of stress management and self-care practices. Mental health challenges, such as prenatal and postpartum depression, should be addressed promptly through professional support.
The Collaborative Approach at Latitude Wellness
Our collaborative approach brings together a team of experienced professionals across various disciplines to provide personalized care for expectant mothers. Each service complements the other, creating a holistic and integrative approach to pregnancy care.
Acupuncture: An ancient Chinese healing technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. In pregnancy, it can help alleviate nausea, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. By improving the flow of energy (Qi) in the body, acupuncture supports a smooth and healthy pregnancy
Fun Fact: Did you know? Cervical ripening is a pivotal phase as the body readies itself for labor and delivery. At Latitude Wellness, acupuncture takes center stage in our approach, playing a crucial role in supporting this process. In the later stages of pregnancy, we target specific acupuncture points to boost blood flow to the pelvic region, prompting the release of hormones that effectively soften and ripen the cervix. This not only facilitates labor preparation but also enhances the overall comfort, ensuring a more relaxed and stress-free pregnancy experience.
Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments focus on aligning the spine and pelvis, which is especially beneficial during pregnancy as the body undergoes significant changes. This not only helps alleviate back pain but also contributes to optimal fetal positioning for a smoother delivery.
Naturopathic Care: Our Vancouver naturopathic physicians at Latitude Wellness address the unique needs of expectant mothers through evidence based supplements, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle modifications. By focusing on the body's innate ability to heal, naturopathic care supports a healthy pregnancy and prepares the body for childbirth.
Registered Massage Therapy: Prenatal massage provides relief from the physical discomforts associated with pregnancy, such as back pain and swelling. Additionally, it promotes relaxation and reduces stress, contributing to a positive mental state.
Fun Fact: Our Vancouver registered massage therapist provides custom pregnancy cushions, creating a comfortable space for you to lie on your belly or side. This ensures you can fully enjoy and experience the beneficial effects of the treatment.
Counselling Services: Our exceptional team of Vancouver counsellors provides a safe and supportive space to address emotional challenges, stress, and anxiety associated with pregnancy, empowering mothers with coping strategies. We offer appointments tailored to your convenience, available both in person and virtually to accommodate your needs.
Holistic Healers: We extend our holistic approach to include additional services such as Reiki and Ayurvedic Head Massage. These practices are dedicated to balancing the body's energy and fostering relaxation, contributing significantly to overall well-being. By addressing the emotional and mental aspects of pregnancy, these services enhance the comprehensive care we provide.
Pregnancy is a transformative journey that requires careful attention to both physical and mental well-being. At Latitude Wellness, our collaborative approach brings together a diverse range of services, including acupuncture, chiropractic care, naturopathic care, massage therapy, counselling and holistic services.
By integrating these disciplines, we aim to provide expectant mothers with comprehensive, personalized care that supports a healthy and positive pregnancy experience.