1.  Choose chiropractic  -- Prenatal chiropractic has numerous benefits for both mom and baby.  Gentle adjustments help: correct misalignments and alleviate pain related to mom's changing body; reduce the incidence of back labor;  reduce the likelihood of  breech position and interventions like C-section; and h elp to shorten labor by making room for baby to move into heads down (vertex) position.   Check out Dr. Chiappino's video above to learn how chiropractic can be one of the best tools in your prenatal toolbox!

2. Water, Water, Water!  Remaining properly hydrated is the key to not only staying cool and comfortable, but staying healthy as well.   Overheating and dehydration can pose pregnancy problems. Abnormally high body temperature, specifically in the first 6-8 weeks of pregnancy, can lead to low amniotic fluid, neural tube defects due to lack of water and nutritional support for your baby, as well as premature labor and poor production of breast milk.    Feeling thirsty is a sign that you are well past the point of dehydration, so plan to carry a water bottle wherever you go, aiming to drink 10-12 glasses eight ounce glasses per day, according to the Cleveland Clinic.  Keep body temps down and sciatica in check by taking a dip, which helps to take some of the pressure off the sciatic nerve.

3. Try Essential Oils -- High quality essential oils can be helpful in numerous ways.  Infusing your water with pure oils like citrusy lemon can make staying hydrated more tasty and enjoyable (and may help keep nausea at bay).  Essential oils-based sunscreens provide a safe, paraben-free way to help protect against dangerous burns, and oils-based bug repellants can naturally reduce your risk of bites by pesky insects.  And, for aching feet, lower back pain, headache or sleep issues,  high-quality oils diffused or used topically in massage can alleviate a host of pregnancy-related conditions, helping you to relax, feel comfortable and enjoy this special time in your life.  (Young Living, with its "Seed to Seal" quality control program, is our brand of choice!)

For those living with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pain, bloating and altered bowel habits, coupled w ith the fear of where and when symptoms may hit,  can take a physical and emotional toll; many people who suffer with gastrointestinal symptoms also suffer with anxiety and panic disorders that impact their quality of life. 

 
In a new study involving patients undergoing acupuncture for IBS, researchers found that acupuncture has a 90.7% total effective rate for IBS-D patients (those who have the disorder with diarrhea as the predominant bowel habit.). Even more impressive, the results showed a 34.9% complete recovery rate!  

Some tips to reduce flareups: Keep a food diary to track foods that trigger your symptoms; eat soluble fiber foods like apples, carrots and oats which stay in the gut longer, helping the colon to work normally; keep your system well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding carbonated drinks which may cause gas or bloating; exercise regularly; and make sleep a priority! 

 
Acupuncture is an effective alternative to IBS medications which are often costly, have side effects and more importantly, only address the symptoms and not the cause of gastrointestinal disorders.    If IBS is impacting your lifestyle, come in for a visit with our licensed acupuncturist Lori Fortunato LAc. Acupuncture can help relieve the discomfort you are feeling, and has the added bonus of being effective for addressing anxiety that often coexists with IBS. Lori is offering $25 off an initial visit for all new private patients. 631.265.1223.

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