Case Study on Fetal Growth Restriction and Nausea in Pregnancy
Sometimes the root cause of nausea can be incredibly simple. Other times intractable and the mother will need to go to the ER for IV hydration due to the inability to keep any fluids down. The follow case study demonstrates the incredible power of Chinese Medicine when combined with an accurate diagnosis.
A 42 yo women presented with acute nausea and vomiting in her 7 week of pregnancy. Upon ultrasound the fetal sac was undeveloped with a liquid dark area in the uterine cavity measured 2.6 x.05cm. The patient was advised to terminate the pregnancy.
She decided to see a Chinese Medicine practitioner before making a decision. The patient was weak, with a thin body and pale complexion. She was often irritable with lukewarm hands and feet and would often have the urge to vomit which was worse after eating. The vomit was like sour water. She preferred hot drinks, disliked the cold and her sleep was not restful. Her bowel movements were loose and her tongue was also pale with a white slipper tongue coat and her pulse were slow and weak.
From a Chinese Medicine perspective there are many signs and symptoms here that point to cold: preferring warm drinks, loose stools, her dislike of cold overall, a pale complexion and tongue body and a slow pulse. Her diagnosis was a cold and deficient stomach and liver with a turbid yin ascending.
She was given the formula Evodia Decoction which has four herbs. A warming pepper corn as the base of the formula along with ginger, dates, and a Chinese herb called Dang Shen which works like a tonic for those who present with weakness especially in the digestive system. The formula was given in granules to be taken with hot water as a tea 3 times per day.
After the 2nd day of tea she no longer had any vomiting. After five doses they reported eating more and felt much better overall, stating” she has never felt so comfortable.” At her next ultra sound the fetal sac had grown from 1.5 x1.1 cm to 2.0 x 1.4 cm and the dark liquid was completely gone.
The formula by warming the middle and strengthen the patients constitution was key to resolving not only her nausea but also nourishing the fetus so it could thrive.
Many people are afraid to take Chinese Herbs in pregnancy. And in general I don’t prescribe them to be taking in a daily way when one is pregnant. But in the right situation we should not be afraid to take them as not only can they help, they can make a substantial difference in the outcome of a pregnancy.
Thank you to White Pine Circle for sharing this case study.
If you want to talk about how Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can help you have the healthiest pregnancy reach out to me. Telehealth appointments are available. In person my office is in San Antonio in the Medical Drive area. I loof forward to helping you!
