Using alternative medicine during pregnancy

OBGYN Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD, explains the best non-medical modalities that can be used during pregnancy, and the different pregnancy symptoms they can help with
Alternative Medicine and Herbs During Pregnancy
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Using alternative medicine during pregnancy

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I get a lot of questions about alternative non-medical modalities that can be used during pregnancy. There are a myriad of opportunities in the hands of a skilled professional. There is actually a lot of good scientific data supporting the use of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy; depression in pregnancy. There's some interesting information on depression in pregnancy. There is quite a bit of safety data for this modality. It's about working with somebody who knows what they are doing. I think it's a great, great thing to use to assist in getting through the experience of pregnancy; especially those who are having trouble. Massage is wonderful. Being touched in a safe, loving way releases oxytocin. A chiropractor who is trained in pregnancy. Herbs, you have to be very careful with, because there is little data on safety. Again, its about working with someone who has the knowledge and expertise.

OBGYN Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD, explains the best non-medical modalities that can be used during pregnancy, and the different pregnancy symptoms they can help with

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Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD

Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz completed her undergraduate education at Wesleyan University and post-baccalaureate pre-medical studies at Mills College. She earned her medical degree in 1996 from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and has been in private practice of obstetrics and gynecology in Los Angeles, CA since 2000. After many years of a personal yoga and meditation practice, she completed her Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist degree at California College of Ayurveda in 2010 and was board certified in Integrative and Holistic medicine in 2008.

Suzanne is involved in women’s empowerment and public education, and appears frequently as an expert in women’s and integrative health on TV, online and in print. She is co-founder of Cedars Sinai Medical Center's Green Committee and is deeply committed to the promotion of healing that involves individuals, families, communities and the planet.  She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children in a "green" renovated home with a sustainable native plants garden and organic “urban mini-farm”.

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Transcription: 
I get a lot of questions about alternative non-medical modalities that can be used during pregnancy. There are a myriad of opportunities in the hands of a skilled professional. There is actually a lot of good scientific data supporting the use of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy; depression in pregnancy. There's some interesting information on depression in pregnancy. There is quite a bit of safety data for this modality. It's about working with somebody who knows what they are doing. I think it's a great, great thing to use to assist in getting through the experience of pregnancy; especially those who are having trouble. Massage is wonderful. Being touched in a safe, loving way releases oxytocin. A chiropractor who is trained in pregnancy. Herbs, you have to be very careful with, because there is little data on safety. Again, its about working with someone who has the knowledge and expertise.