Bleeding During Pregnancyaccording to TCM

What is Bleeding During Pregnancy?

Bleeding during pregnancy, medically known as antepartum hemorrhage, refers to any form of vaginal bleeding that occurs after the 20th week of gestation and before the baby is born. This condition varies in severity and can range from light spotting to heavy bleeding.

While some causes of bleeding during pregnancy can be benign, others may pose significant risks to both the mother and the fetus, such as placenta previa or placental abruption. Early detection and appropriate medical care are crucial for the health and safety of both the mother and the developing baby.

How Does TCM View Bleeding During Pregnancy?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches bleeding during pregnancy from a holistic perspective, contrasting with the more symptom-specific approach of Western medicine. TCM views this condition as a symptom of underlying imbalances in the body's energy systems, particularly involving Qi (vital energy), Blood, and the functioning of internal organs.

According to TCM principles, identifying and correcting these imbalances is crucial for treating the symptom effectively, emphasizing the need for a personalized treatment approach based on the specific pattern of disharmony.

Root Causes of Bleeding During Pregnancy in TCM

In TCM, bleeding during pregnancy can be attributed to various patterns of disharmony. One such cause is Qi Stagnation, particularly in the chest, which can lead to symptoms like uterine bleeding during the second half of pregnancy, chest discomfort, and a preference for hot beverages.

This stagnation of Qi disrupts the normal flow of energy and can impact the stability of the uterus. Another potential cause is Blood Heat, where an excess heat in the blood leads to bleeding. These patterns, while not exhaustive, illustrate how TCM seeks to understand and treat the underlying causes of symptoms rather than just the symptoms themselves.

Explore below more details about what might cause Bleeding during pregnancy according to TCM.

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Bleeding During Pregnancy

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Chest	Uterine bleeding during second half of pregnancy, Chest stiffness, Chest distension, Chest pain, Chest pain improve with massage, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Bleeding during pregnancy... see more	Xuan Fu Hua Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Bleeding During Pregnancy

In treating bleeding during pregnancy, TCM practitioners may prescribe specific formulas and herbs based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For conditions like Qi Stagnation, a formula such as Xuan Fu Hua Tang, which includes Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua), can be used.

This formula is designed to invigorate blood and dispel stagnation, addressing the root cause of the bleeding. The selection of treatment in TCM is highly individualized, taking into account the unique circumstances and patterns of imbalance in each patient.

See more details below about Xuan Fu Hua Tang, a herbal formula used to address bleeding during pregnancy.

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Xuan Fu Hua Tang

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause bleeding during pregnancy, such as Qi Stagnation in Chest

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Acupoints for Bleeding During Pregnancy

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as a treatment modality for bleeding during pregnancy. One significant acupoint is Guanyuan REN-4. Located on the midline of the abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus, this point is known for its actions that nourish Blood and Yin, strengthen the Kidneys, regulate the uterus, and calm the mind.

By targeting this acupoint, TCM practitioners aim to address the underlying causes of bleeding during pregnancy, helping to stabilize the condition and promote overall well-being for both the mother and fetus. The use of acupuncture, like all TCM treatments, is tailored to the individual's specific needs and patterns of disharmony.

See more details below about Guanyuan REN-4, an acupoint used to address bleeding during pregnancy.

Guanyuan REN-4

On the midline of the abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus.