When Perinatal Bodyworkers Get Together...We Talk Constipation
- darceyacu
- Apr 28
- 3 min read
Constipation probably isn’t the first thing you think of when you picture a group of perinatal bodyworkers getting together. But when you work closely with pregnant clients every day, you start to notice: constipation isn’t just common — it’s everywhere.
Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to join a journal club organized by Tia Ukpe-Wallace of Self-Care Physio. Every month, Tia brings together a group of perinatal specialists—pelvic floor physical therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and more—to discuss current research and learn from each other. It’s a space I’m grateful for, both as a practitioner and as part of a wider, collaborative community.
This month’s focus? Constipation in pregnancy — and what we can do about it.
Constipation Is More Than an Inconvenience
A recent study published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that nearly 40% of pregnant individuals experience constipation. That’s a huge number — and yet, constipation is often brushed off as “just part of pregnancy.”
The truth is, persistent constipation can have a major impact on quality of life. Discomfort, bloating, incomplete bowel movements, and anxiety about eating or using the bathroom are common experiences that can add unnecessary stress during an already physically demanding time.
Different Modalities, Shared Goals
What struck me most during our conversation was how different modalities approach constipation — and how much we overlap:
Pelvic floor physical therapists focus on breathwork, muscle coordination, and pelvic floor support to optimize bowel function.
Chiropractors and osteopaths address alignment and nerve flow, helping to reduce mechanical pressure on the intestines.
As an acupuncturist and East Asian medicine practitioner, I look at digestion through a slightly different lens: one that considers not just mechanics, but also energy flow (Qi), blood supply, fluid balance, and internal harmony.
And while our methods vary, the goal is the same: to support healthy, comfortable digestion during pregnancy—safely and holistically.
How Acupuncture Can Help
In East Asian medicine, constipation during pregnancy is often tied to underlying patterns like:
Blood deficiency (common in pregnancy as the body works overtime to nourish the growing baby)
Qi stagnation (when stress or tension disrupts the natural flow of energy)
Dryness (sometimes due to hormonal shifts or constitution)
✨ Acupuncture can help by gently encouraging the body's natural digestive rhythm, calming the nervous system, and restoring internal balance—all without harsh interventions.
A Word About Herbal Medicine
🌿 Chinese herbal formulas can sometimes be used to support digestion in pregnancy, but let me be absolutely clear:
🚨 Under no circumstances should you self-prescribe or take Chinese herbs during pregnancy without working with a licensed practitioner who specializes in perinatal care.
Some herbs that promote bowel movements can also stimulate uterine contractions. We take safety incredibly seriously—and when used appropriately, herbal support can be customized to meet both your digestive needs and the needs of your pregnancy.
Closing Thoughts: Collaboration Matters
One of the things I love most about working in perinatal care is the opportunity to collaborate with other providers. Spaces like Tia’s journal club remind me that no matter our training, we all bring valuable tools to the table—and when we share that knowledge, our clients benefit.
Constipation might not be glamorous, but it’s real. And you deserve care that treats the root cause—not just the symptoms.
If you're pregnant and struggling with constipation (or anything else that's making pregnancy harder than it needs to be), I’d love to support you.
📍 Based near Lake Merritt in Oakland, CA | Offering acupuncture and herbal medicine specializing in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care.
📞 Free phone consultations available
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