5-6 month of pregnancy
Pregnancy Care

5-6 Months of Pregnancy 逐月養胎方

In the 5th and 6th Months of Pregnancy, the Spleen and Stomach Meridians of the expecting mom is responsible for nurturing the fetus. These Meridians help form muscles, limbs as well as the spine and sensory system of the fetus. It is advised to avoid acupuncture or acupressure along the Spleen meridian in the 5th month and Stomach meridian in the 6th month.

From 5 Elements’ point of view, Spleen and Stomach are Earth element, correlating to the season of Late Summer. Imagine in late summer, fruits ripen and is now in a harmonious state: strike a balance, avoid overworking of the mind and body, go out for a walk in the sun, and stretch out. In the ancient times, it was suggested that by observing horses and dogs running in the field that it would help the fetus grow strong tendons and muscles.

Emotions related to Spleen and Stomach is worry. As the expecting mom get comfortable and acquainted with pregnancy, emotions of worrying may arise at this mid stage. Am I doing it right? Am I eating or exercising enough? Am I prepping well for my baby? The list of to-do and ideas goes on. You may find yourself overworking the mind and body, and perhaps busy chasing thoughts. The late summer quality is damp and transformation. Yes you may feel getting “swamped” by the worrying, but remember it is also a time for “transforming” thoughts into actions. Keep a harmonious state, strike a balance with every actions you take, tune inward, follow body’s needs, and know that our body is intelligent. From dressing to bathing, from eating to personal hygiene, be mindful of Goldilocks’ theory “Just Right”!

Earth element relates to the color of Yellow and the taste of Sweet. To nourish the Spleen and Stomach Meridians, choose tonifying foods from families of rice, wheat, beans, and meats from poultry, beef, pork, or lamb. Foods that are yellow in color and rich in beta carotene are suggested as well. Examples are: millet, corn, job’s tears, potato, kabocha squash, chestnut, carrots, etc.

妊娠5-6月,
行走脾胃經,胎兒四肢口目成形
長筋和背脊。
五行的脾胃屬土,情志為思慮,
如同尾聲的夏天,果實化為豐熟的樣子。
身心偏勞慮,注意不操勞。
沐浴起居,做好清潔衛生,
衣服保暖,可曬曬太陽。
出戶外活動,參與輕微運動及伸展。
養脾胃原則以七八分飽,調五味(甜酸苦辣鹹)。
勿過飽或飢餓,避免太過乾燥辛辣食物。
可挑黃色系列食材,健脾食物
譬如: 米麥豆類, 雞牛豬羊, 玉米南瓜薏仁胡蘿蔔等。