The wife showed me an article in the Daily Times about the growing popularity of alternative medicine in pregnancy treatments - stuff like yoga to treat depression, acupuncture for backache, hydrotherapy for swollen ankles... I admit to being a bit skeptical at first, but upon reflection realize that none of this stuff is invasive or drug-based, and won't harm the baby at all.

Has anyone had any experience with any alternative treatments?

I've used many alternative treatments. Acupuncture for PUPPPS, yoga and chiropractic for sciatic, and chiropractic in an effort to move the baby (from occiput posterior or occiput anterior... didn't work because of the placement of the placenta). Among other things. I prefer alternative therapies at all stages of life, pregnancy is no different.

It is useful for both exercise and the psychological component. I do a yoga routine every morning with a DVD that I have. Very low impact so extremely safe for pregnancy and it just makes me feel good to start my day that way. I feel like my whole day goes smoother when I take that time for me every morning.

I haven't actually used any of that stuff, but I do meditate to relax, and don't put any drugs into my system. It's all just too much of a risk for my baby. I've been lucky with my pregnancy and haven't needed to look into anything yet. Hopefully it stays that way until the end.

I've always resisted chemical therapy, commonly called prescription drugs. Being pregnant makes you really think even more about how you treat yourself, and I would definitely use only alternative therapies if my insurance covered them or I could afford it out of pocket.

We tried "natural induction" methods with Charlie because he was late (15 days!!). Sex, walking, herbs, castor oil... none worked. I ended up getting pitocin in the hospital. :(

I have heard of many that do the walking as its whats most doctors ask you to do once you are in the hospital during an early labor rather than discharge you and you end up not getting back in time. No idea on the castor oil though, never seemed to understand that route.