Pregnancy & Child birth

Pregnant Chinese women are encouraged to rest, avoid heavy work, and eat well to stay healthy and have a healthy baby. Having a son is traditionally more valued than a daughter.

During pregnancy and the postpartum period, a Chinese woman may be perceived as needing extra attention in terms of food and rituals. Women are advised not to eat "cold foods" such as mung beans, bean sprouts, or bananas during the first trimester to reduce a risk of miscarriage. As they become more acquainted with the American medical care, they seek prenatal care, accept prenatal vitamins, and follow up with clinic visits. Women do not discuss abortion openly but will seek it when needed. Birth control is practiced, according to religion.

Traditionally, men do not play a major role during deliveries; female family members provide support. This tradition is slowly changing as extended families may not be readily available, and nuclear families are becoming more common. Younger couples are more willing to attend childbirth classes, and fathers are more willing to stay with women in labor to provide support and serve as coaches. After giving birth, care is provided by an elder female relative.

Chinese women want to eat to get energy to go through labor. Hospitals often discourage eating in active labor –this is a common complaint for Chinese women. When they ask for a drink of water, women are offered ice chips instead of the warm water that they prefer. Most Chinese women will endure thirst for fear the cold water in ice chips will upset their hot/cold balance and increase their risk of developing arthritis in old age.

Resting for approximately one month after delivery is not unusual. The period of care right after the delivery is known as the "sitting month." Depending on regional differences, women may not leave their homes, take a bath, wash their hair, expose themselves to cold water, cold temperatures and wind, or ingest ice water or "cold" food (raw vegetables, salads or fruits). It is believed that women are undergoing a cold stage right after delivery due to loss of blood. In order to restore balance, they need to consume foods considered "hot" (i.e. hot water, soups, ginger, wine and food high in protein). Hospital meals comprised of “cold” foods may not be accepted and may be left untouched. Special foods from home may be brought in. Women who have had episiotomies may be advised to use ice packs to reduce swelling. This practice of applying cold is contradictory to traditional Chinese health beliefs, but women who have been exposed to Western culture may be more willing to accept this advice.

(Adapted from information at www.ethnomed.org)