Pregnancy is a truly amazing state of being. From the moment of fertilization to the mother-fetal teamwork required for labor and birth, reproduction really is a miraculous and inspiring cycle. But pregnant mamas can deal with a lot during pregnancy. They are gentle, life-giving warriors! Many discomforts can arise throughout pregnancy, and mums may think twice about over-the-counter options to treat them. The placenta, a temporary organ in the mother’s uterus, filters plenty of toxins out of the blood before pumping it to the fetus. However, there are lots of toxic elements that can and do cross the placenta and enter the bloodstream of the growing babe. Natural remedies are a great alternative for mothers who prefer to keep their pregnancy safe, simple, and healthy. Below are some pregnancy-safe remedies for common complaints.
HEARTBURN AND INDIGESTION
Heartburn is a signature of pregnancy due to a relaxed esophageal sphincter that allows stomach acid to backup into the esophagus and irritate it. The increased pressure on the stomach and increased progesterone slows digestion and causes indigestion. It is often associated with lower levels of hydrochloric acid. Ultimately, having the baby is the cure. Until then, some treatment options include:
- Eating small, frequent meals
- Avoiding spicy, fatty, acidic foods
- Taking homeopathic nux vomica 30
- Chewing raw almonds until they become a paste
- Avoiding alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine
- Elevating the head to the bed to sleep propped up
- Sucking on Slippery Elm Lozenges or drink Slippery Elm Tea
- Sipping 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with ¼ cup water 10-15 minutes before meals
- Chewing on papaya enzymes
- Eating pineapple
NAUSEA AND VOMITING
Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are most commonly thought to be caused by hormonal shifts in pregnancy, as well as the body’s protective mechanism to keep toxins away from the baby during the vulnerable first trimester. Although it is known as “morning sickness,” nausea and vomiting in pregnancy can take many different patterns and occur at different times of day. If vomiting becomes severe and extends into the second and third trimester, seek immediate assistance from a doctor, nurse, or midwife. Some ways to combat nausea and vomiting include:
- Eating small frequent meals and snacks throughout the day
- Eating low-fat, easily digested carbohydrate foods, such as dry toast, plain crackers, cereal, pasta, rice, or fruit
- Avoiding fried, gas-forming, or spicy foods
- Increasing protein intake
- Drinking and eating separately (not both at one sitting)
- Drinking lemon juice before eating
- Eating a snack immediately upon waking or right before going to bed
- Keeping high protein snacks by the bedside for midnight snacking (hardboiled eggs are great)
- Taking Vitamin B6 supplements (up to 300 mg per day)
- Taking Vitamin K (5 mg or IM injections)
- Increasing/taking Vitamin C
- Consuming ginger capsules (250 mg 3-4 times a day)
- Drinking ginger tea or ginger ale, or sucking on ginger candy
- Visualizing nausea and vomiting reducing
- Wearing a Seaband
ROUND LIGAMENT PAIN
Round ligament pain occurs because the growing uterus stretches the round ligaments. It is the sharp jabbing sensation of the ligaments that connect from the uterine horns down to the labia majora. Lessening round ligament pain can be done by:
- Bending toward the pain
- Flexing knees onto abdomen
- Applying warm packs
- Taking warm baths
- Wearing a pelvic girdle for support
- Performing pelvic tilts
- Applying counter pressure
- Lying on the side with pillows
- Getting bodywork done
- Rubbing arnica oil onto the area
CONSTIPATION
Constipation in pregnancy is thought to be caused by hormones in pregnancy that relax the muscles of the intestines as well as by the ever increasing size of the uterus. Sometimes women experience constipation due to their iron supplements. Get things moving by:
- Increasing fiber in the diet with fruit, vegetables, and whole grains
- Drinking more fluids, especially water
- Exercising
- Changing iron supplementation (especially if it is ferrous sulfate)
- Taking a magnesium supplement (citrate/oxide)
- Eating more vitamin C
- Eating probiotics (yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut) or taking a probiotic supplement
- Eating ground flax seeds (1-4 tablespoons per day mixed with food)
HEMORRHOIDS
Hemorrhoids are caused by the pressure of the expanding uterus and poor support of the veins. They are aggravated by constipation. Help prevent or lessen hemorrhoids by:
- Not straining when in the bathroom
- Eating plenty of fiber
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking a magnesium supplement (citrate/oxide)
- Eating probiotics (yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut) or taking probiotic supplement
- Applying topical homeopathic and herbal salves and creams
- Taking a sitz bath
- Applying astringents such as witch hazel, lemon juice, or vinegar
- Apply a raw potato compress
- Increasing anthocyanins by eating blueberries, raspberries, and cherries
- Drinking black tea
VARICOSE VEINS
Varicose veins occur as the blood volume expands in pregnancy and as pressure on veins in the pelvis increase, causing decreased blood return from legs. Hormones, especially progestin, can also cause veins to become more dilated. Treat varicose veins by:
- Exercising
- Avoiding crossing legs
- Avoiding standing for long periods of time
- Increasing the anthocyanins in foods with blueberries, raspberries, and cherries
- Wearing compression stockings
- Wearing hydrotherapy-warming socks at night
LEG CRAMPS
Leg cramps in pregnancy, typically in the second and third trimester, are caused by weight gain, dehydration/electrolyte imbalance, and other reasons that are not fully known. These cramps often strike at night, and can affect the leg muscles and feet. Prevent and care for leg cramps by:
- Massaging the affected area (or massaging them before you feel any cramps)
- Stretching the leg and foot muscles every day
- Getting daily exercise
- Drinking lots of fluids (especially water)
- Taking a magnesium supplement (starting at a low dose)
- Taking a calcium supplement (1000-2000 mg)
- Increasing potassium in diet or take a supplement (5-10 g)
- Increasing iron in diet
YEAST INFECTIONS
Yeast infections tend to increase in frequency during pregnancy, due mostly to the increased estrogen levels and altered vaginal flora. At the first sign of itching or burning in the vulvar region and cottage-cheese like discharge, combat a yeast infection by:
- Eliminating sugars in the diet (no grains, syrups, jams, fruits, potatoes, etc.)
- Inserting a peeled clove of garlic into the vagina before bed and removing it in the morning
- Taking a probiotic supplement that is specifically for vaginal flora
- Turning to over the counter products if needed
IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT
Pregnancy is a state when the immune system is slightly weakened. This can be wonderful for people with mild autoimmune disorders such as mild arthritis, as it causes the disorders to go into remission, however for others, it leaves them more susceptible to getting sick. Boost the immune system safely in pregnancy by:
- Taking time to relax and meditate
- Doing whatever brings joy
- Taking Echinacea through tea, tincture, or capsules
- Taking elderberry, vitamin C, and zinc
- Eating more organic fruits and vegetables
- Increasing antioxidants in the diet
- Increase bioflavonoids in the diet
- Wearing warming socks to bed
- Drinking lots of fluids!
MOOD FLUCTUATIONS
With all the hormonal changes, discomforts and pains, difficulty sleeping, growing belly, and more, it is no wonder that pregnant women experience mood changes. Some ways to stay balanced include:
- Exercising
- Finding emotional support and connection
- Taking time for self-care and napping
- Consuming adequate essential fatty acids (lots of people get enough omega-6, opt for more omega-3 through fish oils or algal oil)
- Eating regularly to control blood sugar levels
- Ensuring adequate B vitamin intake (especially B12 and B6)
- Ensuring adequate Vitamin D levels
- Checking thyroid and adrenal status with care provider to ensure they are at normal levels
Pregnancy is an exciting time of possibility and creation, but it can be a time of discomfort and limitation as well. Keeping these challenges at a minimum with gentle yet effective natural remedies can increase a mother’s sense of well-being and happiness. Taking care of mothers naturally means taking care of babies and their immature systems naturally too. Healthy, happy moms and babies lead to healthy, happy communities!
