As a naturopath and herbalist I often get pregnant ladies asking me desperately what is safe to take and what is available.
Homeopathic medicine is one of the safest routes to take for everyday complaints. Naturopharm do a full range of combinations for colds, allergies, digestive complaints, morning sickness, sinus problems, insomnia and stress.
Most leading health stores and pharmacies would carry their brand. Weleda also do an excellent range for mother and baby.
I can recommend several herbal formulas that have been given a safe category to use during pregnancy. However, you would need to speak with a qualified herbalist and explain your symptoms in order for them to put together a safe and suitable herbal remedy for you.
One of my favourite herbal mixtures is gingko, lemon balm and licorice. This is great for that overwhelming tiredness you can feel in the early stages of pregnancy and helps to clear that foggy feeling in the brain. It works really quickly and gives you a burst of energy and clarity and a sense of wellbeing.
For nausea and vomiting I recommend the Naturopharm formula Morning Med and herbally I recommend a combination of ginger, chamomile and peppermint. Of course any of these herbs can be used as a tea but I still recommend that you limit the cups per day to one or two. The herbs do contain a lot of volatile constituents that are potent medicine. I make a formula for morning sickness, using the same three herbs that works really well and obviously adjust the dosage and duration of use accordingly.
Some essential nutrients that should be taken during pregnancy and preferably preconception are B9 (Folic acid), Omega 3 (Fish Oil), and a good quality prenatal nutrient from a reputable company. Folic acid helps with the formation of the spine and brain, the fish oil helps to develop the baby’s brain by nourishing it and protecting the cell membranes. The prenatal nutrient will contain all the necessary levels of minerals and vitamins that may become depleted during pregnancy.
Low iron has to be addressed and usually iron will be prescribed by your doctor. However there are some excellent gentle iron formulas that are excellent and my all time favourite is a product called Spatone, it is effective, non constipating and easy to take.
Constipation can obviously lead to haemorrhoids and that’s something that can cause a lot of discomfort. Eating lots of fibre, drinking plenty of water and fresh fruit should help to regulate the bowel. However there are some great remedies available such as Malcolm Harkers Laxatone or Good Health’s Mg. Lax. Don’t suffer, there is no need.
In terms of nutrition, a healthy diet will help to assist the digestive discomfort that can sometimes be experienced in pregnancy. Fresh fruit, especially the dark coloured berries such as raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, they contain high levels of antioxidants, fibre and of course Vitamin C. They help to maintain healthy tone to the tissues of the veins and capillaries to help prevent varicose veins and thrombosis. They assist circulation and are great immune building agents.
Eat small regular meals and don’t skip if possible. This can play havoc with the blood sugar levels and lead to possible blood glucose imbalance. Glucose is the number one fuel for the brain and therefore make sure you eat every few hours. Gestational hyperglycemia can be a problem for some women. Taking chromium during pregnancy can help assist in maintaining sugar levels by helping to keep insulin levels balanced and ensure glucose uptake into the cells.
Protein rich foods, such a meat, eggs, fish and milk, nuts, grains and seeds are also essential. They provide energy and are basic building blocks of the body. Dark green leafy vegetables are very alkalising to the body and contain many nutritional elements. Spirulina is a great wholefood to take to help provide energy and all round nutrition during pregnancy.
Raspberry leaf tea taken during the last trimester helps to tone the uterus and prepare it for labour. Anything to make it easier is worth taking!!!!
Milk production can be assisted by using blessed thistle in the herbal tincture or in tea form.
Fennel and dill tea helps with the digestion and taken during pregnancy helps to alleviate heartburn and flatulence. It is great for colic too. If mum drinks it then baby receives the benefits or alternatively some infused fennel or dill tea can be given to the baby by dropper. Lavender oil rubbed anticlockwise on the tummy helps greatly to prevent wind formation and reduce colic dramatically.
There are homeopathic remedies for every one of the above complaints and they are very safe and effective to use.
Article Pregnancy written by Tracy Harris
Tracy Harris is a registered naturopath and herbalist, who provides both a natural health store and a natural mother & baby store in Auckland, the website www.mynaturalhealth.co.nz , and provides free consultation to individuals and families to help meet their health needs.