Reducing Pregnancy Discomforts Naturally
Natural Remedies to Treat Common Problems in Pregnant Women
Feb 11, 2009
While some women have an easy time during pregnancy, many will have to battle a host of pregnancy discomforts. Here are some natural remedies for common pregnancy discomforts and pains.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is the nauseated feeling women often get during the first trimester of pregnancy. It can sometimes be accompanied with vomiting. Expectant mothers can reduce morning sickness by eating small and frequent meals, eating soda crackers 15 minutes before getting out of bed, sniffing lemons or ginger, drinking ginger tea or lemonade and doing light exercises.
Vitamin B6 is thought to be helpful as well and a daily supplement of 100mg is recommended. Homoeopathy treatment includes Tobaccum, Nux vomica, Ipecac and Sepia. However, these should only be prescribed by a trained and qualified homoeopath.
Leg Cramps
Leg cramps are caused by increasing body weight in pregnancy and changes in the circulation. Regular exercise, resting with legs elevated and wearing support stockings can help prevent the problem. Calcium and magnesium supplements are thought to be helpful as well. Leg cramps in the night can be promptly treated by pressing the leg into the mattress and having your partner press the foot towards the shin.
Heartburn and indigestion
Heartburn and indigestion are more common in the last trimester because the growing baby puts more pressure on the intestines and stomach. Eat smaller regular meals in a relaxed manner. If heartburn makes sleep difficult, use an extra pillow under the shoulders. Soothe the stomach with slippery elm powder, yoghurt, a tablespoon of honey in warm milk or marshmallow tea. Avoid eating spicy, oily and fatty foods. Wait for an hour after eating before lying down.
Homoeopathy treatment includes the use of Kali mur, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Cal carb or Nat phos. Again, consultation with a trained homoeopathy therapist is necessary.
Backache
Women with a history of backache and related problems should consult a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor before trying to become pregnant as pregnancy tends to worsen backache. During pregnancy, regular and appropriate exercises can help reduce backache. Avoid sleeping on the back, wearing high heels or lifting heavy objects. Bend the knees when lifting or lowering objects. Pregnancy massage and acupuncture often provide pain relief as well.
Constipation
Changes in hormones and the presence of the baby on the intestines (in later stages of pregnancy) can cause difficulty in elimination. A high-fiber diet is the best approach to tackle constipation. Eat lots of wholegrains, fruits and vegetables. Another high-fiber food is a herbal bulk-forming agent called psylium, now available as supplements. Drinking plenty of water and rhythmic exercise such as walking can ease constipation too.
Stretchmarks
About 90% of pregnant women will have stretchmarks. These often fade to very faint lines after delivery. In the meantime, pregnant women can supplement their diet with nutrients that help keep skin healthy and promote collagen production. These include zinc, vitamins C and E, silica and Omega-3 fatty acids. Using natural and nutritive body oil made up of jojoba oil, wheatgerm oil, rosehip oil and calendula-infused oil may be helpful as well.
Pregnancy discomforts will only last as long as the pregnancy itself. Though uncomfortable, they are also signs that the baby is developing well. In the meantime, use natural remedies to ease common pregnancy discomforts such as morning sickness, leg cramps, heartburn and indigestion, backache, constipation and stretchmarks.
Those who find this article useful may also like to read about Pregnancy Diet, Foods to Avoid in Pregnancy and Common Problems in Pregnancy.
References:
The American Pregnancy Association – Common Discomforts
Kate Mirow. “Great Expectation” in WellBeing magazine. Sydney: Universal Wellbeing, July 2007.
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