Natural Health During Pregnancy

Please consult your health care provider before implementing any of the following suggestions. The information contained herein is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or replace medical care, but to educate only.

Pregnancy for me was a wonderful time in a lot of ways. I felt like a princess! Okay, a very round princess. But I found people always treated me a little special. Plus, to have that incredible intimacy with a precious being growing inside of me, only me, that no one else could share in - that was pretty special alright!

I've had six healthy pregnancies using natural herbs, whole foods, fitness, and relaxation, and had six healthy babies all born naturally at home. In this article, I want to share a few of the things that I've found helpful with you, as well as some great websites I’ve run across in my research.

I use herbs in capsule form to when I need vitamins. Why? An herb is a whole food, and is a complete package for delivering to your body all the nutrients contained within it. When you take isolated vitamins, I believe they are not assimilated as well because the nutrients that enhance their absorption are removed from them. But, of course, it is always better to get your nutrients from food sources when possible.

Below I've listed my favorite pregnancy herbs:

Red Raspberry
THE woman's herb hands down! Full of vitamins C and E, minerals, and a rich source of iron. It also has a tonic effect of keeping the uterus toned and healthy, increases milk production, decreases nausea, and eases labor pains. Some studies have even reported that using red raspberry leaf during pregnancy can reduce complications and the use of interventions during birth.

Rose Hips
Full of vitamin C, rose hips also contain vitamins E , K , A, and carotenoids including beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein, and the B vitamins riboflavin and folate. They are also a source of flavanoids and fatty acids. Vitamin C is necessary for the formation of collagen, which works with elastin to give your skin elasticity. Henceforth, it helped my skin to stretch around the baby’s crowning head and I never tore or had an episiotomy!!

Alfalfa
Called “the King of Herbs," alfalfa is one of the most nutritious foods known. Its calcium, carotene, chlorophyll, and vitamin K content make alfalfa an important nutritional supplement. It also contains acids, vitamins, amino acids, proteins (25% by weight), minerals, trace elements, and other nutrients. It makes for strong blood, rich milk, and the high vitamin K content helps with blood clotting. So, for those of you who have boys, and are circumcising them, it can raise their Vitamin K levels so bleeding will not be as prolific. Also, another tidbit of information on circumcision: a baby’s vitamin K content is highest the eighth day after birth, so it seems that would be the best time for circumcising.

Some other helpful herbs are:

Ginger
Relieves nausea.

Dandelion
Rich in vitamin A, calcium, and iron and strengthens the liver.

Nettles
High in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, potassium, and iron. It’s used in many pregnancy teas because it is a great all around pregnancy tonic.

Chamomile (German)
High in calcium and magnesium; also helps with sleeplessness and inflammation of joints

Slippery Elm Bark
When the inner bark is used orally in amounts used in foods, it can help to relieve nausea, heartburn, and vaginal irritations .

Oats & Oat Straw
Rich in calcium and magnesium; helps relieve anxiety, restlessness, and irritated skin

Peppermint Leaf
Helpful in relieving nausea/morning sickness and flatulence.

I also did take a good food quality prenatal vitamin, and I took wheat grass powder. Now there are so many wonderful green products on the market to supply ourselves with all the goodness that greens can deliver.

As far as diet goes, as close to nature is the best. Fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, organic if possible on all foods. Free range eggs and chickens, and grass fed meat if eaten. Try to stay away from meat with added hormones or antibiotics.

I use one of the great food pyramids from www.oldways.com as an eating guide. They are exceptional tools for helping to build a healthy diet.

Fitness is really important. I stretched, swam, walked, hiked, jogged and some pregnancy specific exercises. It’s important not to start something new when pregnant. Talk to your physician or midwife and follow their advice.

Some other websites with lots of valuable information are listed below:

www.americanpregnancy.org
www.revolutionhealth.com
www.naturalmom.com
www.healthnews.com

This moment in time only happens once, breathe it in & experience it to the fullest!

Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy!