There are many great natural remedies that can be used to support pregnancy and birth. Although I was blessed with quite a cruisey pregnancy, I definitely had times where I relied heavily on natural remedies to give me relief from unwanted symptoms. Ginger and Vitamin B6 was a life saver in the first trimester where I was sidelined with nausea and vomiting. Magnesium was always in my bag during the second trimester and third trimesters where I had terrible heartburn. Zinc was wonderful for keeping stretch marks at bay and Raspberry Leaf did a great job at preparing my body for birth and reducing the second stage of labor. Whether you want to use natural remedies to relieve unwanted symptoms and/or to prepare your body for birth, knowing which Herbs and Nutrients to use during Pregnancy is important as some are not appropriate during this time. There are plenty of well researched natural remedies which are great to help alleviate unwanted pregnancy symptoms as well as prepare your body for birth. Many of these have a traditional use and have been used with success throughout history. Below is a list of common ailments and how you can treat them safely and naturally during pregnancy as well as remedies which are great for supporting your pregnancy and preparing your body for labor.
GINGER & B6
One of the first unwanted pregnancy symptoms is often nausea with or without vomiting. Studies have show than the specific combination of Ginger, a traditional anti nausea herb, and Vitamin B6, which balances hormones, is successful in alleviating this condition. You can take this combination in tablet form as well as drinking Ginger Tea throughout the day to provide relief.
MAGNESIUM
Many Women are deficient in the mineral Magnesium due to modern farming methods, stress, diet and lifestyle habits. Magnesium is important for many different function within the body such as muscular health, energy production and blood sugar regulation. Common symptoms of deficiency include headaches, fatigue, cramping and muscle twitching. With the high demand for nutrients during pregnancy it is likely that you may need an extra boost of Magnesium. Insuring that your pregnancy multivitamin has adequate amounts is important and you can also supplement with more to provide relief from any of the following symptoms:
- Leg Cramps
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Cramping
- Heartburn
- Balancing Blood Sugar
ZINC
Another important minerals which is often a common deficiency in Women is Zinc. Important for skin health and wound healing, immunity, cell protection and blood sugar regulation, Zinc is an essential nutrient, yet is often lacking in Women due to conventional farming methods and dietary deficiency. Zinc can be used for the following during pregnancy:
- Stretch Mark Prevention
- Boosting Immunity and treating colds/flu and infection
- Blood Sugar Regulation
ECHINACEA
Many conventional medicines are contraindicated during pregnancy so being sick with a cold can be tough for Women when it comes to getting relief. Echinacea is a great herb to use during pregnancy to boost your immunity as it has been demonstrated in clinical studies to be safe during this time. Echinacea can be used to treat the following:
- Immunity
- Infection
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is great during pregnancy as it boosts immunity, strengthens capillaries and supports collagen production as your belly grows. Vitamin C can be used for the following during pregnancy:
- Spotting
- Immunity
- Infection
- Stretch Mark Prevention
RASPBERRY LEAF
A wonderful and traditional herb for preparing the uterus for childbirth. It works by strengthening the uterine muscle which not only helps to regulate contractions during labor but to also assist with contracting the uterus back down post birth and reducing the risk of excessive bleeding.
- Preparation for Birth
- Iron Deficiency
CHAMOMILE
A gentle herb which is safe in pregnancy is Chamomile. Taken int he form of a tea, Chamomile is great for pregnancy related symptoms such digestive complaints and sleep disturbance. It is particularly useful for:
- Insomnia
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Cramping
PROBIOTICS
Probiotics help to establish a healthy gut flora and support digestion and absorption of nutrients. Often during pregnancy women can experience disturbances in their digestion and their immunity. Probiotics can help to relieve:
- Bloating
- Thrush
WITHANIA
A beautiful iron rich herb which helps to support the nervous system, boost energy and increase resistance to stress. It can be taken in the form of a tincture or tablet and is useful for treating:
- Iron deficiency
- Fatigue
- Stress
- Anxiety
DIGESTIVE ENZYMES
Digestive symptoms are often experienced right throughout pregnancy due to the effect of hormones as well as the pressure that is places on the gastro intenstinal tract. Digestive enzymes are great for improving digestion and absorption of nutrients as well as treating:
- Bloating
- Heartburn
Pregnancy is a wonderful and special time for Women yet there are often many unwanted side effects that accompany this significant time. Finding relief with natural therapies is a great way to support your pregnancy and knowing which remedies are safe can ensure that you are getting the best care for you and your baby.