Pregnancy - The Herbs Place
Natural Solutions for Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be exciting, fulfilling and even delightful. It can also be a time of uncertainty and change. Bringing a new life into the world is an important and sacred thing.
The body needs good nutrition during pregnancy because the mother is literally “eating for two.” If the nutrients needed by the growing fetus aren’t present in the mother’s diet or supplemental intake, they will be borrowed from her body.
This is why women become anemic (iron deficiency), get diabetes (chromium deficiency), and have poor hair and nails (calcium or silicon deficiency) when they are pregnant. These are just a few of the symptoms which reveal that baby is borrowing mom’s body of essential nutrients.
Whole, natural foods are better than anything else the expectant mom can take. Avoid refined and processed foods with sugar, white flour, and artificial flavorings and colors. These provide empty calories without much real nutrition. Eat several portions of fruits and vegetables each day, and don’t forget to get enough protein (between 25 and 40 grams). To supplement your nutritional profile, Nature’s Prenatal is an excellent choice for a natural profile of nutrients.
Water is vital to human life and fluids should be taken freely during pregnancy. You should drink an average of six to eight glasses of water a day. Avoid caffeine containing beverages, such as colas, teas, and coffees. Please do some research on caffeine consumption during pregnancy.
Do not do any cleansing during pregnancy. It’s not a time to be pulling toxins out of the tissues and liver to be circulating around in the bloodstream that is supplying the fetus. The best time to cleanse is before pregnancy. Be sure to note the list of herbs below that you should NOT take during pregnancy.
Moderate exercise is very important for a healthy pregnancy. Walking is one of the best exercises. It helps to build muscles and strength for delivery and can even help “drop” the baby into place. Exercise will also increase circulation which is good for those legs!
When nearing the end of pregnancy, a formula called “5-W” helps to prepare the body for labor. You can read about it below. A great drink to use during labor is Liquid Chlorophyll. It keeps the energy up during labor and nourishes the blood since there is some loss during delivery.
Here’s a list of ideas on using herbs during various stages of pregnancy:
Prenatal Options
Nature’s Prenatal Vitamin/Mineral Supplement provides a balanced combination of vitamins and minerals to support the nutritional needs of both mother and baby and also contains ginger root to help soothe the stomach. Free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, sweeteners, sugar, yeast, gluten, lactose, milk, soy or wheat so you can use it with complete confidence.
Calcium Plus – Generally recommended during pregnancy for structural support of fetus and to avoid leg cramps, back aches, etc. for the mother. This comes with an Alfalfa base which is also rich in necessary trace minerals. If you prefer an herbal source of calcium, use Herbal CA.
Herbal Trace Minerals contains Alfalfa, Kelp and Dandelion. A rich source of trace minerals and glandular support during pregnancy. The North American Indians adopted Alfalfa for human use and thought it helpful for every condition of the body. Kelp is a source of iodine which feeds the thyroid gland and contains many trace minerals. Dandelion was used by early Arabian physicians, this herb has a beneficial effect on female organs and kidneys. Contains natural Vitamin A and many trace minerals.
Flax Seed Oil – Essential fatty acids will prevent dry, flaky skin that occurs with changing hormones. Rich in Omega 3‘s and 6’s this provides nutrition needed for healthy skin.
Citrus Bioflavonoids has a high content of non-acid Vitamin C factors, Vitamin E, organic iron, calcium, and B complex.
Red Raspberry is the classic pregnancy herb; tones and nourishes uterine muscle; contains easily absorbed iron; reduces bleeding after birth, speeds recovery, boosts milk supply, and helps with nausea. World famous Quaker herbalist Henry Box says, “a tea made from Red Raspberry is the best gift God ever gave to women.” It strengthens and acts as a tonic for the whole body, thus making childbirth easier.
White Oak Bark, Vari-Gone, or Butcher’s Broom – Used for hemorrhoids and or varicose veins.
Liquid Chlorophyll is one of the best blood-builders being rich in easily digestible iron, avoiding constipation. It also provides a tonic effect, giving a bit of energy that is needed during pregnancy.
Papaya-Mint contains papain, an enzyme that breaks down protein food, and peppermint, a traditional digestive aid to help with belching, bloating and bad breath.
Ginger has been proven effective for morning sickness and nausea. Aids digestion. Open capsule into cup and add hot water to sip when capsule can’t be taken.
Slippery Elm – A safe, gentle fiber to prevent constipation and settle acid stomach. Use with
Folic Acid Plus – is strongly suggested for all pregnant women to reduce the chance of birth defects.
Five Weeks Before Delivery
5-W – A formula that gives elasticity to pelvic and vaginal areas, and generally strengthens the uterus for easier delivery. It stimulates braxton hicks (contractions which start labor) and helps ensure timely delivery. This formula includes Black Cohosh which stimulates the braxton hicks. While this herb, along with Dong Quai, which is also included in the formula, should be avoided earlier in the pregnancy, they can be used in the final stages to help bring on labor (which is why they are avoided
Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy
Goldenseal, Rue, Tansy, Artemesia, Comfrey, Coltsfoot, Mandrake, Mistletoe, Pennyroyal, Poke Root, Black and Blue Cohosh, Motherwort, Yarrow, Senna, Cascara Sagrada, Buckthorn, Ephedra and Ma Huang. Avoid any hormonal herbs such as Licorice, Dong Quai, and Ginseng.
Caution
This isn’t a complete listing, it is imperative that you consult your health care provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before you consume any natural health care products.