Nausea and Morning Sickness
A common symptom of early pregnancy (or even the entire pregnancy) that can be mild or severe, lasting a few days to weeks to even a few months.
The change and surge of hormones creates this symptom, and it's important to eat small regular meals and snacks to keep blood sugar levels balanced.
What Helps
- Bland carbohydrates - salted crackers, oat cakes, biscuits
- Stay away from fried, greasy foods
- Eat more cooked greens, vegetables, carbohydrates, and protein
- Ginger - excellent for pregnancy nausea
- Mint, lemon balm, and chamomile tea
- Freshly squeezed lemon in water
- Raspberry leaf and peach leaf (especially if you feel overheated)
Homeopathic Remedies
- Nux Vomica 6c or 30c - for nausea with irritability
- Pulsatilla 6c or 30c - for nausea with teariness
- Cocculus indica 6c or 30c - for motion-related nausea
- Sepia 30c - for nausea triggered by smell of food
Take your prenatal vitamins with food, and keep hydrated with warm water or herbal tea throughout the day. If symptoms are severe, contact your doctor.
Constipation
As levels of Progesterone rise and the baby adds pressure to your bowels, constipation can become more of an issue.
What Helps
- Drink lots of fluids - at least 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day
- Eat plenty of fiber - fresh fruits, vegetables, prune juice, dried fruit
- Warm water or hot lemon and honey can help soften stools
- Magnesium - found in leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds, fish, dark chocolate
- Dandelion root, Burdock root, Yellow Dock root, and Beet can help with constipation and also help your body retain Iron
- Prebiotics and Probiotics can help gut bacteria
Varicose Veins
The increase in blood volume, extra weight, and need for blood to return back to the heart from extremities can demand extra pressure on venous flow. Pregnancy hormones soften smooth muscle tissues, including those around blood vessels.
What Helps
- Put your feet up as much as you can
- Don't cross your legs
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
- Alternate with short periods of daily exercise
- Add Rutin to your diet in the form of berries
- Increase magnesium in foods
- Take apple cider vinegar with a pinch of cayenne pepper daily
Herbal Support
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) - contains fragarine which tones the muscles of the pelvic area. Rich mineral content aids nourishment of tissues and blood.
Horse Chestnut Seed Extract - popular European remedy that helps support vessel walls.
Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus) - use externally in creams for topical support.
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) - use at the END of pregnancy, in the 9th month. An excellent uterine tonic that is astringent and anti-inflammatory. Can help tone tissues after birth.
Hemorrhoids
These are varicose veins in your bottom. Stay well hydrated and eat sufficient fiber to prevent them. Apply witch hazel with a cotton ball to soothe and tone tissues.
Please always consult with your healthcare provider about any herbs during pregnancy. Some herbs are contraindicated during certain stages of pregnancy.