Health/Fitness

PREGNANCY

Description

Pregnancy is the time from when a baby is conceived and grows in the mother's uterus, until it is born. Pregnancy lasts for about forty weeks and many problems can occur during this time, however a great many women incur few or no problems at all. It is recommended that before pregnancy occurs both the mother and father should be in good healthy condition for six months to a year before a baby is conceived as this may help to reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy, birth and in the child. If you think you are pregnant you should undergo a reliable test for confirmation and seek professional advice on pregnancy and child rearing. There are many qualified practitioners available with a range of experiences and specialties and it is up to you as to who you would like to seek advice from for your pregnancy and birth. Some common problems resulting from pregnancy include: - Morning sickness - occurs in about half of all pregnant women. - Backache - very common during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. - Constipation - very common during pregnancy. - Mood swings - very common during pregnancy and can be mild or very serious.

Causes

Lifestyle symptoms

Quit Smoking - smoking is known to double the risk of miscarriage, increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and babies who are born to mothers who smoke have a smaller birth size. See smoking for information on how to quit. Avoid all but essential drug use and eliminate alcohol and caffeine (chocolate, tea, coffee, soft drinks) as they can cause serious health risks to the developing baby.
Exercise - such as walking, yoga and aqua aerobics may be of benefit in reducing stress, pain of backache and to improve general well being. It is worth noting that you should consult your health care provider before engaging in a new exercise regimen.
Stress Management - yoga, breathing exercises and meditation may help you both physically and emotionally to have a happy, healthy pregnancy and birth.
Ways to prevent or improve morning sickness may include regular acupuncture or acupressure, eating dry crackers or toast in the morning, having a slow routine to ease you up and out of bed each day, avoid spicy food, eat smaller meals - grazing is recommended and eating a diet low in animal fat.
Ways to prevent or improve backache may include improving your posture - back straight and relaxed, keep moving - do not remain stationary in the same position for prolonged periods, do stretching exercises daily - yoga may help.
Ways to prevent or improve constipation may include daily exercise - walking is best, take in plenty of dietary fiber and include at least two liters of fluid daily.
Ways to improve or prevent mood swings may include intake of B group vitamins as they help the body and mind to cope with stress, foods such as alfalfa, soy products, brown rice, blackstrap molasses, oats and leafy green vegetables may help. Meditation - self realization may help you to come to terms with and understand the nature of the changes your body is undergoing.
General Dietary Changes - pregnant women require extra nourishment - not just extra calories, general dietary improvements or changes may include: - Increase daily calorie intake by about three hundred calories (depending upon existing caloric intake) by eating a variety of fiber, vitamin and mineral rich foods. - Avoid all artificial sweeteners, caffeine, fried food, spicy food, alcohol and junk food.

Symptoms

Morning sickness - nausea and vomiting often in the morning, although may occur at any time.
Backache - aching back.
Constipation - hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass.
Mood swings - sudden changes in the moods.

Treatment:

There are a range of natural therapies that can help with a healthy pregnancy and birth including hydrotherapy (aqua aerobics), meditation, yoga, acupuncture, massage and acupressure.

CALCIUM - may help to reduce the risk of premature birth and help protect against hypertension and pre-eclampsia during pregnancy. Calcium is used in bone growth, prevents blood clotting and is used in energy production. Natural sources of calcium include dairy food, brewer's yeast, lemongrass, blackstrap molasses, dandelion, alfalfa, soy products, sesame seeds, prunes, oats, carob, peppermint, flaxseed and horsetail. 1,500 mg daily in divided doses may help during pregnancy. Seek medical advice before taking calcium if you suffer from hyperparathyroidism, kidney disease or sarcoidosis, or if you are taking a calcium channel blocker for heart problems or high blood pressure. Increased calcium intake may require increased magnesium intake.

VITAMIN B3 - NIACIN - If taken during the first trimester has been linked with the birth of bigger (thus healthier) babies. Niacin also helps with the metabolism of nutrients, helps produce hormones and acid for digestion. Natural sources of niacin include, tomatoes, parsley, alfalfa, potatoes, carrots, dates, brewer's yeast, whole wheat and dandelion greens. Use according to label instructions.

FOLIC ACID - is known to reduce the risk of infection while pregnant, improves the growth and birth size of babies, is used in the production of red blood cells and energy. Folic acid is thought to help reduce the incidence of disorders such as spina bifida and premature birth. It is thought that a woman's need for folic acid doubles when pregnant. Natural sources of folic acid include brewer's yeast, whole grains, oranges, lentils, dates, bran, brown rice, whole wheat and green leafy vegetables. 800 mcg daily in divided doses may help. Do not take folic acid for prolonged periods if you have hormone related cancer or a convulsive disorder.

VITAMIN C - taken in conjunction with 5 mg vitamin K relieves and may even eliminate the effects of morning sickness. Vitamin C is also involved in the growth of new tissue, is an anti stress vitamin, helps to reduce blood clotting and improves the immune system. Natural sources of vitamin C include mangos, fennel seed, rose hip, radishes, pineapple, berries, persimmons, silverbeet, paprika, seaweed - dulse and kelp, peppermint, parsley, papayas, kale, cantaloupe, avocados, asparagus, turnip greens and tomatoes. 500 - 2,000 mg daily in divided doses may help. Do not use more than 5,000 mg daily if pregnant. Use esterified vitamin C if you use aspirin. Large doses of vitamin C may cause diarrhea, may deplete the body of copper and affect the reliability of oral contraceptives.

IRON - is involved in the formation of red blood cells, helps to protect the mother from becoming anemic during pregnancy. Iron also assists growth and is used in the immune system. Iron needs are thought to double during pregnancy. Natural sources of iron include citrus, soybeans, dandelion, rose hip, almonds, blackstrap molasses, dates, brewer's yeast, sesame seeds, prunes, lentils, seaweed - dulse and kelp, tomatoes, milk, cheese and vegetables. Take 30 mg daily with vitamin C. To attain optimum absorption, avoid taking iron supplements with food or with the following: zinc, vitamin E, calcium or antacids.

GINGER - helps with nausea, vomiting, indigestion and bowel disorders. Use fresh ginger steeped to make tea. Do not use for a prolonged period during pregnancy or if you have gallstones.

MAGNESIUM - helps to improve the uptake of calcium and potassium into the body and to reduce the risk of premature labor. Natural sources of magnesium include bananas, green leafy vegetables, lemongrass, peppermint, brewer's and torula yeast, brown rice, apples, blackstrap molasses, sesame seeds, soy products, horsetail, peppermint, garlic, seaweed - dulse and kelp, parsley and grapefruit. 750 mg daily in divided doses may help. High doses of magnesium may cause diarrhea. Consult your physician before taking magnesium supplementation if you have kidney disease.

LEMON BALM, MELISSA OFFICINALIS, MELISSA. - used for morning sickness. Use according to label instructions.

KELP - provides many nutrients for mother and baby. Use according to label instructions.

ALFALFA - provides many nutrients including calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamins C, D and K.

DANDELION - Root and Leaf - helps with morning sickness and provides many nutrients including vitamin A, calcium, potassium and iron. Do not take if you have gallstones, gastritis or ulcers.