Consult With Her Doctor Pregnancy treatments help the baby, and the woman. Alternative medicine offers a variety of treatments for conditions ranging from morning sickness to stretch marks. Before starting any treatment, a pregnant woman should consult with her doctor or practitioner.
Parenatal Care
Parenatal care is vitally important for the health of the unborn baby. A pregnant woman should eat a balanced, nutritious diet of frequent small meals. Many physicians prescribe pregnancy vitamins, including folic acid and iron
supplementation during pregnancy. Numerous herbs are believed to remedy a range of conditions experienced by pregnant women. Many remedies can be taken as herbal teas, and packaged tea bags are sold at health food stores.
Take These Herbs Red raspberry leaf tea is regarded as an all-purpose remedy. It's a good source of iron, it tones the uterus, protects against miscarriage, and prevents infection, cramps, and anemia. Furthermore, red raspberry is believed to aid the birth process by stimulating contractions.
Prevents Excessive Bleeding The herb also prevents excessive bleeding during labor and afterwards. For morning sickness, several forms of ginger provide relief. A cup of ginger tea, ginger capsules, ginger ale, or ginger cookies can
ease the queasiness.
Wild Herbs
Pregnant women also can take Lemon balm for nausea; it also helps with digestion. Wild yam and burdock root are effective against morning sickness. Wild yam can be taken for pregnancy pain and cramping. The herb is taken to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Burdock root aids with water retention; it also protects against infant jaundice.
Boosts The Immune System Peppermint can be taken after the first trimester to combat nausea. It helps with digestion, provides stomach relief, and serves as a body strengthener. Echinacea boosts the immune system to fight colds, flu, and infection. Chamomile provides soothing relaxation and can be used to help with sleep. It also helps with digestive problems and bowel difficulties.
Vitamins & Herbs Yellow dock also thwarts infant jaundice. The herb also helps with iron absorption. Bilberry serves as a diuretic for bloating; it also strengthens vein and capillary support. Nettles and oat straw are sources of calcium. In addition, nettles and dandelion reportedly prevent high blood pressure and water retention. Nettles contain Vitamin K and help to prevent excessive bleeding. Nettles can also be taken to avoid hemorrhoids and to enhance kidney function.
Blue Cohosh
Blue cohosh is taken during the last weeks of pregnancy, this remedy is taken to induce labor contractions and ease spasmodic pains. Lobelia works to relax the mother during delivery. The herb also aids with delivery of the placenta.
Be Careful Before Taking HerbsPregnant women should be careful before taking herbs. Some herbs can cause complications and should not be taken during pregnancy. Uterine contractions can be caused by angelica, lovage, mistletoe, mugwort, tansy, wild ginger, and wormwood. Other herbs to be avoided include cinchona, eucalyptus oil, juniper, ma huang (ephedra), male fern, pennyroyal, poke root, rue, shepherd's purse, and yarrow.
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