Natural remedies for common discomforts during pregnancy
When I first got pregnant I downloaded all the pregnancy applications available, and started going through them all. I found out that one of the most frequently discussed topics was the importance of staying away from numerous types of medication during pregnancy. However, along with the joy and excitement of pregnancy comes the aches and pains of daily life. Many types of medication, including those which are common over-the-counter varieties have a warning label that says “do not take if pregnant” since they can cross the placenta and enter into the baby’s bloodstream. I struggled for a while before figuring out how to cope with pains and discomforts during pregnancy without resorting to any kind of medication. Therefore, and armed with my experience, I would like to help you experiment with some natural alternatives that can help you cope with pregnancy ills and to show you how to start the shift from pills to safer options of remedies and practices while pregnant. You can use the list below the next time you have an ailment, to help you in the process of thinking “what can I do?” instead of thinking “what can I take?” :
Common pregnancy ills |
Natural remedies |
Nausea |
• Ginger, peppermint and chamomile teas. • Whole grain bread or cereal at point of nausea. • Eating mini meals. • Fresh air. • Acupuncture and acupressure • Staying away from irritating smells |
Constipation |
• A warm bath, • A gentle belly rub in a circular clockwise motion • Slowly increase fiber and water intake • Taking warm fluids • Exercising • Having prunes or prune juice, pears, figs • Increase essential fatty acids intake ( salmon/ flax seeds) |
Headaches |
• A warm bath • Massage ( especially neck, shoulders and feet) • Rest/sleep • Stretching and yoga • Fresh air • Walking • Drinking more water • Minding your posture • Relaxation techniques and acupuncture ( if chronic) |
Stuffy nose |
• Nasal rinsing • Blowing your nose regularly • Run a humidifier • Sleeping with the head in an elevated position • Facial steam • Alternate nostril breathing |
Sore throat/cold |
• Salt water gargle • Honey and lemon in hot water • Ginger tea • Sleeping and resting with the head in a elevated position • Increase garlic and onion consumption (natural antibiotics) • Basking in the sun for 15-20 minutes |
Back pain |
• Practice yoga • Exercise regularly • Mind your posture • Sleep and rest supported on your side • Massage • Acupressure and acupuncture |
Insomnia |
• Relaxation techniques (yoga, journaling, meditation, deep breathing, and relaxing music) • Avoid watching TV before bed • Exercise earlier in the day • Honey in warm water 1 hour before bed • Reduce liquid intake a couple hours before bed to reduce the need to urinate through the night |
Indigestion/ Heartburn |
• Apple cider vinegar or lemon in water • Ginger or chamomile tea • Eat smaller meals • Eliminate poor fat and spicy foods • Avoid eating late at night • Avoid lying down after eating • Drink less fluids during meals. |
Incontinence |
• Kegel and pelvic tilts exercises before and after delivery: Each day contract and release pelvic floor muscles (the ones that you contract to stop urinating) starting with 10 repetitions 4 times/day, and then work up to 50 repetitions 4 times/day. |
So the next time you feel any of the discomforts common during pregnancy, try to go through this list first and try out different options to feel better, in order to save medication for a time when they are really needed. However, if the pain persists and/or is getting stronger, do not wait longer and consult your doctor.
