You have just found out that you are pregnant. A lot of things are going to change for the next several months including your appetite. But, don’t believe the myth that you are actually eating for two.

It’s the biggest myth about pregnancy, right up there with Sasquatch and the Loch Ness monster. Yes, you are now supporting another life, but it is a small life, that grows from an embryo. The way that some of us eat you would think we were feeding another adult person. It’s time to dispel the myth.

What to Avoid Eating When Pregnant

Yes, you will have your cravings for strange combinations of food. And, it is okay to indulge as long as it is not all the time. Eat slowly and savor each bite so that you enjoy it.

Because you are experiencing changes in hormone levels, eating the same foods can affect you differently. Your sense of smell is more acute and so is your sense of taste.

There are a few foods that need to be restricted during pregnancy for safety of the unborn child as well as manageable weight gain. We are not advocating a diet. Losing weight is detrimental to a healthy pregnancy. You can still eat but fill up on low calorie, nutrient dense foods instead of the high calorie ones that offer less nutrition for you and your baby.

Limit or eliminate the following:
Caffeine – too much may cause problems with birth weight
Alcohol – can contribute to fetal alcohol syndrome
Artificial sweeteners – cross the placenta and affect the fetus
Certain fish – may contain mercury which is detrimental to neural development of your fetus
Unpasteurized foods – can harbor bacteria such as Listeria

Foods you Need to Eat When Pregnant

Your body’s systems are not only nourishing you but also your baby. It will be necessary to increase your caloric intake slightly to account for baby’s needs. But, baby needs plenty of the good stuff. Researchers suspect that if you don’t take in the proper nutrients it is baby that suffers and not the mother.

Eat a lot of the following:

Vegetables – Yes, you can have the sauce too in moderation. Choose bright colorful veggies that contain a lot of antioxidants plus other vitamins and minerals.
Fruits – If you have a sweet tooth, try some dried fruit or fresh fruit.
Fiber foods – High fiber cereals and whole grain breads help keep your digestive system moving. It can slow down as baby grows so fiber helps prevent constipation and diarrhea.
Low fat dairy – Your body will need lots of calcium and protein to support baby’s growth
Omega-3 fatty acids – Fish like salmon can be eaten a couple times a week to provide these important fats for your body.

What are you eating? There are two people but one is small so eat accordingly and healthy.

Eating for Two During Pregnancy Do’s & Don’ts

Even if you adopt a laid-back attitude to pregnancy after 40 or have a great deal of concern, the reality is that health care providers evaluate pregnancies of women over 40 in a different way compared to the a pregnancy of a younger woman. There are certain issues you might have to anticipate if you’re a becoming a mom over the age of 40. Below is a basic list of a few of those issues, as well as a few recommendations to lower the potential risks.

Possible Risks

A short list of a few of the possible challenges to the mother throughout a midlife pregnancy:

* Placenta previa – This is pregnancy complication in which the placenta is unable to move away from the cervical area. As a result, the placenta develops close to the mouth of the womb which may result in blood loss, cramping pains, and early labor. Women over 40 are said to have an increased risk for this condition.

* Cardiomyopathy – Heart disorder may happen among postpartum moms, but some older moms tend to be more at risk, statistically. It happens if your heart goes through changes, which include deterioration, stiffening, or thickening of the heart muscle.

* Gestational diabetes – Sadly, the statistics also show that pregnant women over 40 tend to be more vulnerable to this metabolic disorder of pregnancy.

* Pre-eclampsia – This severe disorder needs to be taken very seriously in any woman’s pregnancy, however the strange issue regarding pre-eclampsia is the fact that first-time mothers have approximately the same risk as moms over 40. It makes sense, then, that when you’re a first-time mom older than 40, it would be wise to be particularly alert to the symptoms of pre-eclampsia.

* Cancer – Being pregnant is not known for increasing cancer risk. However for a number of older women, fertility treatment therapy is necessary to conceive, and the the risk of cancer (in particular breast) could possibly rise by using these hormone-intensive therapies.

* C-section – The odds of a C-section is an additional risk that will increase with women over 40.

Genetic Screening

The chance of a new baby developing having a genetic condition is claimed to rise over the age of 40 (and some people claim over the age of 35). Your health care provider probably will offer the choice of screening your baby for 1 if not more of those conditions. There are several forms of genetic testing. At the beginning of your pregnancy (approximately 14 to 17 weeks), you can have a blood sample taken and tested for a number of disorders, which include Down Syndrome. However, most of these early medical tests can be inaccurate.

The most significant test for genetic disorders is amniocentesis, that will check for each inconsistency and abnormality of the chromosomes. This can be carried out relatively early in the pregnancy (near 15 to 18 weeks), and consists of getting a sample of the amniotic fluid by using a syringe and needle. A number of people warn that this method might induce labor and cause miscarriage while other people say it’s completely harmless.

Regardless whether you choose to go with these sorts of tests (or any other test like ultrasound) is completely your choice, as is coping with whatever you find out from these tests.

Ways to Lower the Risk

Exactly what can you do to minimize a few of these risks? Healthy and well balanced diet and life-style are essential in every pregnancy, however they are possibly even more vital for pregnant women over 40.  In case you have not given up smoking, make an effort to do this. Do research on the optimal pregnancy diet with a good healthy eating plan, and stick to it carefully.

Also, it is wise to take prenatal vitamins. Consuming alcohol is actually regarded as a terrible idea while being pregnant, however it is more damaging for the unborn babies of pregnant moms over 40.

Pregnancy After 40

As well as focusing on a healthy diet when you’re expecting, there are also a number of foods to avoid during pregnancy in order to protect both your own and your baby’s health. Here’s a quick guide to the main foods to avoid, but remember to talk to a medical professional for even more detailed advice.

Listeria

Although it’s unlikely that you’ll get infected with listeria (listeriosis) during your pregnancy, it’s important to avoid high risk foods. Even if you get a mild form of the infection, this could result in illness in your baby, or even stillbirth and miscarriage.

Top of the list of these foods to avoid during pregnancy include mould-ripened soft cheeses (camembert, brie and chevre) and other cheeses that have a similar rind. You should also avoid all kinds of pate during pregnancy.

Meat Products And Eggs

To avoid illness, make sure that all eggs are cooked thoroughly (this means that the whites and yolks should both be solid) and that there is no trace of pink or blood in any meat you eat. You can eat items such as steak rare, as long as the outside has been cooked. Lastly, wash your hands, surfaces and all utensils when preparing raw meat. All of these precautions will help you to avoid food poisoning that can damage your unborn baby.

You should avoid eating liver and any liver products altogether due to their high concentration of vitamin A.

Sprouts

All raw or lightly cooked sprouts can lead to food poisoning, but you should be especially wary of mung bean, alfalfa and clover sprouts. Make sure that you only ever cook fresh, crisp sprouts and that they are cooked through thoroughly before you eat them.

Fish

There are a few kinds of fish that you should avoid. Always avoid any raw shellfish, and also marlin, swordfish and shark. Try to make sure that you eat no more than four cans of tuna, or two tuna steaks, every week (due to the high levels of mercury), and eat no more than two portions of oily fish a week. Sushi is fine as long as it’s made with fish that’s been frozen for 24 hours before eating (which all restaurants have to do).

General Food Preparation Advice

To avoid germs that can lead to food poisoning, make sure all of your cold foods are stored below 5 degrees Celsius, and that hot food is cooked above 60 degrees Celsius. Make sure you always keep raw and cooked food separate, and don’t use the same utensils and surfaces for both. Always wash your hands when handling food and eating.

Caffeine

It’s important to limit your caffeine intake while pregnant to reduce the risks of premature birth and miscarriage. Small amounts are OK – try not to drink more than 200mg a day. This means around two cups of coffee, 6 cups of cola, 4 cups of tea or 4 cups of hot chocolate.

Alcohol

Too much alcohol can harm your baby, or lead to miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth. It’s advisable to avoid alcohol altogether during pregnancy.

Don’t let this list of foods to avoid during pregnancy leave you overwhelmed! In the grand scheme of things, you’ll only have to give up a few things. It’s more about moderation and balance than it is about completely giving up most things.

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Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnant women and nursing moms need prenatal vitamins to cope with the needs of a more special physical condition.

Prenatal vitamins represent mixes of nutrients that sustain the pregnancy and provide all the substances necessary to the growth of the baby. The efficiency of prenatal vitamins is maximum if they are supported by a balanced nutrition. a vitamin in the B complex that is vital for the growth of the fetus in the uterus. the baby’s health will be severely
impaired.

The right moment to take prenatal vitamins.

Most doctors recommend that women start taking prenatal vitamins a few months before they decide to conceive. However. Prenatal vitamins and they should be used according to the instructions.

The tolerance to prenatal vitamins!

There are women who don’t tolerate them too well. Some aggravate morning sickness and others cause constipation.

Nausea and unpleasant gastric reflux are also possible. Don’t use vitamins that contain vitamin A or beta-carotene because this may cause anatomical defects to the baby.

How to increase tolerance to prenatal vitamins!

Lots of future mothers discover that chewable prenatal vitamins are better
tolerated.

Gummy vitamins will work just fine. Ask your doctor about what other options you’ve got and find out which natural prenatal vitamins are available. Only purchase supplements from trustworthy sources and manufactured by well reputed brands. A manufacturer with a good reputation is the guarantee for supplement quality.

I strongly advise against Internet orders. If we are to follow common sense advice, you should not take any risks. Ask for a prescription from your doctor. There is no better course of action under the circumstances. May you have a healthy and safe pregnancy!

Prenatal Vitamins

Prenatal care, or medical care recommended for women before and during pregnancy, has been around for centuries. Although it has differed from century to century, the overall aim of prenatal care is and always has been to detect any problems early on in the pregnancy and prevent them if possible through nutrition, exercise, and vitamin intake, along with directing the woman to the appropriate hospital or specialty if it becomes necessary.

Prenatal care is especially important because it plays a significant role in reducing maternal death rates and miscarriages, as well as detecting birth defects, low or high birth weight, and other preventable problems. Generally, a pregnant woman will have monthly visits during the first 28 weeks of pregnancy, or the first trimester, followed by two visits a month from weeks 28 to 36 and then weekly from 38 to 40 weeks, or until delivery. During these prenatal visits, the mother can expect to provide her medical history to the health care provider, who will check her blood pressure, record her height and weight, do a pelvic exam, collect blood and urine samples, and ask any questions she may have about the pregnancy, unborn baby, or labor and delivery.

Ultrasounds or sonograms, which are considered safe and have been used for more than 35 years for monitoring pregnancy, are performed during the second and third trimesters. Ultrasounds can be used to check for more than one fetus, determine the sex of an unborn baby, and assess any possible risks to the mother, like miscarriage, a low-lying placenta, blighted ovum, ectopic pregnancy, or molar pregnancy. They are also used to find any problems in the unborn child, such as clubfoot, cleft palate, or spina bifida; determine if the baby is growing at an alarmingly slow or fast rate; check on the development of the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, stomach, skull, bones, and other fetal body parts; and check for low amniotic fluid and umbilical cord issues. Additionally, measurements and developmental progress found during an ultrasound are used to determine the estimated due date or arrival of the baby.

Any woman who is pregnant or wants to get pregnant is advised to take at least 400 mg of folic acid to prevent neural tube defects, along with additional vitamins. Expectant parents can also take prenatal classes, sometimes called childbirth classes, to prepare them for the labor and birth process, find support with breastfeeding, and learn how to properly care for a newborn. Prenatal classes also provide pregnant women with relaxation techniques to be used during labor, how to spot the signs of labor, and discuss the partner’s role during the labor and delivery process.

Prenatal care today vs. yesterday

Prenatal care during the Victorian era used a holistic approach, relying primarily on nature to take care of their patients. Pregnant women ate a diet of “cooling foods” like fresh fruits and vegetables but were advised to stay away from “heating foods” like meat, eggs, coffee, tea, alcohol, and spices. Women were taken care of by accoucheurs, who were similar to doctors, because it was known even then that the mother’s health directly affected the health of her newborn baby. Bathing in seawater and drinking mineral water were also advised to increase the mother’s overall vitality and strength. Additionally, pregnant women were prescribed exercise or leisurely travel, which involved walking and other light activities without doing any strenuous exercise. If a woman had a miscarriage, she was automatically blamed for being overly active despite the exercise recommendation.

Today, prenatal care is recommended based on medical evidence that supports the suggestion’s validity. For example, women are told to eat a well-balanced diet with foods from each of the food groups, consume extra folic acid and fatty acids like those found in prenatal vitamins, take iron supplements during the last trimester, and keep coffee and tea down to three or four cups per day. Alcohol is still prohibited during pregnancy just like in the 19th century, while exercise like walking is still recommended. Swimming, stretching, playing golf, tennis, doing floor exercises, and practicing yoga are also highly recommended during pregnancy. It is best to reduce the activity level as the pregnancy progresses, and heavy lifting or strenuous exercises are supposed to be avoided.

Prenatal Care

With the birth of their first or even subsequent children women often have questions about what is an acceptable weight gain during pregnancy. Often women have misconceptions about weight gain during pregnancy, how much is healthy and also feeling as if they may be contributing to obesity.

Previously doctors believed that a weight gain of 20 –25 pounds was appropriate but now they know that the amount of weight a woman gains during pregnancy should in fact be based on her pre-pregnancy weight. Your baby will take what nutrition it needs from the woman’s body. When women don’t take in enough nutrition they are at risk for delivering an underweight baby. Babies who are born at low birth weight are at higher risk for specific health disorders that affect the lungs, neurological and gastrointestinal systems.

An acceptable weight gain during pregnancy often occurs in the third trimester because that is when the baby gains the majority of his weight and size. Your hunger increases in the first and second trimester because it takes a lot of energy for your body to grow this new little person. You should be eating a well balanced diet that doesn’t have excessive fat or sugar.

Doctors now know that how much you gain during pregnancy depends upon how much you weigh before. Those who weigh less should gain more and those who weight more should gain less. That’s not very specific. So the US National Academy of Sciences produced a table of recommended weight increases during pregnancy based on your pre-pregnancy BMI.

Your BMI or body mass index, is a way of measuring how close to a normal weight your are using a mathematical equation taking your height and weight into account. The actual equation is your height, squared, divided into your weight and multiplied by 705. If you use a metric system you divide your weight in kilo’s by your length in meters twice.

For instance if you are 5’4” and 120 pounds: 120/ (64X64) X 705 = 20.65 (BMI).
In metrics the weight 55.54 and height is 1.62 meters – divide the weight by height twice and the BMI = 21.1

The National Academy of Sciences acceptable weight gain during pregnancy table recommends a weight gain of 27-39 pounds if the BMI is less than 19.8; about 25-35 pounds if your BMI is 19.8-26; about 15-25 pounds if your BMI is 26-29 and at least 13 pounds if your BMI is over 29.

Weight gain during pregnancy should never be mistaken for obesity. The dictionary defines obesity as excessive accumulation of fat but weight gain during pregnancy is because of the weight of the placenta and baby.

Many women also mistake the weight gain during pregnancy and difficulty losing the weight after pregnancy as a reason not to gain weight during pregnancy. Unfortunately this increases the risk of babies who are low birth weight who have neurological, gastrointestinal and temperature regulation problems. Some of these difficulties are long term and last a lifetime.

Weight Gain To Expect During Pregnancy

We all know how important it is to take good care of ourselves during pregnancy.  We seek prenatal care, eat a nutritious diet, and try to make the best choices so that our babies will be healthy and strong.  But there are also some things we need to do for our babies before they are even conceived.  One of the most important is getting plenty of folic acid.

Folic acid, also known as Vitamin B9 or folate, is good for us because it aids in the production of red blood cells.  It is also believed to help prevent serious ailments such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.  But folic acid also plays an important role in the development of a fetus:  It helps prevent neural tube defects.

The neural tube is the part of a growing baby that becomes the brain and spinal cord.  This transformation takes place during the first few weeks of pregnancy.  If the neural tube does not close as it should, it causes a serious problem called a neural tube defect.  This can manifest itself in a number of different ways, including but not limited to the following:

* Spina bifida – This occurs when the spinal cord and its vertebrae do not close completely.  Mild cases cause no health problems, while more severe cases can cause a number of other problems, including paralysis.

* Anencephaly – This is a term for a severely underdeveloped brain.

* Encephalocele – Babies with encephalocele have an opening in the skull from which brain tissue protrudes.

* Death – Some babies with neural tube defects die in utero.

Getting the Folic Acid Your Baby Needs

Folic acid intake is important for women who are trying to conceive, as well as for those who are not trying but could still become pregnant.  Getting adequate folic acid for at least a month before conception, and continuing to take it at least 3 months into pregnancy, will greatly reduce your baby’s risk of having a neural tube defect.

It is difficult to get enough folic acid through diet alone, but at least some of your folic acid should come from food.  Some foods that are high in folic acid include asparagus, spinach, peanuts, romaine lettuce, and broccoli.  Many breads and cereals are also fortified with folic acid.

If there is any chance that you might get pregnant, it is important to take a folic acid supplement each day.  After conception, you will need to start taking prenatal vitamins as soon as possible.  Your doctor may even decide that you should take a folic acid supplement in addition to your prenatal vitamins.

Getting enough folic acid is an important part of your prenatal care, and it should start before conception.  This simple step can help prevent devastating birth defects, and could potentially even save your child’s life.

The Importance of Folic Acid in Your Pregnancy

Everyone knows that when you’re pregnant, you eat for two.  But your diet isn’t the only thing that affects your baby.  Paying special attention to your health will reduce the likelyhood of problems for your child, and it will make you more comfortable during this physically taxing time.

Getting Proper Nutrition

Pregnant women need about 300 more calories per day than they did before they were expecting.  These extra calories provide the fuel for your baby to grow.  If you don’t eat enough, however, the baby will usually get what he needs anyway.  You will be the one who is left with less energy.

It is very important to get in enough nutrients for yourself and your baby.  Some of the most important are calcium, iron and folic acid.  These aid in the development of baby’s bones, blood, and brain and spine, respectively.  Eating foods rich in these nutrients is the best way to get them, but it may be difficult to get as much of them as you need.  That’s why it is important to take your prenatal vitamins.

Things to Avoid

There are a number of things that we need to avoid during pregnancy.  Your doctor has probably told you to quit smoking and drinking alcohol if you do those things.  And drugs, of course, are strictly off limits.  But there are some other things that are bad for your baby that might surprise you.

Caffeine is one habit that many an expecting mother has trouble kicking.  But it can increase the risk of miscarriage, so it is wise to avoid it.  If you can’t just drop your favorite caffeine-filled beverages, cut down significantly or switch to decaf.  Chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine, but you don’t have to give it up completely.  Moderation is the key.

Pregnant women should avoid certain types of fish.  These include shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.  These often contain high levels of mercury, which can cause brain damage in your baby.  Other foods that should not be included in your diet include unpasteurized cheese, milk, and juice, foods containing raw eggs, and undercooked meat.

It is important not to take any medications during pregnancy without first consulting with your doctor.  Even herbs and over-the-counter medicines can present a danger to your baby.  Ideally, the only medication a pregnant woman should take is a good prenatal vitamin.  But if you feel that you need treatment for pain or other conditions, talk to your doctor.  He may be able to recommend an alternative treatment or a safe medication.

Pregnant women should also avoid contact with cat feces.  If they don’t, they put themselves at risk of contracting toxoplasmosis.  This usually causes no symptoms in the mother, but it can have devastating effects on her developing baby.  These may include prematurity, brain damage, and other problems.

Staying healthy should be a priority at all times, but it becomes much more important when you’re pregnant.  Keeping yourself in good health and avoiding certain foods and substances will help your baby grow strong and healthy.

Staying Healthy During Pregnancy

The sad fact is cigarette smoking is part of many of our lives, regardless of whether we smoke or not. Unfortunately, this includes unborn babies as well.

Surveys show that many mothers still smoke cigarettes during their pregnancy. Most likely these women are unaware of how harmful cigarette smoking truly is on their unborn baby and are unaware that smoking cigarettes during pregnancy is one of the major causes of infant deaths in the society today.

Basically, cigarette smoke alone is full of chemicals, some studies even state it has more than 2,500 chemicals. Some chemicals like tar, carbon monoxide, and nicotine are considered the most dangerous substance for the fetus. It has long been proven how these chemicals can greatly affect the development of the fetus inside the mother’s womb.

First of all, mothers who smoke while pregnant run a risk of ectopic pregnancy. This is especially viable when the mother is a heavy smoker during the first trimester of her pregnancy.

Ectopic pregnancy refers to the state wherein the embryo is embedded outside the uterus, which is contrary to what normal pregnancy should be. Usually, it is embedded in the fallopian tube. In this manner, the fetus has to be removed because this kind of pregnancy will never survive. This fetus will never survive outside of the uterus where a fetus gets all the nourishment and protection that it needs. Prolonging this condition will only risk the mother’s life.

Also, smoking cigarettes during pregnancy increases the probability that the mother will develop complications in the placenta. Reports show that placental problems are actually happening in about 1% of pregnancies. The most common problem is “placenta previa” where the placenta is connected very low in the uterus and is almost at the cervix.

Another problem with smoking cigarettes during pregnancy is the deterioration of fetal growth. The fact is cigarette smoking during pregnancy results in low infant birth weight. For many years now reports have shown that there have been significant differences between babies with mothers who smoked cigarettes during pregnancy and those who have non-cigarette smoking mothers.

Unfortunately, greater risks are imposed on babies who weigh less than the normal babies. They may acquire certain diseases like cerebral palsy, mental retardation, or worse – death.

There are also reports on how cigarette smoking during pregnancy increases the probabilities of birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate.

Moreover, babies born with mothers who are cigarette smokers have higher incidences of sudden infant death syndrome. If ever these infants survive, they may still incur diseases like asthma, behavioral problems, or learning disabilities.

Then there are the post-pregnancy woes…

For babies with mothers who smoke regularly, problems still lurk within their environment. This is especially true to mothers who smoke even when they are breastfeeding their babies.

Studies have revealed that nicotine can be passed on to the baby through breastfeeding. There have been experiments that prove the presence of nicotine in the babies system through urine testing. It later showed that there is a higher percentage of nicotine found on babies who breastfeed to cigarette smoking mothers.

Most experts contend that the problem lies within the mother’s urge to get back to smoking cigarettes right after she gives birth.

Unfortunately, when the mother continues to smoke during the formative years of her child life, chances are she is already shaping a child that will most likely be a cigarette smoker themselves.

So, what’s the point here? The fact that the mother does not care for her own health is one thing. But the fact that she puts greater risk on her baby because of her vice is another thing.

Babies should be given the right to live a decent, normal, and healthy life. So, for the “moms-to-be” out there, please keep in mind that your babies should not be forced to suffer from the long range dangers associated with cigarette smoking. Let’s take care of them by not smoking cigarettes.

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The Dangers of Smoking Cigarettes While Pregnant

It’s been confirmed that you are pregnant. Okay, now one usually asks themselves what they can do to help produce the healthiest baby and also maintain their own health and well being. Someone may read up on the benefits of herbs and herbal medicine, massage, and yoga for pregnant women. It is a whirlwind of information and who knows where to begin? It would probably take an encyclopedia collection to try to sort out all of the information but a couple of areas that may be more popular or accessible would be herbs and massage.

All Herbs Will Be Helpful

You have done some research and found out that certain herbs have certain healing properties, but is it safe for everyone? Some herbs that are safe for human consumption may not be safe during pregnancy. Anyone considering herbal therapies should consult their doctor or midwife and an herbal specialist before they consume any herbs. This is due to the fact that some herbs contain agents that contradict pregnancy. Some of these symptoms may include uterine contractions, premature birth, miscarriage, and even injury to the fetus.

How do you know which herbs are safe and which are not? Like with all drugs during pregnancy, they are rated as safe, may be safe, and completely unsafe. However, the rating system may be skewed depending upon information given on the herb. For example, rosemary could be listed as “likely safe” and this is true if rosemary usage is in food, but when rosemary is consumed in medicinal amounts then it is considered unsafe. Rosemary has been linked to have uterine or menstrual flow effects. This is prudent information for someone who is pregnant.

There are lists of herbs that are considered unsafe during pregnancy and it is best to consult your doctor or an herbal specialist to gain full knowledge, but a few examples may include:

Saw Palmetto: This has hormonal activity
Dong Quai: Linked to uterine stimulant and relaxant effects
Blue Cohosh: A uterine stimulant and can induce labor
Pennyroyal: Used orally or topically

However, things are not all that dim on the herbal front. There are herbs that are considered not only safe but beneficial during pregnancy. Again, it is always best to consult your physician or midwife before consuming any of these:

Red Raspberry Leaf

This herb that can be used in teas helps during pregnancy right from the start. It has been known to help reduce nausea, help tone the uterus, increase milk production and even ease labor pains

Peppermint and Ginger

Both of these can help with nausea

Slippery Elm Bark

The inner bark that is used orally in small amounts can help relieve nausea, heartburn, and vaginal irritations

Massage It All Away

After a hard day’s work or to help relax after a tense situation, a massage has its benefits. This alternative therapy has also proven to be extremely beneficial in pregnancy. During pregnancy there are major physical and emotional changes that can occur and these changes greatly affect you. Massage can help improve your circulation to combat fatigue and bring more nutrition and oxygen to the baby. All these will help relax you so you can enjoy your pregnancy to the fullest. This also is a good way for your partner to feel included in the pregnancy. Touch and soothing massage can bring a couple closer together when their world is being turned upside down.

Further Reasons

As if the mere enjoyment of massage is not enough, there are a few more reasons to gain the benefits of massage during your pregnancy:

Stress Reduction
Loosen stiff or painful muscles
Increase your flexibility
Increase circulation in the body
Reduce spasms
Improve the flow of energy
Help maintain your posture

There are so many decisions to make for yourself and for your growing baby during pregnancy. There are things you can no longer do or take because of the affects it may have on the fetus or you. However, taking some time to speak to a specialist and consulting your doctor or physician is truly the best way to choose the correct and safe methods of natural health.

Natural Health And Pregnancy: Safety