Natural Health And Pregnancy: Safety
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.