Natural Remedies During Pregnancy

Here are a handful of natural remedies for some of the common symptoms of pregnancy. (If you are having medical problems, please contact your primary caregiver!!)

MORNING SICKNESS

• DRINK MORE WATER!!! (half of your body weight in oz.)

• eat small, frequent, bland meals and snacks

- crackers

- fresh fruit

- raw almonds

- cold chicken

- whole grain toast

• increase your protein intake (80-100 grams daily!)

• avoid greasy foods

• raspberry leaf and chamomile teas

• vitamin B6 supplements or B6-rich foods

- bananas

- brown rice

- lean meats, poultry, fish

- avocados

- whole grains

- corn

- nuts

• reduce stress, extra rest – take a nap!!

• avoid vigorous exercise

HEADACHE

• DRINK MORE WATER!!!!

• warm, relaxing bath

• massage

• tension reducing exercises (such as shoulder circling)

• relaxation exercises

• hot or cold packs on the back of the neck

HEARTBURN

• eat slowly

• keep your head elevated

• eat small, frequent meals and snacks

CONSTIPATION

• DRINK MORE WATER!!!!

• use a footstool on the toilet (go for a squatting position)

• eat plenty of fresh fruit

• eat high-fiber foods

• moderate exercise/walking

BACKACHE

• get plenty of rest

• back massage

• hot/cold packs

TROUBLE SLEEPING

• get plenty of exercise/walking

• warm bath

• warm milk or tea before bed

• massage

• quiet, soothing music

COLD/COUGH/ALLERGIES

• DRINK MORE WATER!!!!

• LOCAL honey

• hot tea with lemon

• cool-mist vaporizer

• saline nose drops

• get plenty of rest

AVOID DURING PREGNANCY:

• Tetracycline (commonly prescribed antibiotic; may slow bone growth)

• Over-the-counter medications including:

- antacids

- decongestants

- cough medicines

- sleep medications

- headache remedies

- aspirin

- ibuprofen

• carpet shampoo

• lawn chemicals

• cleaning solvents

• pesticides

• x-rays

• caffeine

• cat litter

• hard alcohol

• cigarette smoke (including secondhand)