Natural Remedies for Pregnancy (Helps Moms and Babies)
It’s true: Natural remedies can ease the pain of pregnancy and keep your baby completely safe. That’s good news, because for some of us, pregnancy is a pain!
Natural Remedies Can Relieve Pregnancy Pain
You’ll be sore from head to toe during pregnancy. (You might be surprised to learn that natural remedies can ease pregnancy pain.) Here’s just a small sampling of the aches and discomforts that doctors associate with the nine months of pregnancy:
- Headaches occur due to hormonal changes during pregnancy. Of course, no one likes headaches, but most headaches are manageable. However, research shows that 1 in 6 women with migraines will experience their first migraine during pregnancy. These are like a steroid headache from hell!
- Back pain is very common during pregnancy, affecting 50-80% of people at some point before birth. For some, it is simply annoying and uncomfortable. For others, it can be acute and then become a chronic problem. Being overweight can cause back pain. The same goes for those who have a history of back pain before pregnancy.
- Other symptoms of pregnancy include hip pain and sciatica, leg cramps, swelling of the feet, swelling of the hands and fingers (painful when moving), and varicose veins.
Seeking relief – without hurting the child
Don’t be fooled when you feel the urge to run to the nearest doctor. Pain management during pregnancy can be difficult. First, some prescription and over-the-counter medications can harm the fetus. On the other hand, expectant mothers who refuse to treat chronic pain risk high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression – none of which are good for a healthy child.
Data shows that nearly 90% of women use at least one medication during pregnancy, and nearly 70% of women use at least one prescription drug. If you’re deciding what to use and what to avoid, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Full-action aspirin is especially bad in the last trimester because it increases the risk of bleeding in the mother and fetus. Aspirin can also delay the onset of labor and reduce the intensity and frequency of contractions once they begin.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided because even short-term use during pregnancy can damage the heart of the fetus.
- Be careful with antibiotics and antidepressants, as they can increase the risk of heart disease and other birth defects.
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be the best option for treatment. However, one study found that taking it after the 20th week of pregnancy may increase the risk of asthma in children.
Natural Remedies Can Relieve Pregnancy Pain
There are several excellent options. It’s good to know that herbs can relieve pregnancy pain without harming the baby. For example:
- If you have pain, swollen feet… try taking a bath at night, mix 2-3 drops of peppermint oil in the water. Soak as long as you want!
- For swollen hands and fingers… follow the same treatment. Make sure to wash your hands after showering, as doctors say too much peppermint oil can be harmful to pregnant women.
- For back or forehead pain… wear a good support belt under your belly (available at better women’s stores). You can visit a licensed chiropractor or massage therapist who specializes in the care of pregnant women on a regular basis.
- Herbs can provide temporary relief… Some use capsaicin (cayenne pepper) as the active ingredient. Other products, like Premiere’s Pain Relief Spray or Roll-On, use menthol. These creams do not relieve discomfort, but they can make you feel better for a few hours. They are 100% safe for kids! They can provide short-term relief when you have leg pain, back pain, lower back pain, or hip pain.
- For headaches… try a lavender mask at night as it can reduce pain and improve your mood.