Common Problems Associated With Pregnancy

The safety of homeopathic medicines in pregnancy has been confirmed by 200 years of homeopathic clinical practice worldwide. It is proven effective for many different symptoms during pregnancy and childbirth.

Homoeopathy for
Pregnancy, Birth,
and your baby's
First Year reviews in detail homeopathic concepts, techniques, and remedies that can be applied to treatable symptoms and complaints experienced by pregnant mothers and infants.

Written by Miranda Castro

Common Problems

Anemia –
Anemia is due to an iron deficiency in the blood. Usually it will be picked up during checkups and can be easily rectified with an iron and Vitamin C supplement. If you are feeling particularly exhausted or breathless consult with your health care professional.

Apprehension/Worry –
These are very normal, but often draining emotions experienced during pregnancy. Try to meditate and connect with your baby, sending it light and energy. Other relaxation therapies such as aromatherapy and talking to other pregnant women or mothers will help to alleviate concerns.

Back ache –
Back ache can be helped through massage, exercise stretches and ensuring that you don’t put on excessive amounts of weight. Wear good, flat shoes that are comfortable, be cautious of who (toddlers) or what you lift and take time to relax and rest throughout the day.

Bleeding gums –
Hormones cause the membranes within the mouth to swell and become inflamed. This is normal so continue with regular dental hygiene throughout pregnancy.

Complexion problems –
Skin changes are common during pregnancy, once again due to hormones. Changes in pigment may occur on the face, nipples and linea alba (line on your abdomen from the navel to the pubic area). Pregnant women also may develop rashes or acne, which are due to hormones and body heat regulation. This all returns to normal after birth.

Constipation/flatulence -
Constipation is often due to metabolic changes and increased pressure on the rectum from the uterus. Ensure that your diet is rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, increase fibre intake and drink plenty of water.

Edema –
Edema is caused by excessive fluid build up in the tissues. Many pregnant women experience this particularly if they have been standing for long periods or if the weather is hot. Elevation of the affected area (ie ankles) is beneficial as well as increasing fluid intake and reducing salt and sugar consumption. If edema persists for more than a day, contact your health care practitioner as it could lead to further complications.

Faintness/dizziness -
Dizziness may occur if blood sugar level is too low, or as a result of increased blood circulation within the body. It is best to eat small frequent meals to maintain blood sugar levels and to move from a sitting to a standing position slowly. If you feel faint as a result of high temperatures, find a cool place to relax and if possible, lie down.

Fatigue –
Becoming very tired is a common complaint during pregnancy so proper rest and adequate sleep is vital. Ensure that your iron levels are being checked regularly to avoid anemia and follow a balanced diet.

Food aversions and cravings –
Many women find that they crave certain foods or cannot stand the smell of a food they have always enjoyed. While this is normal, put your baby’s needs first and follow a balanced diet. Most cravings and aversions will subside after the first trimester.

Gestational Diabetes -
GD is discovered during pregnancy and disappears after the baby is born. The condition can be controlled by a low fat and low sugar diet. There is a risk of developing Type II diabetes later in life once a woman has had gestational diabetes.

Headaches –
These occur once again to hormonal changes in the body and also to additional stress placed on your body as the baby grows. Try to eat some protein and a piece of fruit and rest. Avoid all forms of headache medication unless prescribed by your health care practioner.

Heartburn –
Heartburn is caused by the pressure of the growing uterus on your stomach, which forces digested food into the esophagus. Try homeopathy – Nat Phos every five minutes for acute heartburn.

Hemorrhoids -
Hemorrhoids are often caused by constipation or pressure from the uterus. Sitz baths, herbal hemorrhoid balms, and sitting in warm/hot water for 20 minutes a day may reduce the symptoms.Try ice packs or witch hazel soaks applied directly to affected area. Avoid constipation by eating a high fibre diet and drinking plenty of water.

High Blood Pressure –
Slightly elevated blood pressure during pregnancy is normal. If blood pressure readings rise quickly, accompanied by edema or headaches, your health care professional will check for pre-elampsia.

Incontinence -
Again, more pressure is placed on the body – this time on the bladder. The best remedy for this is to go to the toilet frequently and/or wear an adult incontinence nappy.

Insomnia –
Hormones, discomfort, worry are all possible reasons why women suffer from insomnia during pregnancy. Try some of these techniques to help you nod off: stay out of bed a few hours before bedtime, drink a hot milk or cup of chamomile tea, read a good book, soak in a hot bath, have someone give you a massage, meditate, exercise at some point during the day, avoid stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol and rich, fatty foods.

Leg Cramps –
Leg cramps occur mainly at night so do some toe curls before bed. Sit or lie down and straighten your legs. Pull your toes toward your knees several times. Also try a juice of 1 banana, one apple and 1 cup of melon – it is high in potassium and magnesium (deficiencies are associated with cramping). Apply a gentle massage to the affected area. If the problem persists, call your health care practitioner.

Low Libido –
Any change in sexual libido is common during pregnancy. Determine what the cause is – whether it is fear of harming the fetus, feeling undesirable or just lack of desire. Communicate your feelings with your partner.

Miscarriage –
Signs of a possible miscarriage early in pregnancy are bleeding and cramping, or continuous abdominal pain lasting more than a day. Health professionals are not certain why miscarriage occurs but estimate that approximately 40% of all pregnancies result in spontaneous abortion during a woman’s reproductive years, many undetected. From the 13th – 20th week, a miscarriage is termed a late miscarriage and usually occurs due to ill health of the mother, or problems with either the cervix, placenta or uterus. Any show of pinkish colour or blood may indicate the onset of a miscarriage, particularly if accompanied by abdominal pain. Bed rest is necessary and your health care professional should be contacted immediately.

Morning Sickness –
Again caused by changes in metabolism and hormones, morning sickness may actually appear later in the day or last all day. Eat small meals frequently throughout the day and try ginger tea or a ginger supplement which will help to reduce symptoms.

Shortness of Breath -
This may occur early in pregnancy, in which case have it checked out. However, it is common to run out of breath in the last trimester as your baby places more pressure on your diaphram. Listen to your body – sit down and rest and ask for help when you need it.

Weight Gain and Stretch Marks –
All women will put on weight – the amount will vary from woman to woman and what their weight was at the time of conception (if slightly underweight, they are likely to put on a little more than normal). Be mindful of the food you are consuming and don’t worry about giving in to temptation from time to time. Unless excessive weight is gained, stretch marks are usually the result of genetic inheritance (if your mother doesn't have stretch marks, it is unlikely that you will).