Ease the Discomforts of Pregnancy

Pregnancy brings with it some of the most exciting moments in a woman's life and, unfortunately, some unavoidable discomfort. Some women experience things like heartburn, constipation and morning sickness in the first few months but with the use of homeopathic remedies, moms-to-be can get through this and on to the joy of preparing for the new arrival.

Homeopathy is a natural and safe choice for pregnancy symptoms that don't respond to quick fixes. It encourages the body to heal itself. There are no harmful side-effects, unlike traditional prescriptions for pain or inflammation.

Dr Katherine Zieman, ND, associate professor of obstetrics at the US National College of Naturopathic Medicine, says "In the hands of a skilled practitioner, homeopathy is absolutely safe in pregnancy. You can't say that about any other medicine."

She recalls a medical history of prescribing "safe" drugs for pregnancy that once included thalidomide for morning sickness. It caused devastating birth defects from which hundreds of people still suffer.

"You will never, ever see anything like this with homeopathy," she assures.

One of the most debilitating symptoms of early pregnancy is morning sickness. It ranges from mild nausea to constant vomiting and the inability to retain any food or liquid in the stomach. Ipecacuanha is commonly prescribed, although several other remedies can be appropriate, depending on the individual and exact symptoms.

Homeopathy is also used to treat such common problems in pregnancy as high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, insomnia, constipation and exhaustion. If the pregnant or nursing mom has multiple symptoms, several remedies can be administered together without risk of complication.

Because homeopathic medicines are so infinitesimally diluted, there is no possibility of harm even for pregnant or nursing women and their babies. In fact, many practitioners feel that pregnant women are particularly susceptible to the small doses typically used in homeopathy and often are completely cured in a very short amount of time.

Patients are advised to consult a practitioner who is qualified to treat their symptoms and who specializes in homeopathic remedies. The homeopath must understand the mental and emotional state of the patient as well as her various symptoms. Expect a typical visit to a homeopath to take longer than the usual visit to an allopathic doctor. Your homeopath needs to understand you totally emotionally and physically. Homeopathy treats the whole person.

Homeopathic Helpers

Common homeopathic remedies for pregnancy and childbirth include:

Aconite used to treat premature labour or extremely fast labour with sharp pain.

Bellis perennis can relieve sciatica pain during pregnancy and reduce the pains associated with the stretching of uterine ligaments.

Calendula has many uses, including as a healing balm for the perineum after childbirth and for healing any cuts or lacerations during pregnancy.

Chamomilla commonly used to treat over-sensitivity or hostility during labour, Chamomilla imparts a sense of calm and well-being.

Cimidifuga used when contractions are ineffective or when the cervix is not dilating properly.

Kali carb wonderful for back labour and when the baby presents in the posterior position.

Kali phos given for exhaustion during pregnancy or childbirth.

Pulsatilla can be given after the 36th week to encourage a breech-positioned baby to turn or during labour if the mother is weepy or feeling helpless.

Sepia given during pregnancy for a "dragging down" feeling as well as irritability and indifference. Also useful for treating uterine prolapse (falling or sliding of the uterus from its normal position in the pelvic cavity into the vaginal canal. Some prolapse is common after childbirth).