Common Challenges in Pregnancy
Nausea and Food Aversions: The infamous morning sickness! There has not been much research as to why morning sickness occurs, but it has been speculated that the immense amount of progesterone and estrogen flooding your system may have something to do with it. Morning sickness may last all day, usually starts at around 6 weeks and usually goes away around 12 weeks. Tips for dealing with it and helping it go away are as follows:
Urinary Tract Infections and Kidney Infections: While pregnant, the muscles in our bodies become more lax- great for giving birth, not so great for the urinary tract! The bladder does not flush out quite as efficiently, which makes a pregnant woman more prone to infection since bacteria can grow in kinks in the ureters. If left untreated, a UTI can cause serious harm.
*Cranberry Juice.
*Garlic Clove left in yoni overnight.
*Uva Ursi.
*Cotton Underwear.
*Do not wear tight, synthetic clothing.
Varicosities:Varicose veins are another very common challenge of the pregnant mom. The three primary causes are 1) Hormones, 2) Your expanding uterus putting pressure on the major veins of the pelvis, and 3) Family History. Try these tips if you are struggling with varicose veins:
Hemorrhoids are also common, and are caused by similar reasons as varicose veins. Avoid foods that cause constipation. A vitamin E capsule inserted into the rectum may help heal the tissues.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction: Some women experience pain or tenderness in the pubic area. The pelvic girdle is not working the way it should, which is probably due to misalignment of the pelvis, hormones, or both. Tips for coping:
Sciatica: As your uterus enlarges, the sciatica nerve may become restricted, (usually in the third trimester), which can cause severe pain in the lower back and buttocks. It can be intermittent or constant. Tips for coping:
Candida/ Yeast Infections: This occurs when a fungal infection develops in the vulva or vagina. Normally, there are small amounts of various candida species in the vagina but microorganisms control their growth. In an infected woman’s body, hastened multiplication occurs. Things that may help to prevent getting a yeast infection in the first place are:
*Indicates that you should speak to your caregiver before using these.
- Eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day.
- Do not skip meals.
- Only eat foods that are easy on your stomach. Bland foods like chicken and rice are good. Foods with less smell are often easier to handle!
- Follow your cravings.
- Taking ginger helps many women. Capsules or fresh are fine.
- If you are having a hard time keeping fluids down, try lukewarm rather than very cold or hot.
- Vitamin B6 supplements may help.*
Urinary Tract Infections and Kidney Infections: While pregnant, the muscles in our bodies become more lax- great for giving birth, not so great for the urinary tract! The bladder does not flush out quite as efficiently, which makes a pregnant woman more prone to infection since bacteria can grow in kinks in the ureters. If left untreated, a UTI can cause serious harm.
*Cranberry Juice.
*Garlic Clove left in yoni overnight.
*Uva Ursi.
*Cotton Underwear.
*Do not wear tight, synthetic clothing.
Varicosities:Varicose veins are another very common challenge of the pregnant mom. The three primary causes are 1) Hormones, 2) Your expanding uterus putting pressure on the major veins of the pelvis, and 3) Family History. Try these tips if you are struggling with varicose veins:
- Drink a Nettles infusion several times daily.
- Collinsonia Root tincture.*
- Wear abdominal support to help prevent further damage.
- Get enough Vitamin C and Vitamin E.
- Hawthorne Berry Extract.*
- Wear support hose.
- Put your feet up for 15 to 20 minutes a day.
Hemorrhoids are also common, and are caused by similar reasons as varicose veins. Avoid foods that cause constipation. A vitamin E capsule inserted into the rectum may help heal the tissues.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction: Some women experience pain or tenderness in the pubic area. The pelvic girdle is not working the way it should, which is probably due to misalignment of the pelvis, hormones, or both. Tips for coping:
- Sleep with a pillow between your legs.
- See a chiropractor for an adjustment.
- Swim to relieve pressure and get pain-free exercise.
Sciatica: As your uterus enlarges, the sciatica nerve may become restricted, (usually in the third trimester), which can cause severe pain in the lower back and buttocks. It can be intermittent or constant. Tips for coping:
- Get off your feet from time to time.
- Swim.
- Use a heating pad on the painful area with low heat for several minutes.
- Try pelvic tilts.
- Acupuncture or massage may help.
Candida/ Yeast Infections: This occurs when a fungal infection develops in the vulva or vagina. Normally, there are small amounts of various candida species in the vagina but microorganisms control their growth. In an infected woman’s body, hastened multiplication occurs. Things that may help to prevent getting a yeast infection in the first place are:
- Do not wear very tight clothing.
- Wear cotton underwear rather than synthetic fiber underwear.
- Avoid birth control pills.
- Avoid lubricants containing glycerine.
*Indicates that you should speak to your caregiver before using these.