Natural Pregnancy: Guard Your Health

Disclaimer: The following information has not been approved by the FDA. This information should not be interpreted as medical advice and is not a substitute for a visit with a medical care professional. Always speak to your doctor about any health concerns.

Pregnancy is a time of great excitement, often tempered by discomfort and anxiety. When I was pregnant that it seemed that every women had a horror story about labor and delivery, and felt the need to tell me about it. I vividly remember “disappearing” just days before my first child. My husband found me outside sobbing, “I’ve changed my mind. I don’t want a baby!” He discovered that I had just gotten off the phone with my sister who had described every detail of her particularly difficult labor.

My hope is to encourage you to enjoy your pregnancy, even the difficult aspects of it. There is nothing to compare with the experience of a brand new life growing inside your body. It is a time to guard your health and that of your unborn child to support a natural pregnancy. Hopefully you prepared your body before conception, but even if your pregnancy is unexpected or you are starting from a place of less than optimum health, there are things you can do to decrease the likelihood of complications and increase the health of your unborn child.

Prenatal care is very important during pregnancy. Choosing a qualified health care provider that you like and trust is vital. Whether it is a midwife or an OBGYN, make sure you attend all scheduled appointments, even if you are feeling fine.

Diet to Guard Your Health

Unfortunately our society doesn’t provide much information on how you can support a natural pregnancy with diet. We have come to rely on quick, processed convenience foods. Your diet is crucial during pregnancy. The food you eat is building a baby. Make sure it is as pure and life giving as possible.

Focus on a nutrient dense, unprocessed diet. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
Eliminate carbonated drinks, processed sugars, and refined or processed foods.
Consume meats and eggs from the cleanest sources possible. Eat only wild caught fish.
Eliminate or lower intake of dairy products. They are mucus forming in the body and may cause problems.
Meet your sweet cravings with fresh fruit.

Supplements To Support A Natural Pregnancy

Supplements are an important addition to a diet during pregnancy. Always make sure you consult with your health care provider before adding any supplements to your health regime.

Whole-Food Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Formula: Avoid synthetic vitamins during pregnancy. Take with meals to reduce nausea.
Probiotic: This supports healthy gut flora, which has a direct impact on the immune system. Consistent use of a probiotic during pregnancy may help you test negative for Group B Strep.
Omega -3 Oils: The omega-3 fats are important for the development of the baby’s nervous system, and visual and cognitive development. Some studies have shown they lower risk of pre-term labor, preeclampsia and may increase birth weight. Omega-3 oils are also needed for production of breast milk.
Wheat Germ Oil: Two capsules twice per day until the last six weeks of pregnancy. During the last six weeks cut back to one capsule twice per day. High in Vitamin E, wheat germ oil builds a healthy and well attached placenta. It is also good for the reproductive organs and helps to build strong and pliable tissue, reducing the likelihood of tears during delivery.
Liquid Chlorophyll: One tablespoon twice a day. It helps build healthy blood.
Dr. Christopher’s Prenatal Formula: It creates elasticity and strengthens the reproductive parts, and eases delivery. It should be used only in the last six weeks and according to the following schedule: One capsule per day for the first week, two capsules per day the second week, two capsules three times a day from the third week on. Do not exceed six capsules per day.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: Try to drink a quart of this each day. This is the number one herb for pregnancy. It helps makes birthing easier, cleans the mucus membranes, helps with constipation, relieves nausea/morning sickness and protects against illness.
Super Foods: These highly nutritious foods make great supplements to your diet. They include: spirulina, wheat or barley grass, fresh vegetable and fruit juices, green drinks and beet root powder.

Herbal Additions

Alfalfa: An incredible source of minerals, a blood cleanser and good source of vitamin K.
Catnip: Contains all the B vitamins and is very calming.
Cayenne: Some women can’t tolerate cayenne during pregnancy. It may cause heartburn if taken on an empty stomach. Try taking at the middle of a meal. It helps control bleeding during delivery.

Exercise for A Natural Pregnancy

Walk: As much as possible but one mile each day is optimum.
Kegel Exercises: 50 each day. Strengthens the muscles used during delivery
Pelvic Rocks: 50 each day. Strengthens the lower back, easing back strain during the third trimester. Also encourages the baby to assume the proper head down position, instead of breech.

Other Supports

Breathe Deeply: Research some breathing exercises and make them part of your daily routine.
Drink Water: Two quarts a day is optimum. Water helps to keep toxins from building up in your system and kidneys.

Remember, it is important to receive health care from a qualified provider during your pregnancy. Most pregnancies are without complications but your midwife or doctor’s training protects the life of both mother and baby.

The Healthy Place team can help guide you in your choices of supplements during pregnancy. Contact us or stop in our store, located in Madison, WI, regarding any questions you may have. We want to help you “Find Your Healthy Place” and enjoy this special season of your life!

Sources

Christopher, Dr. John R. Herbal Home Health Care. Christopher Publications, Springville, UT, 1976, 2010.

Ellis, Sandra K. Livingston, M.H. Dr. Mom’s Healthy Living. Christopher Publications, Springville, UT, 2009.

Christopher, Dr. John R; Gildeadi, Cathy. Every Woman’s Herbal. Christopher Publications, Springville, UT, 2009.

Christopher, David, M.H.; Bjarnson, Dianne, C.M., C.P.M., Q.E. (2006). Vitalist Videos: Midwifery. [Video]. Springville, UT, The School of Natural Healing.

*Disclaimer: All information and recommendations given on this site, in email correspondence, newsletters or other materials provided by The Healthy Place is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice nor be viewed as a substitute for a face-to-face consultation with a healthcare provider. Consult a licensed healthcare practitioner before modifying, stopping, or starting the use of any medications, health programs, diets, and/or supplements, as well as regarding any health concerns you may have. Our statements and information have not been evaluated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. As with any health-related program, product, or service, your risks and results may vary. We expressly disclaim responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information provided to you here.”

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