Pregnancy hormones can wreak havoc and cause breakouts on your face, back and elsewhere. In fact, more than half of pregnant women struggle with acne while pregnant. Acne during pregnancy varies in duration and severity for each woman; some women may notice that their skin actually clears up during pregnancy while others who have had… [Read More…]
Pregnancy Complaints/Remedies Library
While you are probably very excited about having a baby, you may not have expected many of the undesirable body changes that would occur during pregnancy. Thankfully there are safe and natural ways to treat, overcome and even avoid common pregnancy symptoms. We hope this resource will bring help and relief as you do the wonderful work of growing and nourishing your baby.
Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided for educational purposes only. You should not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your healthcare provider.
Anti-Flu Recipe
A natural flu preventative for adults (including pregnant women) Elderberry Syrup: 2 teaspoons per day (Brand names Sambucol or Sambuguard) Vitamin D3: 4000 IU per day Vitamin C: 1000 mg per day
Back Pain
Back Pain is a very common complaint during pregnancy – in fact between 50-70% of women experience it to some degree. Back pain most commonly occurs later in pregnancy. As the baby and your uterus grow, your center of gravity will shift forward causing your posture to change as well. And of course the added… [Read More…]
Braxton-Hicks Contractions
Braxton-Hicks Contractions are often called “practice contractions,” Braxton-Hicks Contractions can begin as early as the 2nd trimester but are most commonly experienced during the 3rd Trimester. During a Braxton-Hicks Contraction, the muscles of the uterus tighten for up to 1 minute and sometimes for as long as 2 minutes in duration; they are often described… [Read More…]
Colds and Congestion
If you come down with a cold don’t worry; the symptoms of a cold or the flu are usually harmless to your baby. You may find that your cold lasts a little longer than usual; this is because your immune system is likely to change during pregnancy. While it’s always best to avoid a cold… [Read More…]
Constipation
Constipation is a very common ailment that affects more than half of all pregnant women. Constipation during pregnancy is believed to be caused by the expansion of the uterus on the intestines and by hormones that relax the intestinal muscle, resulting in a slower removal of waste from your system. Additionally, iron supplements may cause constipation… [Read More…]
Depression
Hormone changes during pregnancy, which affect the chemicals in your brain, can be intensified by life stressors and can lead to depression. Some of the symptoms of depression include: persistent sadness, having difficulty concentrating, change in your sleep habits (sleeping too little or too much), change in your eating habits, lack of interest in activities,… [Read More…]
Edema
During pregnancy, your blood and bodily fluids increase by nearly 50%! This extra fluid retention is needed to help soften the body, allowing it to expand as your baby grows. The downside of this increase in blood and fluids it that it causes edema or swelling which you may notice in your face, hands, legs… [Read More…]
Fatigue
Fatigue or a lack of energy during pregnancy is very normal and is experienced by many expecting mothers. The extent to which you experience a lack of energy varies for every woman and may even be different from pregnancy to pregnancy. Fatigue is most common during the first and third trimesters. Thankfully most women feel less… [Read More…]
Gas
Gas is a common complaint during pregnancy. Gas during pregnancy is caused by an increase in progesterone levels; progesterone is a hormone, which causes muscles in your body to relax including your intestinal muscles. This slowing down in the intestinal track, allows gas to build up which results in burping, indigestion, bloating and gas. It’s tricky… [Read More…]
Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common complaints during pregnancy, headaches can occur at any time but most often strike in the 1st and 3rd trimesters. A surge in hormones and an increase in blood volume during the 1st trimester can contribute to pregnancy headaches. Headaches during the 3rd trimester are often a result of… [Read More…]
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, swollen varicose veins in the rectal opening, are a common pregnancy complaint especially during the third trimester due to your expanding uterus putting pressure on the pelvis. Constipation also contributes to hemorrhoids. Tips: One way to prevent hemorrhoids from developing in the first place is to keep bowel movements regular and soft by staying… [Read More…]
Insomnia
A common misconception is that a pregnant woman should not sleep on her backor that she should only sleep on her left side, however this is not accurate information. Pregnant women can trust their bodies to keep the baby safe while sleeping. Sleep however you are comfortable, whether on your back, on your belly or… [Read More…]
Leg Cramps
Leg Cramps are very common during pregnancy, especially during the 3rd trimester. Leg cramps during pregnancy result from additional weight gain of pregnancy as well as changes in your circulation. Additionally, pressure from the baby laying on a nerve or blood vessel may result in leg cramping. Things to Try: Exercise and stretching calves Massage calves… [Read More…]
Midwives’ Bran Muffins
Ingredients 1 ½ cups 100% All Bran 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 egg ¾ cup milk 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 tbsp. melted butter 1 grated apple 1 mashed banana ½ cup raisins – place in warm water and microwave one minute then drain ½ cup honey Directions Gently beat egg…. [Read More…]
Moodiness
Mood swings during pregnancy are normal and common; pregnancy is filled with many changes and hormonal fluctuations. Things to Try: Get plenty of sleep Eat a piece of fruit or a protein snack Take a nap Treat yourself to something relaxing or fun Go for a walk Get a massage
Morning Sickness
Morning Sickness can vary from the occasional nausea at certain times during the day/evening through vomiting many times throughout the day. Morning sickness is a result of high levels of pregnancy hormones. It is important to stay hydrated and be sure to consume enough sugar. Avoid foods and vitamins that make you notice are making you… [Read More…]
Nausea
See Morning Sickness
Sore Breasts
Sore Breasts are a very common pregnancy symptom, sore breasts are caused by an increase in the hormones levels of estrogen and progesterone. Additionally the increase in the volume of blood and bodily fluids during pregnancy can result in engorgement of the breast tissue. Breast tenderness usually occurs during the first few weeks of pregnancy, then… [Read More…]
Swelling
Sdee Edema
Tried and True Yankee Recipe (for Morning Sickness)
Ingredients 1 large Banana, peeled, (cut into chunks and wrap in plastic, freeze for 24 hours) 1 cup cantaloupe chunks (cover tightly and freeze for 24 hours) 1 ¼ cups skim milk ½ cup nonfat dry milk 1 tsp vanilla Directions Place all the above ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth.
Varicose Veins
Varicose Veins are blue or purple, swollen veins that bulge near the surface of the skin; varicose veins may worsen or appear for the first time during pregnancy. The good news is that they tend to improve after you give birth. Things to Try: Exercise daily to increase circulation Use different positions throughout the day to… [Read More…]
Weight Gain
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to pregnancy weight gain; the ideal amount of weight you should gain during pregnancy depends on numerous factors including your pre-pregnancy weight and your body mass index. You should work with your health care provider to determine the amount of weight that is healthy for you to gain during pregnancy…. [Read More…]