Positive Health Online

When you have been looking forward to having children and the tests confirm that you are pregnant you will find yourself delving into a wide range of books covering pregnancy in order to learn as much as possible not only about the developing foetus but also what you may experience as your body changes in preparation for childbirth. As a mother of two healthy children I was blessed in the sense that aside from extreme tiredness and slight nausea in the first trimester, my pregnancies were classed as uneventful. Morning sickness is very common during early pregnancy affecting 7 out of 10 women with symptoms of slight nausea/mild vomiting at the sight or smell of food occurring at various times of the day subsiding in the majority of cases completely by the time the pregnancy has reached 14 weeks duration. 

Severe morning sickness also known as hyperemesis gravidarum on the other hand is very debilitating for a pregnant woman since the nausea and vomiting is prolonged (some women have reported vomiting up to 50 times a day).  Naturally, this amount of vomiting can easily lead to dehydration and should you be unfortunate enough to suffer with this you must seek help.  Depending on the severity of the condition it may lead to a short stay in hospital in order to protect the health of both you and the developing baby.  Another symptom of hyperemesis gravidarum is ketosis where acidic chemicals build up in the blood and urine; ketones are then produced as your body breaks down fat instead of glucose for energy.  Weight loss can also occur due to the loss of nutrients through the excessive vomiting, so it is wise to be aware of these symptoms and report them to your doctor. Whereas morning sickness tends to subside by 14 weeks into the pregnancy, hyperemesis gravidarum can continue throughout the full duration of the pregnancy although it is likely to improve by the time you reach 20 weeks.  GPs prefer not to medicate during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.

Pregnancy related pelvic girdle pain (PPGP) also known as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD), can cause discomfort in some women and it is estimated that one in five pregnant women will experience it to some degree. It is a collection of uncomfortable symptoms that are caused by stiffness or uneven movement of the pelvic joints.  The hormone relaxin produced by the ovary and the placenta relaxes the ligaments in the pelvis, softens and widens the cervix in preparation for childbirth.  A pelvic support belt may be helpful

PPGP is not harmful to the baby, but since it can cause severe pain it can make it difficult for you to move around.   The pain may also radiate to the thighs and when walking, climbing stairs or turning over in bed you may feel or hear a clicking or grinding in the pelvic area.  Should you experience pain in the pelvic area it is wise to report it to your doctor or midwife who may refer you on to a specialist physiotherapist for advice, manual therapy and exercises.  Try to remain as active as possible but this should be within the limitation of your pain.  It is also important to prepare a birth plan and while a normal vaginal birth may be possible, a water birth could appear more attractive as this will take the weight off of your joints. 

During the second trimester hopefully the nausea and fatigue are reducing, but as your abdomen expands while the baby continues to grow, you may experience backache, notice stretch marks appearing, and possibly have numbness or tingling of your hands, otherwise known as carpal tunnel syndrome. 

In the third trimester you could find yourself experiencing some breathlessness as your body adapts and changes shape to accommodate your growing baby, heartburn, haemorrhoids and some oedema of the fingers and ankles.   Any sudden or extreme swelling should be reported to your GP.  You may also find it difficult to sleep partly due to the fact that your usual sleep position is now uncomfortable and the pressure on your bladder results in frequent visits to the bathroom.

Once you reach term (38-40 weeks) you will need to prepare for the birth of your baby and it is recommended that you organize your birth plan so that your medical team and birthing partner are aware of your wishes.

Homeopathy is safe during pregnancy, so listed below are some remedies that you may find helpful; however it is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified practitioner who will be able to help you chose the most appropriate remedy and who can support you throughout the pregnancy and beyond. 

Aconite           For nervousness and anxiety during pregnancy;

Aesculus Hip  Aching pains in the pelvis and throbbing behind the symphysis pubis.  Bruised pain of the sacrum and hips and sacro-iliac joints feel weak and gives out when walking.  Feels better lying down.

Apis Mel         Restless and fidgety, hard to please.  Retention of urine.  Feet and ankles swollen.  Hands and fingers feel numb;

Arnica            This remedy is very well known and used by numerous women during/ after childbirth.  It can help when labour pains are weak as the mother’s energy lapses.  Speeds up the healing process after childbirth.   Soreness and pain in the back as if bruised;

Gossypium     Nausea with accumulation of saliva in the mouth and inclination to vomit before breakfast;

Ipecac             For persistent nausea and/or vomiting during pregnancy, loss of appetite and loathing of food.  Nausea from the smell of food but violent hunger when the nausea subsides. 

Nux Vomica   Sour bitter taste and nausea and/or vomiting in the morning. The person always feels better after vomiting.  Constipation with frequent ineffectual urging to pass a motion;

Sepia               Nausea at the thought or smell of food and sensitive to cooking smells. Aversion to bread and milk during pregnancy.  The motion of the foetus is uncomfortable.  Useful when the person doesn’t want their loved ones near. Also helpful for after the childbirth where the woman feels mentally and physically worn out;

Rhus Tox       Pain and stiffness in the small of the back that is better for motion or lying on something hard;

Tabacum        Nausea from tobacco smoke.  Morning sickness with nausea and vomiting where the person dreads the slightest movement.  Itching during pregnancy.

When selecting a remedy try not to handle the tablet and take two tablets for adults and one for a child.   The remedy can be repeated three times a day but I would reiterate that for the chronic conditions mentioned it is wise to seek the advice from a qualified homeopath.   Homeopathic remedies are not known to interfere with any prescribed medication and please do not stop taking any prescribed medication as this should only be done with the support of a medically qualified doctor. If you are in any doubt it is always wise to consult your GP

References

Murphy, Robin ND, Nature’s Materia Medica 3^rd Edition

Murphy, Robin ND, Homeopathic Clinical Repertory, 3^rd Edition

Van Wynsberghe, Donna, Noback, Charles R, Carola, R Human Anatomy & Physiology 3^rd Edition

www.nelsonspharmacy.com

www.helios.co.uk

www.ainsworths.com

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