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HOW TO
HAVE A HEALTHY PREGNANCY
Article by herbalist Dave
Hawkins, MH, CNC
Having a baby is a very special
time in a women’s life. It is a time to reflect and to get in tune with
your body. It is a time when you and your spouse get together to prepare
for a family. There are many concerns associated with pregnancy these days.
There is also a lot of confusing information as to what type of diet,
supplementation or even herbs that can be safely taken during pregnancy not
to mention the type of birth you will want to experience. This article will
give some of the latest protocols and advise to ensure that you have a
healthy baby.
I recently met a certified
profession midwife at one of the conferences I attended and she has given
me the understanding conveyed in this article. Since it has been a while
since I have had to deal with pregnancy or even a new born I appreciated
her wisdom.
To ensure a healthy pregnancy,
the time to improve your nutritional status is before conception. This
applies to both partners. A good whole foods
multiple supplement is recommended with additional nutrient rich foods. The
standard American diet is nutrient poor and this needs to be assessed.
Reducing refined fats, white
sugar and chemical additives is a must. Begin to include whole grains,
beans, high fiber foods, fruits and vegetables and restrict fast foods. We
do not recommend the use of nutri sweet and it
even states on the label not to be used during pregnancy.
Let’s look at some of the other
toxins that need to be eliminated to ensure a healthy pregnancy. As stated
in Alternative Medicine; maternal exposure to alcohol, and
cigarettes; the recreational drugs marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and
medications such as lithium and tetracycline; pesticides, petroleum
products, heavy metals such as lead and mercury; coffee and even over the
counter medications like aspirin can harm the fetus especially in the first
trimester. We know that alcohol use can lead to mental retardation,
hyperactivity, heart murmur, and facial deformity. Smoking cigarettes cuts
the amount of oxygen available to fetal tissue.
Lets
look at some dietary factors and supplement recommendations for use during
pregnancy. It is advised to eat a variety of foods but the quality is the
important part. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, and fish
are essential. Organically grown if possible especially
meats and poultry. Remember that many commercial meats are laden
with hormone residues so be careful. Milk is an issue of confusion for many
women. Yes calcium is an important issue but is dairy the best source.
Because of
the high fat to protein ration some milk is acceptable but don’t
overdo it is the recommendation of Dr. Lendon
Smith, a pediatrician. He states that over use can be a contributing factor
to lactose intolerance in the infant. There are many good sources of
calcium. They are nuts, soybeans, tofu, soy milk, sea vegetables, and
sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
According to Dr. Linton the
ideas that a pregnant women needs to eat for two is a myth.
Both undereating or
overeating can have negative impacts. Eating five to six nutrient dense
meals a day is a sensible idea and will usually not lead to a weight gain
problem. Remember to eat enough calories.
So what about supplementing the
diet with vitamins? Nutrient supplementation is recommended to rule out
deficiency but it is no reason to avoid a good diet. Many prenatal vitamins
are synthetically made and cause some problems like constipation. The iron
used in these is in the form of ferrous sulfate and it can be constipating.
There are other prenatals that use a better
form and eliminates this problem. Look for ferrous
gluconate or peptonate.
Iron is important
in that it fuels hemoglobin and is the primary protein which carries
oxygen.
Folic acid with B
complex- one of the b vitamins necessary for
healthy blood. This nutrient has been proven to prevent neural tube
defects. Found in green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas and brewers
yeast.
Calcium- required
for development of healthy bones and teeth. Also helps prevent leg cramps.
Zinc- deficiency
has been a problem for many women. Aids the bodies
ability to fight infections and wound healing. Helps increase infant birth
weight
Magnesium-needed
for good nerve development and helps with cramping. Also balances calcium.
Vitamin C- mainly
for its role in collagen formation. Collagen is a connective tissue
protein. Good for developing fetus.
Cautionary supplements would
include:
Vitamin A -from
fish oil. Not to exceed 10000 iu
per day. Has been associated with birth defects. Beta carotene appears to
be safe though.
Vitamin D- more
than 400 iu daily in
not recommended. It does aid calcium absorption though. Usually found in
your prenatal supplement.
I always get the question
concerning the use of herbal products during pregnancy. Because they are
natural; are they safe or will they hurt my baby? I consulted with a
naturopath Mary Bove
ND. LM on this recently and
the following are her recommendations in regards to herbal use.
When using herbs with a
pregnant women remember to consider:
That most herbal constituents
will pass through the placenta and reach the fetus.
That the pregnant
body under goes physiological changes in metabolic processes which may
influence the effect of the herb on the body.
Take extra caution
in the first trimester.
That all herbs
have the potential to be harmful. Use medicine as medicine.
Choose herbal
preparations which complement pregnancy.
It is important to refer to a
practitioner or a good herbal authoritative manual if the need arises for
the use of herbal products. Herbs have been in use by midwives for
thousands of years and they can be used safely. Timing and dosage is very
important.
There are some very safe and
useful herbs that can be used in teas form. They are to be used in teas or
beverage strengths.
The use of fennel seed, lemon
balm, oat grass, red raspberry, red clover spearmint and lemon verbena have
been used without incident. The following herbs are contraindicated for use
during pregnancy and include laxatives like senna
and cascara sagrada. They cause uterine
contractions and can contribute to miscarriages.
Herbs with a high concentration
of alkaloids like berberine found in
goldenseal, barberry, and oregon
grape root. Licorice root, dong quai,
chasteberry contain hormonal regulators and
must be used with caution.
Two good publications to aid
your experience would be Natural Healing For Babies
And Children and The Natural Pregnancy Book both by
Aviva Romm SPM AHG
Herbalist.
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