Maternity Blog
 

Herbs and pregnancy – A word of caution

Natural herbs are known sources of rich nutrients, vitamins and minerals. However, their effectiveness during pregnancy is still being debated. Unlike synthetic medicines, herbal products do not come with specific regulated tests or in particular strengths. Many claim adequate research has not been done to testify the safety of herbal supplements.

It is best for pregnant women to consult their medical practitioners before using any herbal supplement. The same herbal product may come in varying strengths and combinations from different manufacturers. So you never know the right dose for you. Although herbs are great nourishment sources, other components in them may prove detrimental to the health of the mother and the fetus.

Some herbal agents have been known to cause miscarriage, premature delivery, uterine contractions, low birth weight and other complications. It is best to avoid green tea, herbal supplements without consulting the health care provider. Some herbs have been known to be good for use during pregnancy. However, it is unsafe to use any of them without advice from a medical practitioner.

Herbs like alfalfa, chamomile, nettles, oatstaw, red raspberry leaf and rose hips are said to be beneficiary. They are good sources of vitamins, enzymes, iron, calcium and other nutrients. They aid in reducing nausea, increasing milk production and easing the labor pains. On the whole, these herbs provide nourishment to the mother, the fetus and help the process of childbirth. However, be sure to consult your health care provider first.

Asthma and Pregnancy

Pregnancy is specifically a period of acute physiological disorder. Most of the mothers feel uncomfortable to go through various medications. But if the person is a sheer victim of asthma she has to remain under the strict supervision of an experienced physician both for the safe existence of herself and of the growing fetus.

The four most disabled condition of asthma include

1. Frequent hospitalization
2. Emergency room visits
3. Lack of physical strength
4. A prevailing uncannyness for various activities

If a pregnant mother suffering from asthma has to go through the above-mentioned conditions then her every step of life would be a struggle for existence. Thus, it is extremely important for pregnant mothers to remain in a condition, free of specific allergens like domestic dust mites, animal dander and other irritants such as cigarette smoke and strong cooking odor.

As soon as an asthma bearing pregnant mother comes to know that she is pregnant she must at once consult her allergist or immunologist about ways of controlling her asthma during pregnancy. The common questions which an asthma victimized pregnant mother would obviously have in her mind include

4. Can women with asthma have safe full term pregnancy?
5. If the asthma has reached an uncontrollable level why would it have an adverse effect on the child inside the mother’s womb?
6. How can the medicines and treatments of asthma affect the growing fetus?
7. Is it safe for pregnant women to practice Lamaze?
8. After delivery is breast-feeding safe in case of women suffering from asthma.

However, for all the above-mentioned circumstances the doctors have several solutions to relief the pregnant mothers and try to make things less complicated for them.

Sleeping Positions in Pregnancy – Resting in the healthy way

Pregnancy triggers a number of physical as well as physiological changes in your body. As your pregnancy advances, it is common to experience sleep difficulties. And yet, you need to rest soundly during this crucial stage. The usual difficulties faced in sleeping during pregnancy include back ache, heart burn, shortness of breath and sleeplessness. Of course discomfort due to an increased abdomen size is the most dominant cause.

What sleep postures to avoid?

During the advanced stages of your pregnancy, you should avoid sleeping on your back or your stomach. With the growing size of your abdomen, you will obviously find it difficult to sleep on your stomach. Sleeping on your back during pregnancy may aggravate back pain and breathlessness. This position is also not good for your digestive system and may lead to low blood pressure. Less blood may also reach the baby.

Good sleeping positions during pregnancy

The best sleeping position during pregnancy is commonly known as “SOS” or Sleeping on Side. It is better still to sleep on your left side with a pillow between your legs. You will also find it comfortable to keep your legs and knees bent. The SOS position improves circulation to reach your baby. For back ache, short breaths and heartburn, try the SOS posture with pillows to prop up your upper portion.

You can also put a pillow under the abdomen for convenience. It is perfectly fine to rotate positions during the course of the night.