Eating healthy, nutritious meals and maintaining good health is absolutely critical during pregnancy. Vitamins and natural herbs can be used to help provide some of the essential nutrients a pregnant woman needs and also help relieve some of the more common discomforts associated with pregnancy. In some cases herbs and vitamins may offer a more natural, healthier, cheap and effective way than medicinal alternatives. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering using herbs and vitamins while pregnant.
The first thing to keep in mind is that although vitamins and herbs are natural, not all of them are safe to take while pregnant. Another thing is that herbs and natural supplements do not always undergo all the vigorous testing that is required by the FDA for drugs and medicines. Therefore, if you are considering using vitamins and herbs it is important to consult with your midwife, physician or other health care provider. You may also want to consult with a trained herbalist.
There are important minerals and vitamins that are very important for fetal growth and development as well as the overall health for both the mother and child during pregnancy. These include calcium iron and folic acid. In order for a baby to properly develop and be healthy, it is vital that a pregnant woman eat a well balanced diet and also exercise. The diet should primarily consist of unprocessed foods with a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lots of water. Your health care provider may also suggest a prenatal vitamin or multivitamin to ensure that you get all the extra nutrients you need while pregnant.
In terms of using herbs during pregnancy to provide nutrients and provide relief, as discussed above be sure to consult with your health care provider before taking them. You need to have a thorough understanding of various herbs as well as the herb parts (i.e. the leaves or roots) and the form they should be used in (tea, tonic, capsule).
Here are some of the most effective herbs for use in pregnancy that have also been rated as safe or as possibly safe to use while pregnant.
Red raspberry leaf- this herb is rich in iron and can help to increase milk production, tone the uterus, decrease nausea and help with easing labor pains.
Peppermint leaf can help to relieve morning sickness, nauseas and flatulence.
Ginger root can help to relieve vomiting and nausea.
There are also herbs that are considered to be either unsafe or as likely unsafe to take while pregnant. These include goldenseal, saw palmetto, ephedra and penny royal.
Herbs and vitamins can help a pregnant women get many of the essential nutrients she needs for her and her baby to stay healthy. They can also be very useful in helping to relieve symptoms such as nausea and morning sickness. Just be sure to consult with your health care provider before deciding which herbs you will take while pregnant.
Fri, Dec 4, 2009
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