Herbs to Avoid during Pregnancy
Herbs to Avoid during Pregnancy
Herbs are utilised for medicinal, culinary and cosmetic purposes. Although, herbs are generally considered to be beneficial for pregnant women, some of them have been advised to be avoided in pregnancy period as they can be dangerous for both mother and the fetus. There are herbs which are used for culinary purposes, yet cause problems. Hence, you should be fully aware about the unsafe and safe herbs.
Herbs that are safe have been further classified on the basis of stages of pregnancy. Some are beneficial only for the first trimester and some only in the later part of the period. Herbs that are named as unsafe should be avoided for the whole 9 months of pregnancy period. Following are the unsafe herbs that should be avoided:
Angelica herb can cause flow of blood and menstruation which may stimulate contractions and result in miscarriage in early period of pregnancy.
Consumption of Aloe Vera should be prevented as it leads to uterine constrictions..
Autumn crocus herb may cause birth imperfections as it interferes in the cell division process.
Oral intake of black cohosh which happens to be a uterine stimulant should be avoided. Blue cohosh should be avoided too.
Comfrey herb may result in liver problems in mother and fetus.
Goldenseal herb can cause contractions and thus miscarriage.
Licorice intake can increase the high blood pressure and also possess some hormonal characteristics which can harm the fetus.
Mugwort herb which is used for the treatment of stomach ache can lead to birth imperfections.
Intake of high dose of nutmeg and its oil can result in miscarriage.
Penny royal leaf and its oil may result in miscarriage or birth imperfections.
Barberry causes bleed and interferes in the development of the fetus.
Uva ursi herb affects blood sugar and also obstructs the flow of blood to uterus.
Saw palmetto affects the hormonal balance and is therefore harmful.
Shepherd’s purse may contract the blood capillaries and act as a uterine stimulant.
Laxative herbs like senna, rhubarb and buckthom cause uterine constrictions.
There are many other herbs that should be kept away from eating and hence you should have apt knowledge about such herbs.
Please visit Early Signs of Pregnancy to learn about Pregnancy Signs and symptoms
.
Categories: Herbs For Women Tags: Avoid, during, Herbs, Pregnancy
Asthma Attack During Pregnancy
Asthma Attack During Pregnancy
When the air passages become inflamed, the asthma symptoms start appearing. These symptoms are wheezing, coughing, chest pain, chest tightness, breathing difficulty, and shortness of breath.
Asthma Attack During Pregnancy
Once the asthma symptoms begin, it is best to treat asthma to stop the symptoms from worsening. There are different ways to cure asthma. One cure for asthma is through medications like bronchodilators and steroids.
Bronchodilators are cure for asthma because these open the air passages which increase airflow and improve breathing. Steroids, on the other hand, reduce inflammation of the air passages. Anti-asthma medications can be taken through inhalers or nebulizers.
When using inhalers, the anti-asthma medication is delivered through an inhaler which enables the asthmatic person to inhale the medication. In nebulizers, the anti-asthma medication is converted into a mist which will be inhaled by the asthmatic person. Inhalation makes the anti-asthma medication reach the respiratory system faster.
]]>
have a safe, natural asthma treatment click here
Another cure for asthma is through herbs. Certain herbs have been effective for asthma. Examples of these are angelica, anise, Ginkgo Biloba, parsley, and turmeric. Angelica is a cure for asthma because this relaxes the trachea. Anise, on the other hand, loosens mucus secretions. Ginkgo Biloba is known to combat bronchoconstriction. Parsley leaf resolves cough and asthma attacks. Known as having bronchodilating effects, turmeric is also used as a cure for asthma.
Yoga is also another cure for asthma. Because yoga is about proper breathing, meditation, and relaxation, it has been very effective for asthmatic people. The different breathing techniques practiced in yoga are very effective. An example is Pranayama breathing exercises. This cure for asthma focuses on inhalation, retention, and exhalation. One breathing exercise is called Dirga pranayama which is all about slow, deep breaths. Naadi Shodhana is also part of the Pranayama breathing exercises. This type of breathing exercise is great for asthma and stress.
If your type of asthma is triggered by bacterial or viral infections, the cure for asthma will be to prevent getting sick with these infections. Increasing your body’s immunity against bacterial and viral infections will drastically reduce asthma attacks from occurring. How do you increase your body’s immunity? Simply make your bodies as healthy as possible through regular exercise and proper diet.
Personal hygiene is also great to prevent viral and bacterial induced asthma from occurring. Simply washing your hands with soap and water can help you a lot. And if you are outside the house, bring a hand sanitizer or alcohol with you for easy clean ups. These are the different ways used as cure for asthma. Remember that prevention is very important in curing asthma. You can lessen the occurrence of asthma attacks if you avoid exposure to the triggers.
be free of asthma drugs Click here
breathe deeply and naturally Click here
Return to Herbs For Health
Categories: Herbs For Diseases Tags: Asthma, asthma attack during pregnancy, Attack, during, Pregnancy
Acupuncture benefits during pregnancy
Acupuncture benefits during pregnancy
Page rank 5
Acupuncture and phytotherapy help pregnant women get through their pregnancy more easily, but especially they help fetus develop harmoniously by revigorating mother’s body and metabolism and by improving her immune functions. They also treat pregnancy-related complications, such as: risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, toxemia of pregnancy , preecclampsia, respiratory viroses, urinary infections, iron-deficiency anemia, etc. There are no side effects or contraindications; the acupuncturist will merely avoid to stimulate certain acupoints.
It Cleanses and Detoxifies the Body
One of the benefits that may be derived from traditional therapies during pregnancy is cleansing and detoxification of the body. In its life, the human body accumulates cell residues (deposits of dead cells and toxins) in its tissues, a process impairing the organic activity and causing fatigue, immune deficiencies, metabolic disorders, etc. Acupuncture and phytotherapy improve mother’s health by eliminating these deposits; thus, they make it possible for a fetus to develop in a clean healthy body.
It Reinvigorates the Body and It Improves Mother’s Immunity
Hormonal changes and adjustment of the body to pregnancy cause general fatigue. Very many pregnant women hardly cope with their daily activities, especially if they have to carry on with their professional activity during pregnancy. These states of asthenia are treated by a combination of acupuncture sessions with reinvigorating effects and certain medicinal herbs with tonifying and revitalizing effects that improve the activity of the central nervous system and of the muscular system. At the same time, they improve the immune functions and protect the body against the action of the pathogen agents from the environment: viruses, bacteria, sun radiations, toxins and pollution.
It Ameliorates Pains and Sickness
In medical practice, acupuncture is often employed to relieve pains. Activation of certain acupoints stimulates the endorphin secretion, a neurotransmitter with strong analgesic action. In combination with certain herbs, the effects of the endorphins are directed to make human psychic relax and to soothe the pains in the backbone or in other areas of the body. Sickness sensations are reduced by equilibrating the energy centres that coordinate the activity of the digestive system.
It Treats Depression and Anxiety
As they tonify the nervous system, normalize the endocrine activity, equilibrate the psychic life and revitalize the body, acupuncture and phytotherapy fight depression and anxiety. The treatment also helps prevent post-partum depression, a disorder that occurs on the background of the hormonal changes in the body and of the body’s exhaustion following child delivery. The acupuncturist will also accelerate secretion of serotonin (the hormone of happiness), a neurotransmitter involved in the activity of the central nervous system, which plays a major part in maintaining the psycho-affective balance and in preventing depression and anxiety.
It Regulates Blood Pressure
The hormonal changes trigger blood pressure disorders. Therefore, during pregnancy, there may occur suffocation sensations, palpitations, arrhythmias and a raised blood pressure. Stabilization of blood pressure will prevent preecclampsia.
It Fights Migraines and Effects of Stress
Stress has a harmful effect upon the body, impairing mother’s and fetus’ organic activity, disrupting the metabolic changes, darkening the cognitive activities and overworking the nervous system. Together with the hormonal changes, these physiological processes frequently cause migraines during pregnancy. They may be treated by normalizing the oxygenation and the cerebral, organic and tissular vascularisation as well as by increasing the serotonin production (neurotransmitter that also coordinates dilation of capillaries and permeability of the small vessels).
It Prevents and Treats Edemas. It Controls Body Weight
In the last months of pregnancy, suddenly or within one or two weeks appears the edema – a painless swelling, caused by accumulation of serous liquid in organs and tissues. In most of the cases it appears in the lower limbs or in the hands. Adipose tissue deposits are a frequent characteristic with pregnancy manifestations. Depending on food regimes, hydration, physical activity and health condition, a woman will gain more or less kilograms. Edema is prevented and treated by improving lymphatic drainage, metabolic processes and renal functions. In order to control body weight, we shall act at energy level upon the centres regulating appetite, assimilation of food and use of the alimentary nutrients in the body so that mother’s body should assimilate the necessary amount of nutrients from food in the most efficient way possible.
In Post-Partum Period, It Helps Mother Recover
Acupuncture and phytotherapy speed up the processes of tissular and organic regeneration; they also make possible a quicker post-partum recovery, both in the case of natural births and in the case of caesarian section. There have also been very good results in lactation stimulation, mastitis prevention, diminishing the flow of post-partum metrorrhages; in stabilizing the hormonal secretions and normalization of menstruation.
Codrut Tutu MD
Acupuncture and
Apyphytotherapy Specialist
+4 021 619 11 17
+4 0745 430 351
doctor@pirasan.ro
www.pirasan.ro
Return to Herbs For Health
Categories: Herbs For Women Tags: Acupuncture, Benefits, during, Pregnancy
The use of herbs during pregnancy
The use of herbs during pregnancy
<object classid=”clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000″ width=”18″ height=”18″ codebase=”http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=5,0,0,0″>
</object>
This article discusses the process of pregnancy and treatment of problems associated with pregnancy.
Experience of pregnancy and lactation is a great experience. Difficult to describe in words the feeling of a woman who is about to experience a process waited most of her life.
Precautions
It is important to emphasize that when considering use of herbal medicine during pregnancy, one must understand and internalize that there are oils and never will be used in early pregnancy (first trimester), some of these oils may be harmful to mother and fetus and cause miscarriage, so important to carefully read the article, guiding you written to you personally.
By ensuring that the rules of prudence which Anekov the article, will be using aromatherapy can improve the overall health of the mother-to minimize the discomfort that accompanies the pregnancy eg nausea, back pain, sore feet and ankles swollen and even prevent stretch marks after pregnancy.
The oils are expressly prohibited for use during the first trimester are:
Anise, wormwood is, Atesneit, basil (basil is known to all of us),
Theresa, camphor, cedar, sage and bright, cypress, fennel, hyssop, jasmine, juniper, marjoram, myrrh, oregano, mint, rose, rosemary, sage, thyme.
Also chamomile and lavender oils (lavender and chamomile are known to us all) are likely to cause bleeding but can be used for minimal amounts, as they dilute concentration of 1%.
Abortion concern
If there is reason to fear miscarriage the mother case that happened in the past or there is a family history of miscarriages or she was told by the doctor that there is a danger, you may want to use during advanced pregnancy sixth month of lavender and oil rose about 1% dilution. Lavender oil helps relieve back pain, and oil rose meets the emotional needs of pregnant women.
Rose Oil
Rose Oil Botanical name ROSA called when there are two types of Rose:
ROSA CENTIFOLIA? Moroccan Rose
ROSA-DAMASCENA – Damascene Rose, a significant difference in color and scent of their children.
Oil rose clears the circulatory system of toxins, improves blood circulation and strengthens the heart, spleen, liver and nervous system.
Yes it helps in sex and Reproduction, great rose oil female reproductive system issues – productivity and stock, cleans and purifies the uterus, stimulates and strengthens the muscles of the uterus and helps regulate the menstrual cycle.
Good rose oil to treat frigidity and impotency (PMS) as well as sexual arouses women and men.
In mind, Rose Oil is one of the finest oils anxiety, fear and depression. It improves mood and increases the self-confidence, good times of sorrow, melancholy and insomnia induces a sense of happiness. Due to the comforting qualities, rose oil is easy antidepressant, especially problems related to female sexuality fertility, anti-depressants after the birth and excellent grief and anger arising from relationships.
Oil rose more effective when used in massage than smelling.
Rose oil is good for use on all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin, the skin of an adult or skin suffers from eczema Lkoproses, it collapsed because of its properties and stimulates capillary circulation.
Along with the use of rose oil is recommended to combine exercises Paula. Paula is a method of exercise that focuses on the operation of annular muscles. The method was invented and developed in Israel by Paula Garburg (2004-1907).
Garburg was born in Hamburg, Germany. Deal in her youth ballet, piano and vocals. At age 35 was diagnosed as suffering Garburg degenerative muscle disease. Doctors determined that her illness is incurable and will be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of her life. Mikey stubborn former dancer, she decided to try to improve the ability of its movement through practice. Focus ring muscles (sphincter muscles, Ahaspinketrim) derived physical limitations, which prevented full use of muscles and appointing others in her body.
Over time she discovered that the movements were a special character, along with a gradual improvement in her condition. Paula continued to practice health condition has improved beyond recognition. Observations she noticed that the movements were characterized by spontaneity them accustomed to legality and the connection between one movement per second. Personal experience has developed the method called after her.
Massage your back and abdomen
Pregnancy progresses, many women feel lower back pain. These pains are due not only to the weight of the fetus, but also by changes in body stability and increased load on the spine. Moderate exercise like yoga and special exercises during pregnancy is very important.
Massage with oils great sites would ease the pain and strengthen your muscles are forced to bear additional load.
Since the pregnant woman can not lie on her stomach to rub her back when she lies on her side, but in giving treatments, I found that the more convenient one masseur woman, sitting on a stool next to the massage bed leans her folded arms on the bed and her forehead on her arms.
Massage your lower back should be very easy in which the pregnant woman suffers from back pain rarely as they appear more often (from the sixth month or so) quite sure to massage this area.
For stomach – can be very lightly massage or avoid it altogether if the mother fears the first four months, then massage is enjoyable and useful. Often happens that the fetus responds to massage can be a mother, activist who frequently travel passes and kick can relax after a relaxing massage with oil. Babies and their mothers received regular massages pregnancy duration, usually more babies are born other peaceful.
* Hope that this helped you to enrich your knowledge and readiness for the birth
* Any problems, questions, consultation, your concerns are welcome to connect without any fear or embarrassment.
nir hukima Addresses the multi-disciplinary holistic complementary medicine Therapist shiatsu, aromatherapy, Bach flowers, sports massage, pregnancy and childbirth, an expert on back problems and musculoskeletal diseases, Bach, Hot Stone Massage, Swedish massage and deep tissue therapist holistic center in Ramat Gan http://www.artist-massage.co.il
Return to Herbs For Health
Categories: Herbs For Women Tags: during, Herbs, Pregnancy, use of herbs during pregnancy
Is Pineapple Safe During Pregnancy?
Is Pineapple Safe During Pregnancy?
Eating pineapple or drinking
pineapple juice is said to be an old wive’s tale to bring on labour for woman past their due date. Large amounts of pineapple juice can in fact cause uterine contractions. It’s for this reason that in early pregnancy, it’s often suggested that you don’t drink pineapple juice in excess amounts.
Why pineapple can cause contractions
Fresh pineapple contains Bromelain which can also soften the cervix but it is said that it takes large quantities to have any effect which can also result in diarrhea. Some women say that they’ve had zero problems having plenty of pineapple and pineapple juice during pregnancy and others claim it brought on labour. The verdict on pineapple during pregnancy? Some would say that you should eat it in moderation and watch for any signs of problems before your due date. If you’re at or past your due date, it might help you.
Natural ways to bring on labour: a guide
For the past 40 weeks you have been waiting for this moment. Your birth plan is written, your bag is packed, your belly feels like it is about to burst and you are sure that any minute now you will feel your first contraction. And then… nothing. Not even a twinge.
Now there is something to be said for being patient. Your baby will come out when he is good and ready and some just like to take their time. But if an induction date is looming, you might feel like you want to give him a gentle nudge. Here are some of the alternative methods of bringing on labour.
Before you proceed, we should warn you that there is very little hard scientific evidence relating to either the effectiveness, or the safety, of any of these methods. The studies that have been done tend to be small and evidence is difficult to verify: if labour is due anyway, how do you know whether it was the curry you ate last night that actually brought it on?
On the safety side, talk to your doctor or midwife at your next check-up before you try any of these methods. This is particularly important if there are any complications in your pregnancy, as there is even less evidence about the safety of these methods in a high-risk pregnancy.
Nipple stimulation
Nipple stimulation is the gentle rubbing or rolling of the nipple to encourage the start of contractions. The theory is that oxytocin, a hormone that causes contractions, is released in the body when the breasts are stimulated.
Is it safe?
A review of studies found that contractions after nipple stimulation did not over-stimulate the uterus, which could be dangerous for the baby (Kavanagh et al 2005). There is a lack of research on the safety of this technique in high-risk pregnancy, so currently it is only recommended in normal pregnancies.
Does it work?
The review mentioned above showed a significant benefit from nipple stimulation in women whose cervix had already started to soften, thin and open ready for labour. 37 per cent women who had tried it went into labour within 72 hours as compared to just 6 per cent of those who had not.
How do I try it?
The idea is to simulate the suckling of a baby so you need to massage the whole areola (the dark area around the nipple), not just tweak the nipple. Place your palm over the areola and move in a circular motion, applying a firm but gentle pressure. This may need to be continued for some time. The usual recommendation is to stimulate the breasts for an hour, three times a day, spending 15 minutes continually stimulating one breast and then alternating to the other breast for 15 minutes until the hour is up.
Castor oil
There are reports of castor oil being used to bring on labour as far back as the Egyptians, though how it works is poorly understood. The most commonly given explanation is that it acts as a powerful laxative, and when it stimulates the gut it also stimulates the uterus and so “kick starts” labour.
Is it safe?
Nausea is likely to be the immediate effect, followed by a bad case of diarrhoea and there is a risk that you will become dehydrated. For this reason, we would NOT recommend taking castor oil.
Does it work?
A study of 100 overdue women found that 57.7 per cent began active labour after a single dose of 60ml of castor oil, as opposed to 4.2 per cent who received no treatment (Garry et al 2000). A review of this study reported no adverse affects on mother or baby but that all the women who took it felt nauseous (Kelly et al 2001). The study was not large enough to be conclusive.
How do I try it?
This is one we would NOT recommend but, according to a survey of midwives, 4 fl oz of castor oil mixed with orange juice is the usual dose. It is revolting (very oily) to drink though some suggest that making it fizzy by adding half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda helps. A second dose can be given 12 hours later.
Sex
Sex as a means of getting labour started is thought to work in three ways: firstly orgasm may help to stimulate the uterus into action; secondly, sex can trigger the release of oxytocin, the “contraction” hormone; thirdly, semen contains a high concentration of prostaglandins which may help to ripen, or soften, the neck of the womb (cervix) ready for it to dilate when labour starts.
Is it safe?
Sex is safe as long as your waters have not broken. Once this has happened, making love may increase the risk of infection. You should also avoid sex if you have a low-lying placenta (placenta praevia) or have had vaginal bleeding (von Sydow 1999; Aston 1997 cited by Jackson 2004: 106). Men often feel uncomfortable making love to their partners with a baby so obviously present but the baby will not know what is happening and will not be harmed.
Does it work?
There’s not much evidence that it does work. Of the small studies that have been carried out all but one (Tan et al 2006) suggest that sex neither helps to ripen the cervix nor to start labour earlier (Kavanagh et al 2001; Tan et al 2007; Schaffir 2006). If nothing else, it will take your mind off the waiting!
How do I try it?
At this stage in your pregnancy sex is easier said than done. Try spoons, with your partner entering from behind or use the bed as a prop: your bulge isn’t an obstacle if you lie on your back at the side or foot of the bed with your knees bent, and your bottom and feet perched at the edge of the mattress. Your partner can either kneel or stand in front of you. Alternatively, giving your partner oral sex may work better. It is thought that prostaglandins are absorbed more efficiently through the gut than through the vagina. (Note: you may prefer to keep this piece of information to yourself!)
Eating pineapple
Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain which is thought to help to soften the cervix and so bring on labour.
Is it safe?
There is no evidence to say whether it is safe or not. Each pineapple contains only very small amounts of bromelain so you would need to eat as many as seven to have any effect. The most likely side-effect of eating large amounts of pineapple would be a severe case of the runs.
Does it work?
Some cultures swear by it but there is a lack of research into whether it really works. Regardless of this, eating large quantities of pineapple is likely to stimulate the gut and bowel and, as with castor oil, could kick-start the uterus into action by that means.
How do I try it?
The pineapple must be fresh: bromelain is destroyed by the process of canning or juicing.
Homeopathy
Homoeopathic remedies use highly diluted versions of more potent substances to treat the body. Pulsatilla and Caulophyllum are two commonly used homeopathic remedies used to stimulate labour.
Is it safe?
Homeopathic remedies appear to be safe. The Faculty of Homeopathy have researched their use in labour and not found any incidents of damage caused by them (Dantas and Rampes 2000). The worst damage homeopathy can do is nothing.
Does it work?
There is plenty of anecdotal evidence from patients who found that homeopathy is helpful, but this has not been researched in a systematic way. One trial into caulophyllum found no difference between the women who took it and those who didn’t, but the method of the trial was not thought to be reliable (Smith 2003).
How do I try it?
Contact a registered homeopath (The Society of Homeopaths has a list). A Homeopathic Birth Kit is available from Helios Pharmacy which includes 18 remedies and a mini-guide.
Herbal: blue cohosh and black cohosh
Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosus) are herbs which should not be used in early pregnancy but are often cited as useful in bringing on labour.
Are they safe?
Two Canadian reviews of studies on their use have concluded that they should be used with caution in the case of black cohosh and extreme caution in the case of blue cohosh (Dugoua et al 2008; Dugoua et al 2006). Blue cohosh in particular has been linked with severe complications for the baby at birth. In either case, there is not enough evidence that they are safe to use. Herbals are much stronger than homeopathic remedies and so should always be used under professional guidance. Given that there is a question mark hanging over them, you may decide that it is better to avoid these herbs entirely.
Do they work?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that they do, but there are no scientific studies to back this up.
How do I try them?
The National Institute of Medical Herbalists can help you to locate a qualified, registered herbalist near you.
Eating curry
Spicy food is often suggested as a means of bringing on labour. There are no scientific theories relating to this, but it may be that it stimulates the gut and bowel and so encourages the uterus to get going by that means.
Is it safe?
Spicy foods can cause heartburn (CKS 2008) and, if you are not used to them, irritate the bowel. For this reason you should probably not order a vindaloo if you are usually more of a korma girl.
Does it work?
There is no evidence either way though many women swear by it.
How do I try it?
Order a takeaway. This is not the time to be slaving over a hot stove.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles into specific points of the body. According to traditional Chinese philosophy, this stimulates the energy within the body to act on a specific organ function or system.
Is it safe?
Studies into this are limited but none have shown any ill-effects from the use of acupuncture for mother and baby. Acupuncture is generally considered safe at this stage of pregnancy (Harper et al 2006; Smith and Crowther 2004).
Does it work?
The limited studies that have been carried out so far suggest that acupuncture may be effective (Smith and Crowther 2004).
How do I try it?
You need to find a qualified practitioner. The British Acupuncture Council has a searchable list. You will probably need treatment daily until you give birth.
Red raspberry leaf
Raspberry leaf can be taken as a tea or in tablet form. It is often mentioned alongside other methods for bringing on labour. This is a myth.
Is it safe?
It is very important not to use raspberry leaves until the last two months of pregnancy because of their stimulating effect on the uterus.
Does it work?
There is no evidence to show that red raspberry leaf will encourage labour to begin. However, an Australian study has shown that it speeded up the second stage of labour and reduced the need for a forceps delivery (Simpson et al 2001).
How do I try it?
If you want to help to prepare the uterine muscles for labour start with one cup of tea a day or one tablet and build up gradually to a maximum of four cups of tea or tablets daily. The tea can be sipped freely during labour, too. The tea and tablets are available from health food stores or from herbal suppliers.
Walking
The explanation appears to be that the pressure of your baby’s head pressing down on the cervix from the inside stimulates the release of oxytocin, hopefully bringing on labour. Also, just being upright gets the forces of gravity working for you, encouraging the baby to move down onto the cervix.
Is it safe?
Yes, but you should be careful not to wear yourself out. Labour can be exhausting and you don’t want to use up all your energy before you have begun.
Does it work?
There is, as yet, no evidence. If your baby has not “dropped” or is still high in the pelvis, walking is thought to encourage your baby into a better position so that labour is more likely to start on its own.
How do I try it?
This is not the moment to take up power walking, particularly if you have not done much exercise earlier on in your pregnancy. A gentle stroll is probably the best you will be able to manage.
And finally:
Here is a selection of other methods (some of them a little bizarre) that other mums are said to have found helpful. There is no evidence for any of these and frankly we are not convinced!
• Blowing up balloons: the theory is that the build up of abdominal pressure encourages labour to start.
• Bouncing on your birth ball or driving your car down a bumpy road would seem to put the same faith in shaking things up a little
• Get a weepy video and have a good cry
• Wear your best knickers (sod’s law will ensure that your waters break in them).
British Shopping Directory is the no 1 British based online shop list. More than 4000 online and high street shop have been placed as well as comparison site and Voucher code. Visit us here at http://www.britishlisting.com
Return to Herbs For Health
What to Avoid During Pregnancy
What to Avoid During Pregnancy
When a woman is pregnant she has to be careful about many small things as the health and fitness of her baby is at risk. During pregnancy, women have to be certain about things which they could do and things which they must not do to make sure good health of themselves and their baby.
As it is vital to be familiar with things which are essential at the time of Pregnancy, it is equally important to identify things which must be avoided at this delicate phase of life. A woman should be acquainted with the things she has to avoid all through pregnancy for a secure expedition into motherliness.
Below I have emphasized on few things which a pregnant woman must avoid during pregnancy.
Foods to be avoided during pregnancy
Although you are likely to consume more at the time of pregnancy, there are certain foods you must leave to avoid any threat to your pregnancy.
Sea food, fish, raw meat, semi cooked eggs, uncooked vegetables, Chinese food and caffeinated beverages are certain types of foods that must be avoided.
Also, a pregnant woman must avoid eating refrigerated food like vegetables, meats, and other foods straight from refrigerator.
Every refrigerated food ought to be heated first, before consumption.
Intake of cheeses that are made from unpasteurized milk must be avoided during pregnancy.
Raw sprouts have a high possibility of holding bacteria, which may make the pregnant woman ill.
Research has revealed that glut of caffeine at the time of pregnancy can reduce baby’s weight and can even cause miscarriage or still Birth.
Things to Avoid When Pregnant
Exposure to excessive heat is not good for pregnant women. So during pregnancy you must avoid getting in contact with dangerous UV rays of sun. Also, you must avoid unnatural heat from resources like hot bath tub, etc.
Don’t lift heavy weights as it can cause body aches and back pain which are not good
Avoid dyeing your hair at the time of pregnancy as they can devastate majority of body cells and tissues which are essential and constructive during pregnancy.
Pregnant women should avoid playing games that engage jerky and strenuous movements because this can cause internal damage baby.
During pregnancy avoid taking Joy rides in amusement parks like scuba diving and waterslides
Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Consult doctor prior to taking any type of herb at the time of pregnancy, as in take of some herbs can result in complications like fetus injury, premature birth and even miscarriage.
Avoid taking any kind of X-rays, medicine or drug during pregnancy.
Other than the above mentioned things, a pregnant woman must avoid depression and stress, surplus intake of vitamin A in diet, extended contact to pesticides, and catching any disease.
Getting pregnant is a wonderful phase and the most amazing experience in a woman’s life and therefore it is compulsory to avoid some things during pregnancy that engaged your every day routine to keep you and the baby safe.
In the life of woman, if there is a point in time when it is extremely important to take the maximum care of health, it is in pregnancy. During pregnancy not only the health of a pregnant women is in question however the development and health of the unborn baby is a concern. Along with all the physical and hormonal changes appearing in a body of pregnant woman, some of the facets of pregnancy care one should not ignore are avoiding certain types of food & things which are dangerous for both mother and the foetus.
Return to Herbs For Health
Categories: Herbs For Women Tags: Avoid, during, Pregnancy
What are the Precautions During Pregnancy?
What are the Precautions During Pregnancy?
Pregnant travelers should be extra cautious about food and water consumed while traveling. Travelers should boil any suspect drinking water rather than using water purifiers that contain iodine.
Dehydration from travelers’ diarrhea can lead to increased risk for premature labor. Pregnant travelers should eat only well-cooked meats and pasteurized dairy products and avoid pre-prepared salads. This will help them avoid diarrheal disease as well as infections such as toxoplasmosis and Listeria, which can have serious consequences in pregnancy.
Most of these herbs are known for their ability to stimulate the uterus, which might lead to premature contractions or miscarriage. That said, midwives have used some herbs in the last trimester to help restart a stalled labor or initiate an overdue labor. It is essential that you not try to use any of these herbs however without first consulting a qualified healthcare provider. The consequences could be devastating.
Avoid Other Harmful Substances-Evens small amounts of drugs such as cocaine or heroine can be harmful to you and your baby, so do not use them. Don’t breathe fumes from paint, spray cans or insecticides. Even some common substances like caffeine and artificial sweeteners should be avoided whenever possible during pregnancy. If you use prescription medication, be sure to check with you physician about its safety during pregnancy.
Live viral vaccines should be avoided during pregnancy because of the theoretical risk to the developing fetus. These would include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccines. Yellow fever and oral polio vaccine can be used if there is a substantial risk of infection but should be delayed until after the first trimester if possible. If the risk of yellow fever is low, but a vaccination certificate is required for entrance into a country, a physician can issue you a waiver letter to excuse you from this requirement.
Use mosquito repellents, taking care not to exceed the recommended dose. Do not apply these repellents on the hands of children who may wipe their hands on their eyes or put their hands in their mouths. When using repellents with DEET (N,N-diethyl m-toluamide), you should always follow the label directions. It should only be used outdoors and should be washed off when coming indoors.
Do not inhale or swallow the repellent, or allow it to get in the eyes. The repellent should also not be applied to wounds or broken skin. There are some reports of safety concerns regarding the use of DEET during pregnancy.
Alcohol goes through the placenta and enters your baby’s system. Drinking can cause fetal alcohol syndrome, a lifelong condition that can include problems in vision, hearing, learning and behavior. No one knows how much alcohol is safe, so doctors advise that women not drink at all during pregnancy. If you can, stop drinking when you are trying to become pregnant because the greatest damage from alcohol occurs early in pregnancy.
Take no medications (including over-the-counter preparations) unless suggested by your doctor or nurse midwife. If you are currently taking a medication for a health problem, discuss it with doctor or nurse midwife.
A limited intake of caffeine (up to two cups of coffee per day) seems to present no special risk during pregnancy. Eating or drinking larger amounts may be a problem for your growing baby. It is probably best to limit the amount of foods and drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea, cola and chocolate.
Read about home remedies for acne.Read about body building routineand body building tips
Return to Herbs For Health
Categories: Herbs For Women Tags: during, Precautions, precautions during pregnancy, Pregnancy, what are the precautions
Why Do I Have Hot Flashes During Pregnancy?
Why Do I Have Hot Flashes During Pregnancy?
If you’re experiencing hot flashes during pregnancy, you’re not alone. Anywhere from 50% – 70% of women experience hot flashes or night sweats during pregnancy. Most women experience the sensation of increased warmth while pregnant. You may find yourself kicking off the covers in the middle of the night or trying to squelch an unquenchable thirst. If kicking off the covers is accompanied by soaked sheets, consider yourself normal.
As in menopause, estrogen levels fluctuate during pregnancy. Some studies show that low levels of estrogen are the root cause of hot flashes, but many more studies prove that it’s not a low level, but rather a fluctuating level of estrogen that set them off.
In pregnancy your body is going through so many changes that a hot flash or two may not concern you. But if these hot flashes become embarrassing or unbearable it’s time to seek treatment. Hot flashes during pregnancy must be approached differently than in menopause. Since pregnancy has its own set of “do’s” and “don’ts” hot flash treatment must be handled with caution.
You must find a natural treatment for your hot flashes during pregnancy. That means that hormone therapy and the use of herbs are out. For obvious reasons you don’t want to introduce hormones to control your hot flashes during pregnancy. But staying away from herbs may not be so obvious. Since herbs are natural it seems that you should be able to use them. Not so. Herbs can do all sorts of things to the body and when you’re pregnant, plus interact with other medications you may be taking. Now is not the time to begin experimenting.
More natural and simple strategies will ease your hot flashes during pregnancy. Begin by wearing layers. Simply slip your sweater off when you begin to feel too warm. Don’t be shy about turning on a fan or turning down the thermostat. When you cool down, readjust the temperature. And do always carry a beverage with you. Not only are the fluids good for you, but they will help fight off your hot flashes during pregnancy.
If the experience of hot flashes during pregnancy is just one more symptom to make your life miserable during pregnancy, hang in there. It does get better. Visit a support chat room or a local support group. It’s amazing what a relief and comfort it is to talk with someone experiencing the same symptoms, aches and pains, and hot flashes as you are.
Discover how YOU can stop your hot flashes and menopausal symptoms without HRT. Pick up your free special report ”Coping with Hot Flashes the Natural Way” by clicking here: http://www.survivemenopause.com
Return to Herbs For Health
Categories: Herbs For Women Tags: during, Flashes, Pregnancy
Supplements To Avoid During Pregnancy
Supplements To Avoid During Pregnancy
Supplements To Avoid During Pregnancy
Prenatal vitamins are an important source of folate and other vital nutrients during pregnancy.Visit here:http://www.worldwidewriter.com//article-display.php?articleid=3770
And many women, with the popularity of herbal medicine, take other herbs during pregnancy. Some of these herbs they may have been taking before, for an existing condition.
Others, they may take to help cope with some of the physical difficulties that go with pregnancy. The following supplements and food additives should be avoided during pregnancy to avoid potential problems with the health of the baby.
Quinine – Quinine is found in many drinks like tonic water, and these are popular as a result of their slightly bitter taste. But it was found that one woman who drunk more than 1 liter of tonic water a day whilst she was pregnant had a baby that was suffering withdrawal symptoms when it was born.
It had nervous tremors within a day of being born, which disappeared two months later. Germany’s BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) recommends that pregnant women treat quinine drinks, no matter how small the amount of quinine in them, as a medicinal product, and avoid them as a precaution during pregnancy.
Ginseng – One of the more than 20 active constituents of ginseng was found by researchers at the Chinese University of the Hong Kong Prince of Wales Hospital to be a possible cause for concern for pregnant women.
These researchers were measuring the effect of this active principle on fetal development in rats. And they found that, relating to the dose, rat embryonic development was affected.
Higher doses meant a higher level of abnormalities, according to the markers of development their study used.
Now, this study was one done on rat embryos, and so may not translate into similar effects on humans. And it only studied the effects of one of ginseng’s active constituents, which was a ginsenoside called Rb1. Ginseng actually has over 20 ginsenosides, and other studies have found that these each have different actions.
One of the difficulties with studying active constituents in herbal medicine is that the whole herbal extract may have a very different overall effect than a single constituent. This is because of the way active principles both work together and counteract each other.
These two aspects, the fact that the study was not done on humans, and does not measure the overall effect of the whole ginseng extract, mean that its results should be treated cautiously.
As a safety precaution, at this time it is best to at least avoid ginseng supplements during the first trimester, as the authors of the study suggest, and probably for the whole of the pregnancy.
But ginseng should certainly not be branded dangerous as a result of this research as it is only a very preliminary finding in the overall picture, and more points the way as to where further research needs to be done.
Ginkgo Biloba – Ginkgo biloba is another supplement that is best avoided whilst pregnant. Researchers at Wayne State University in Detroit found one of the constituents of ginkgo biloba in the placenta of women who had taken ginkgo supplements.
This particular constituent, an alkaloid called colchicine, can be fatal in high doses, though medicinally, it has great anti-inflammatory effects. Other research has found that cochicine can harm a growing fetus.
The potential problem with taking ginkgo supplements regularly whilst pregnant is that colchicine can build up in the womb, like caffeine when taken in excess of the recommended maximum amounts.
The researchers did stress that there was no link established in the study between ginkgo and complications in the pregnancy, the study only looked at levels of colchicine in the womb.
Supplements To Avoid During Pregnancy
Supplements To Avoid During Pregnancy
Return to Herbs For Health
Categories: Herbs For Women Tags: Avoid, during, Pregnancy, supplements, supplements to avoid during pregnancy