You are at a very special time in your life. A new life is growing inside you. At this time, you may feel afraid to even take a pill for minor illnesses and problems. "Will this affect the baby?" The question is in the back of your mind, right? It is therefore very normal to want to find a "natural" solution to nausea, vomiting, backache, insomnia, etc. That is when we start talking about these " alternative treatments ".
What are these alternative therapies?
Simply put, these are methods used to relieve common discomforts during pregnancy , rather than the traditional medications we usually get from a doctor.
Think of it this way. Instead of taking medication for your morning sickness, you might get a massage , do a calming meditation, or use a natural product. These are things that fall into the category of alternative treatments.
Many mothers think that these "natural" things are safer than drugs you can buy from a pharmacy. But the most important thing to remember is that not everything that is "natural" is "safe" during pregnancy . Some things can even harm the baby. So before you use anything like this, it is definitely a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.
So what are the things that can be used safely?
Okay, so let's talk to the doctor and see what methods are generally considered safe and can help you during pregnancy and childbirth .
Most importantly: Before you even try these things, don't forget to ask your doctor, "Is this right for me? Is it okay for me to do this?" Every pregnancy is different.
| Safe treatment method | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Relaxation techniques | Things like taking deep breaths, listening to soothing music, and closing your eyes and relaxing your mind can go a long way in reducing stress. |
| Patterned breathing | Examples include things like the Lamaze method. Practicing these breathing patterns is very helpful in managing the pain of childbirth. |
| Emotional support | Sharing your feelings, fears, and joys with your husband, family, or a close friend is also therapeutic. It will bring you great relief. |
| Acupuncture/Acupressure | This should only be done by someone who is trained and experienced in this . It can provide relief from things like morning sickness. |
| Massage | This is not an ordinary massage either. It should be a prenatal massage specifically for pregnant mothers . And it should be done by someone who has been trained in it. This provides great relief for things like back pain and swollen legs. |
| Aromatherapy | Inhaling an essential oil that has been recommended as safe can help calm the mind. However, there are some oils that are not safe for pregnant women . Therefore, you should talk to your doctor before doing this. |
Things to definitely avoid!
This section is very important. Taking the herbs and essential oils listed below, in their concentrated form (e.g., supplements , oils), may harm the unborn baby, cause birth defects , or cause premature labor.
Important: This is not about the small amounts used as a flavoring in cooking. It is about taking larger amounts, such as as a supplement.
Avoid these oral supplements
| Tree of life | Licorice |
| Beth root | Meadow saffron |
| Black cohosh | Pennyroyal |
| Blue cohosh | Poke root |
| Cascara | Rue |
| Chaste tree berry | Sage |
| Chinese angelica (dong quai) | Saint John's wort |
| Cinchona | Senna (Senna leaf) |
| Cotton root bark | Tansy |
| Feverfew | White peony |
| Ginseng | Wormwood |
| Golden seal | Yarrow |
| Juniper | Yellow dock |
| Coffee coffee |
Also, taking too much vitamin A can cause birth defects. The prenatal vitamin you are taking contains the required amount. In addition, do not take vitamin A supplements.
Avoid these aromatherapy oils
- Calamus
- Mugwort
- Pennyroyal
- Sage
- Wintergreen
- Basil
- Hyssop
- Myrrh
- Marjoram
- Thyme
What if one of these things is used by mistake?
Don't be afraid. If something like that happens, the chances of the baby not being harmed are much higher than the chances of it being harmed. However, if you have the slightest doubt or fear about something you have cut or used , don't hesitate to talk to your doctor as soon as possible. They are always ready to answer your questions.
Take-Home Message
- Be sure to talk to your doctor before using any type of alternative medicine, supplement, herb, or essential oil during pregnancy.
- Not everything that is "natural" is "safe" during pregnancy. Some things can be very harmful to the baby.
- Relaxation techniques, massages specifically for pregnant women, and acupuncture from an experienced practitioner are generally safe, but be sure to talk to your doctor about them.
- Be aware of the list of dangerous herbs and essential oils we mentioned above and avoid taking them in concentrated form.
- If you accidentally use something dangerous, don't panic and call your doctor immediately.
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