Anaemia

About 20 per cent of pregnant women suffer from anaemia. It occurs when levels of haemoglobin fall below normal. Symptoms may include dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath on exertion, headaches and fatigue. You are at greater risk of anaemia if you have a poor diet, excessive morning sickness, had several babies close together or have a multiple pregnancy.

Anxiety

Not exclusively a symptom of pregnancy, anxiety can have detrimental affects on wellbeing. Stress has been proven to affect digestion and hormone production and inhibit the progression of labour.

Back Pain

Pregnancy hormones progesterone and relaxin soften your ligaments that support your back. As your womb grows, increased weight alters your posture and places pressure on your spine. If your spine is out of alignment, this can cause back ache and inhibit the flow of blood and nerve supply to your organs and tissues.

Breast Engorgement

Breasts can become hard and sore during pregnancy and lactation as the amount of milk being produced is more than is being used. Blocked milk ducts can be painful, make you feel feverish and cause tender lumps in the breast.

Breathlessness

Most pregnant women experience breathlessness at some stage during their pregnancy. It can be alarming but will not affect your baby as oxygen is supplied via the placenta.

Colds & Flu

Although your immune system is generally strong during pregnancy, the changes in hormones can cause your mucus membranes to swell making it more difficult to get rid of coughs and colds. Plus you are restricted to what medical drugs you are able to safely use.

Complexion

Fluctuating hormones can affect your skin in various ways. You may suffer breakouts, broken capillaries, darkening pigmentation known as cloasma, or alternatively have a glowing complexion.

Constipation & Haemorrhoids

High progesterone levels during pregnancy relax the muscles in the intestinal tract slowing activity and causing constipation. Straining can cause haemorrhoids. Although this is a very common symptom of pregnancy, there are things you can do to help.

Cramps

Cramps, particularly in the lower legs, are common during pregnancy. They could occur in response to you carrying extra weight, changes in circulation or due to mineral deficiencies. It is thought a deficit of calcium can cause cramps though naturopaths also consider magnesium deficiency as another possible cause.

Cystitis

Added pressure and engorgement of blood vessels in the pelvic area exposes a vulnerability to bladder infection. Symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy, dark or strong-smelling urine. If left untreated, cystitis can be painful and in worst cases can affect the kidneys.

Diarrhoea

More often than not pregnancy increases the incidence of constipation. However it may seem that hormones have thrown your digestive system into chaos and you may experience diarrhoea.

Fainting And Dizziness

Fainting is common during pregnancy as the blood may pool in the lower body leaving the brain temporarily deprived of oxygen. Hormonal changes may also cause feelings of flushing and dizziness.

Fatigue

Tiredness is a symptom common during the first and last trimester and even more so in the first four months of parenthood.

Flatulence

Can often be a sign of sluggish digestion or a reaction to certain foods. Remember that your changing hormones will also effect your digestive tract and may govern which foods you wish to eat. Keep a food diary to identify any patterns.

Fluid Retention

Called oedema, water retention causes puffiness in the feet and ankles, hands, face and vulva. Sometimes it can be a sign of pre-eclampsia if occurring with other symptoms such as high blood pressure, small urine output and high levels of uric acid in the blood. Here's what you can do to alleviate the symptoms and help prevent oedema occurring Fluid Retention

Genital Herpes

Once infected, genital herpes can never be eradicated. If there is an active infection of genital herpes in the vagina or vulva at the time of birth, a Caesarean section will be advised. An active infection of genital herpes can have severe repercussions for the baby such as brain damage, blindness and death, though very few babies become infected. Symptoms include genital pain, tingling pain during urination, vaginal discharge, tenderness in the groin, fever, general aches, headache, depression, small red spots and blisters around the genitalia, swollen lymph nodes in the groin.

Headaches

Hormones can play havoc and can commonly cause headaches as your body adjusts to pregnancy. Often headaches occur as a result of muscle tension, particularly in the upper back and large neck muscles. Sometimes headaches signal digestive disharmony or may be an indication of high stress levels.

Heartburn

Hormones released during pregnancy soften the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach allowing digestive acids and sometimes regurgitated food back up into the esophagus.

You will feel it as a burning sensation behind the breastbone. This is likely to increase in the latter stages of pregnancy as the baby grows and space becomes limited. Although this does not affect the baby, it can cause discomfort for you.

Incontinence

Some women experience incontinence in the latter stages of pregnancy. This can be caused by the pressure on the bladder and the relaxing of your intestinal muscles in preparation for birth. Here are a few ideas on what you can do to help prevent this occurring Incontinence

Insomnia

Anxiety can affect your natural sleep pattern during the earlier months of pregnancy and leave you feeling irritable, vague and desperate for rest. In the latter phases, your baby becomes active when you are resting and can keep you awake with pronounced prods and kicks.

Itchy Skin

As the womb expands and the skin stretches, itchiness results. If you at any point during pregnancy notice an abnormal itchiness all over your body and particularly in the lower legs, contact your health professional. This is to rule out the possibility of obstetric cholestasis, a rare liver-related condition.

Labour

Every labour differs. Your state of mind has been proven to greatly affect your experience and stress and fatigue are factors known to increase pain.

Lactation

Your body has been preparing for lactation since shortly after conception and some women can express breastmilk from the midpoint of pregnancy. There are many thoughts as to how you can encourage milk flow naturally.

Malposition Of Foetus

Your health professional will become increasingly interested in your baby’s positioning in the womb. About four per cent of babies will remain in a breech position at birth with the bottom pointing downwards. If this is the case, you may be advised to have a Caesarean section .

Mastitis

If one or both breasts becomes red, patchy or very sore, you may have an inflammed condition called mastitis. The flow of milk becomes blocked and the surrounding tissue may become infected by bacteria that have entered the ducts via the nipple. Many women tend to suffer from mastitis and it can be excruciatingly painful.

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness, which despite its name may occur at any time of day and can last all day, is a common symptom of early pregnancy, thought to be caused by the digestive system reacting to the HCG pregnancy hormone. Naturopaths believe the severity of morning sickness reflects the health of the maternal liver. Root ginger and plain borwn rice have helped some women overcome the discomfort of nausea.

Nasal Congestion

Also called sinusitis, the mucus membranes inside the nostrils and sinus swell during pregnancy due to hormones. While it can make you feel heady and congested, there are some good old fashioned ways to clear the nasal passages including pressure point massage and aromatherapy inhalations.

Nosebleeds

Caused by increased blood supply, nose bleeds occur frequently.

Nipples, Sore, Cracked

Lactating mothers frequently experience sore, cracked nipples in the first few weeks. While many mothers complain of painful wounds that keep reopening upon feeding, there's a few natural methoda that may help.

Postnatal Depression

Postnatal depression can be a serious condition. Typical symptoms include persistent feelings of depression, constant fatigue, anxiety, bouts of tears and apathy. Although there is a lot you can do for yourself, you may need professional help as well.

Post Partum Recovery

Many women claim childbirth to be the most physically demanding experience of their life. A speedy recovery is essential for a mother whose attention is constantly in demand. Although much of this depends on preparation, there are ways to hasten healing.

Stretchmarks

Stretchmarks occur where the skin has been extended to accommodate a growing baby. There are thoughts that these can be minimised by moisturising oils. Whereas some women seem to be just plain lucky and do not seem to suffer from stretchmarks, others adopt a strict routine to try to avoid them.

Varicose Veins

Increased blood volume and hormonal changes during pregnancy affects the flow of blood returning to the heart. Varicose veins can appear in the legs, vulva, or rectum (see haemorrhoids). Often the problem is hereditary.

Vaginal Discharge

Your vagina may change colour due to hormones and increased blood flow. Discharge is normal but may be more noticeable in the latter stages. If the discharge is smelly, itchy or blood stained, contact your health professional immediately.

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The usual test for iron levels is blood although this is not be entirely accurate as often the body will draw from its sources in the tissues and bone to maintain the amount of blood in circulation. Symptoms of anaemia may include dizziness, palpitations, shortness of breath on exertion, pallor, headaches mental confusion, poor memory and fatigue. In the foetus, iron deficiency has been linked to eye defects, slow growth, bone defects and neonatal mortality.

• You are at greater risk if you have a poor diet, excessive morning sickness, had several babies close together or have a multiple pregnancy.
• Blood donors are not advised to give blood when planning a pregnancy.
• Always eat breakfast.
• Increase your intake of iron by eating lentils, beans, nuts,dark molasses, eggs, green leafy vegetables, seaweed, kelp, fortified cereals, wholegrains, wheatgerm, almonds, parsley, dried fruit especially apricots, raisins and prunes.
• Increasing your Vitamin C intake aids the absorption of iron.
• Avoid fatty and sugary foods.
• Raspberry leaf and nettle teas are source of easily assimilated iron.
• Avoid coffee, cigarettes and alcohol as these interfere with iron absorption.
• Drink freshly squeezed beetroot juice (blend with carrot, apple and ginger)
• Conserve energy where possible.
• Stimulate acupuncture and acupressure point St 36. (Preconception and post natal only. Avoid this point during pregnancy).
• Homeopathic remedy Ferrum Magneticum 9c.

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• Deep tissue massage and osteopathy work well together to help chronic back pain and improve posture.
• Correct your posture in front of a mirror. Stand tall, facing forward with feet waist-width apart and parallel. Drop and pull your shoulders back and lengthen your spine by elongating your neck and tucking your tailbone under.
• Alternatively, crouch on all fours with your back straight and let your bump hang down.
• Sleep on a firm mattress and use support pillows to improve comfort.
• Wear flat shoes.
• Bend your knees when picking up objects.
• Encourage toddlers to stand on a chair before picking them up.
• Are you dehydrated? Drink 2-3 litres of water daily, as lower backache is often a sign of dehydration.
• Eat small amounts often to avoid congestion in the bowels. Lower backache can also signal constipation.
• Swimming is highly recommended during pregnancy to relieve backache.
• Working with an Alexander technique practitioner will help correct your postural awareness.
• Pilates can strengthen the interior muscles supporting the spine.
• Herbalists recommend drinking meadowsweet tea twice daily.
• Freshly squeezed pineapple juice helps eliminate the lactic acid that accumulates to form knots in muscles. Blend with fresh ginger for a tasty refreshment.
• Acupressure points Kidney 3, Bladder 60, for sciatic pain, Bladder 23, Bladder 47
• Prepare an aromatherapy bath with two drops each of the essential oils neroli, lavender and mandarin (As a precaution AVOID all essential oils in first trimester).
• Apply the homeopathic remedy Arnica, either as a cream or gel to the localised area. Taking arnica in oral form can also help ease bruising or pain.
• Bach Flower Rescue Remedy can help with pain.
• Should symptoms not improve, see an osteopath 

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• Check to see that your bra is not too tight.
• Apply hot and cold compresses to the area between feeds to increase local circulation.
• Prepare a massage oil using a grapeseed base oil and include the following essential oils: one drop of lavender, one drop of geranium and one drop of rose oil (As a precaution AVOID all essential oils in first trimester).
• Gently massage the lump towards the nipple to clear the blockage.
• When breastfeeding, offer the affected breast to your baby first as the strong sucking action can help clear the blockage.
• Vitamin C, echinacea tincture and garlic will help circulation and prevent infection.
• Naturopaths believe that antiperspirants are detrimental to your body’s eliminative system. Many commercial antiperspirants contain toxic metals that block the lymphatic glands and prevent the natural sweating process. As a result, these sweat ducts become blocked and cause congestion in the breasts.
• Self help acupressure point Pericardum 1, Gall Bladder 21.

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• Place a cold cabbage or comfrey leaf inside your bra and replace as necessary.
• Cold compresses soaked in water containing 2 drops chammomile will help reduce inflammation.
• Wash breasts in warm water before feeding or extracting milk to help flow.
• Massage downward on the breast during feeding.
• Massage down through the centre of the chest area and up under the arms to promote lymphatic drainage. Use one drop each of essential oils geranium and lavender in a grapeseed or sweet almond oil base
• Self help acupressure point Gall Bladder 21, Pericardum 1.
• Avoid during first eight months of pregnancy.
• Reflexology accesses the lymphatic drainage areas for the breast.
• Homeopathic remedies Belladona (for rock hard, tender, swollen, hot breasts) or Bryonia (if breasts are hot and painful).

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• Don’t panic.
• Rest for a few minutes when this occurs.
• When exercising, do not overdo it.
• When exercising do not let your heart rate exceed 140 beats per minute as this can cause foetal distress.
• Do not lift weights above your head as this increases pressure in the abdomen.
• Meditation can help regulate your breathing.
• Yogic breathing will improve flow of oxygen to the organs and calm your mind.
• Gently massaging your diaphragm, the band of muscle immediately beneath your ribcage, promotes easier breathing.

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• Kneel on all fours and lean your body forward over your hands to stretch the tendons and nerves. Hold for a 10-20 seconds.
• Raise your hands above your head and wiggle your fingers. Do this exercise regularly particularly if you work on a computer.
• Wearing a splint may help if the problem persists.
• Self help acupressure point Lung 10 is located on the Mound of Venus, the fleshy part at the base of your thumb.
• Acupuncture is also favoured for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Persuade your partner or a friend to massage your hands, wrists and arms to improve blood and nerve flow.
• Try sleeping with your arm on a pillow at night.

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• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat a balanced diet.
• Increase your intake of Vitamin C to 1000mg (but do not exceed this level).
• Kiwifruit and citrus are good sources of Vitamin C.
• Kiwifruit contain almost twice as much vitamin C as oranges.
• Freshly squeezed juices with lemon and ginger will boost your immunity
• Zinc intake.
• Increase intake of Vitamin B complex.
• Add fresh garlic to foods.
• Eat fresh pineapple for sore throat or freshly juiced pineapple.
• Drink ginger tea, make as follows:
        Grated fresh ginger
        Two cloves
        Cinnamon stick (optional)
        Place spices in 4 cups water and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
        Add fresh lemon juice and honey to taste and serve.
• Prepare an inhalation as follows:
        Two drops each of essential oils tea tree, lavender, eucalyptus in bowl of boiling water
        Sit with head bowed over bowl, close eyes and inhale, covering head and bowl with towel. Stay under for as long as possible, deeply breathing, to clear the sinuses and respiratory tract.
• Avoid visiting people who are ill.
• Self help acupressure points Lung 1, Lung 7 for chest infection (both are considered safe throughout pregnancy)
• Self help acupressure points Large Intestine 4, Stomach 36, Spleen 6 (AVOID these points during the first eight months pregnancy).
• Avoid Ibuprofen in third trimester of pregnancy as it can delay the onset of labour and could have adverse effects on foetal development.
• Avoid aspirin-based medication during pregnancy as it is linked to Reye’s Syndrome, a rare brain and liver disorder in children.

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• Increase water intake to help clear impurities.
• Increase fresh organic vegetable intake.
• Avoid fried foods, fatty foods, sugar, fizzy drinks and chocolate.
• Avoid alcohol, cigarettes and coffee as these congest the skin’s pores.
• Do not use oil on the face as it attracts dirt and clogs the skin.
• Cleanse your face gently three or four times a day but avoid scrubbing. Use a fresh facecloth each time to avoid spreading bacteria.
• Do not squeeze pimples as bacteria will spread and amplify the problem.
• Try using an antiseptic tea-tree facial wash.
• Reflexology helps balance the hormonal system and clear impurities.
• Lymphatic drainage massage will assist elimination.
• Facials with non-oil products will improve your complexion and encourage healing.
• Yoga is recommended to increase circulation and help to reduce stress.
• Acupuncture treatments are known to balance hormones and promote strong digestion and elimination.
• Drink freshly squeezed juices of carrot, cucumber, lemon, apple and ginger to support the immune system and cleanse the internal organs.
• Echinacea tincture is known to cleanse the blood. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the skin is the “window to the blood”.

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• Increase your water intake to 2-3 litres daily.
• Start your day with a glass of hot water with a squeeze of fresh lemon. Naturopaths recommend this as a liver flush to help cleanse the bowel.
• Closely examine your diet and cut down on wheat products, as they are mucus forming and slow the passage of digestion (many people have wheat intolerance without realising it).
• Increase your vegetable intake particularly leafy greens, leeks, broccoli, and sprouted legumes. Lightly steamed vegetables are more easily digested. Raw vegetables can be too hard and irritate the digestive tract.
• Food combining can improve a sluggish digestive system. This technique involves eating carbohydrates and proteins as separate meals as they require different enzymes during the digestive process. Eating them together can result in partially digested food remaining in your stomach and fermenting.
• Check your mood and take time to relax before you eat as nervous tension disrupts digestion.
• Avoid drinking when you are eating as liquids dilute the efficiency of your digestive enzymes. If you are thirsty, try herbal tea.
• As a rule, drink half an hour before eating or wait for one hour afterwards.
• ron supplements are known to contribute to constipation. Check with your health professional. Black strap molasses and parsley are easily assimilated sources of iron.
• Lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidus, available in capsule or powdered form, helps balance the levels of favourable bowel flora (bacteria found in the bowel).
• Try psyllium husks either blended in a smoothie or added to a glass of water or juice. Add a level teaspoon, stir and drink quickly to avoid the husks swelling too much.
• Try a freshly squeezed juice of ginger, carrot, celery and apple juice.
• Alternatively, prune juice is considered a natural laxative.
• A teaspoon of black strap molasses in hot water twice daily increases your iron levels and promotes bowel elimination.
• Prepare a bath with two drops of lavender essential oil to induce relaxation.
• Excessive straining causes haemorrhoids.
• Squatting exercises help improve circulation to the bowel (not recommended if you suffer from haemorrhoids).
• Massage your abdomen in clockwise rotation with two drops of lavender and two drops of mandarin essential oils in a base oil. Work deeply to unblock the various sections of your bowel.
• Prepare a lavender compress to ease abdominal pain.
• Several yoga postures assist bowel function.
• Reflexology accesses the bowels to promote elimination.
• Self-help acupressure point Pericardum 6
• Large Intestine 4, Stomach 36 (AVOID both these points during first eight months of pregnancy.
• If symptoms persist, use a natural laxative (senna). Be sure to follow directions, as these can be highly effective. Using laxatives regularly adversely affects long-term bowel function.
• Beetroot is another highly-effective natural laxative. It can be eaten or juiced and also helps in cases of anaemia by restoring the blood. For best results avoid buying beetroot packaged in vinegar.

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