Most doctors agree that there are few medications that are completely safe during the periods of fetal development. According to doctors at Bastyr University, an accredited college of holistic healing in Seattle, Washington, pregnant women who use a naturopathic doctor to deal with health issues during pregnancy benefit from the holistic support of a care provider who can offer natural remedies that are effective while still being safe for their unborn children. Utilizing the expertise of a naturopathic doctor will ensure that the natural products you use will not have an adverse effect on your pregnancy; naturopaths go through an extensive holistic medical training that mimics traditional medical school, but with a substantial emphasis on naturally based herbs, nutrition, homeopathic medicines, and a host of holistic treatments to create optimal wellness.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is a common complaint of pregnancy, but it's no joke to the woman dealing with it. Naturopathy treats morning sickness as a holistic symptom that a licensed naturopath is well equipped to deal with. Some naturopathic options for morning sickness include the use of ginger to sooth nausea. Pregnant women can make a pitcher of tea infused with slices of ginger. Sweeten the mixture with honey and drink throughout the day. Homeopathy also offers some effective treatments for morning sickness and you can speak with your naturopathic doctor about which remedies would be best for your particular type of morning sickness.
Heartburn
Along with morning sickness, heartburn is a common complaint that pregnant women have. While a traditional doctor will usually recommend over-the-counter antacid tablets for heartburn, naturopathic doctor Robert Ullman encourages the use of cooling papaya enzymes instead. Papaya enzymes are naturally based and offer heartburn relief without risking developing kidney stones through over-use. These fruit enzymes work to balance the system, offering long term relief from an over production of acid in the digestive system and can be found in many preparations. Some have additional herbal properties such as peppermint, fennel, chamomile, and ginger root to enhance relief.
Hormonal Acne
For some women, a healthy glow seems to accompany pregnancy, but for others, hormones in flux create a pregnancy of blemished proportions. Naturopathy looks at balancing hormones with the use of herbs, homeopathy, and diet. Skin care products can contain questionable ingredients, and many acne medications are harmful to a developing fetus. European skin specialist Dr. Haushka recommends treating a pregnant woman's skin with care. Gently wash your face with a natural cleanser and rinse with warm water. After patting dry with a soft towel, press a few drops of extra virgin olive oil that has lavender essential oil infused into it onto the face. This lavender oil will help to combat acne while balancing skin and is safe to use during pregnancy. Always consult with a knowledgeable practitioner when using essential oils, as some are not safe for use during pregnancy.
Constipation
Naturopathy deals with pregnancy related constipation the good old fashioned way; adding more liquid and roughage to your diet will not only relieve constipation, it will promote healthy growth for your unborn child. A growing fetus increases the fluid demands on the body while displacing the intestines throughout the months of pregnancy, which can lead to compacted bowels. Increasing your fluid and fiber intake is the most natural way to combat this situation. If you are still distressed by constipation, talk to your naturopath, as he may have homeopathic remedies that will offer relief. Dealing with your constipation promptly ensures that your unborn child will not be affected by toxins related to compacted feces and prevents the development of hemorrhoids.
Labor
One of the tools found in a naturopath's office, according to Dr. Judith Ullman, are herbs specific to promoting healthy labor contractions when a woman's pregnancy appears to need inducing. Be sure to consult with your practitioner to ensure that the time has come to consider such herbs before you use them. Midwives around the world have safely been using herbs and castor oil for labor induction for hundreds of years without negative side effects. According to the American Academy for Husband Coached Childbirth, chemical inductions can cause violent contractions with increased pain and increased risk of unnecessary medical interventions, so this natural option may be appealing to many women.
References
- "Birthing from Within"; England Horowitz; 2002
- "The Aromatherapy Book"; Jeanne Rose; 1992
- "Homeopathic Self Care";Robert and Judyth Ullman, N.D.; 1997
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