Organic Remedies for Pregnancy Pain and Aches
Pregnancy pain and aches are apparent during every pregnancy. Although pregnancy pains and aches are different for every woman many of the organic remedies are the same. Organic remedies for pregnancy pains and aches have been around for centuries and are still the best choice for ensuring a healthy birth and a healthy baby.
Before opting for over the counter medications or prescription based treatment try organic remedies for pregnancy pain and aches first.
Morning Sickness
Morning sickness often occurs at the beginning of pregnancy but has been known to last throughout. Morning sickness doesn’t always occur in the morning. It can be throughout the day or when the mother wakes from an afternoon nap. In order to reduce morning sickness a series of different organic remedies may need to be tried to see which works best. Fortunately there are plenty to choose from:
Eat and Drink Healthy – Avoid overly large meals and foods high in carbohydrates, sugars and oils. Foods that are easier to digest and contain enough protein and vitamins will go a long way for preventing and reducing morning sickness. Opt for healthier foods such as cheese, yogurt and milk as well as crackers and toast. Avoid sugary drinks and drinks with too much caffeine. Various juices too can be too high in sugars. Teas, lemon water and even ginger ale will help to reduce feelings of nausea naturally.
Sour and Peppermint Candy or Ginger – Sour and peppermint candy can help to prevent feelings of nausea as these flavors are known to alleviate nausea symptoms. If candy is not your preference than try ginger. Gingerol in ginger has been found to reduce nausea due its inflammatory properties that help to eliminate stomach acid. Try grating fresh ginger over home cooked meals and even brew fresh ginger in boiling water for a tea to settle the stomach.
Aromatherapy and Meditation – Much of what we taste is influenced by our sense of smell. As well as certain smells can trigger nausea and morning sickness. Find what smells relax you and begin including candles and incense wherever you can. Some smells that reduce nausea symptoms include lemon, mint and ginger. If aromatherapy is not your route than try meditating several times throughout the day. Morning sickness can be more common in a stressful environment however, by meditating throughout the day stress levels can be reduced to help alleviate symptoms of nausea.
Back Pain
Back pain occurs most frequently during pregnancy from the ligaments relaxing from pregnancy hormones. Back pain can also occur from natural weight gain as well as the changes in your posture from the growth of the baby. These three factors cause major discomfort in the upper and lower back during all stages of pregnancy and can increase in pain towards the last few months.
In order to reduce or prevent back pain during pregnancy some of the first organic remedies should be to immediately change your daily life style. From standing too long in one spot to lifting heavy objects your daily schedule should be suited to your physical capabilities. Increase exercise routines that are safe during pregnancy to strengthen and maintain your muscles and ligaments. Increase the amount of pillows you sleep with at night in order to reduce discomfort. As often as possible receive massages in areas of the body that are sore.
Aromatherapy, acupuncture and even certain homeopathic remedies have been also known to work for back pain during pregnancy. Organic remedies for pregnancy pain and aches include relaxing in a hot bath with essential oils such as lavender, mint and lemon. Acupuncture tends to mitigate lower back pain by redirecting “energy pathways” through the use of fine needles. As well as various topical creams can be used on sore muscles in order to alleviate the pain and to relax the muscles.
Headaches and Heartburn
Often time’s headaches occur as part of pregnancy pains and aches. If all criteria are met, you are well hydrated and nourished, than headaches may occur just from the body experiencing changes and from the baby growing. If this is the case lie down in a dark room with little to no noise. Receive massages as often as possible and experiment with various relaxation techniques. These techniques can include yogic and tantric exercises, deep breathing exercises and even meditation.
During pregnancy heartburn often occurs because of the changes the baby is experiencing. Even if healthy foods and beverages are consumed heartburn can still occur. If heartburn occurs frequently than reduce the size of your meal and consume smaller meals more frequently. Increase the time between your last meals of the day and before you sleep as well. While heartburn is occurring try chewing sugarless gum which stimulates saliva to have an acid-neutralizing effect or drink from a soothing beverage such as warm milk with a teaspoon of honey. Various teas including ginger tea will also help to reduce symptoms of heartburn.
Sources:
Back Pain in Pregnancy. Baby Center
Herbal Remedies in Pregnancy. Baby Center