Jun

Nutrition and Natural Pregnancy (Part 2)

Nux Vom 12c

The first choice of homeopathic remedy for morning sickness, particularly when it is characterised by retching, indigestion and nausea relieved by vomiting.

How to use

Take 1 dose every 2 hours for up to 3 doses, and repeat whenever sickness recurs.

If there is no improvement, other homeopathic remedies which may help include Ipecac and Pulsatilla.

Papaya (Paw Paw)

During the first few weeks of pregnancy, reduced secretion of hydrochloric acid can result in heartburn and indigestion. This can also happen in the last trimester.

This exotic fruit is one of nature’s best sources of papain, a protein-digesting enzyme that increases the activity of our own digestive enzymes.

It is also a rich source of vitamins.

How to use

Slice a fresh papaya in half, scoop out the seeds and drizzle with fresh lime juice to make a delicious breakfast ‘aperitif’ or refreshing dessert.

Prunes

These dried fruits have a natural laxative effect that help prevent constipation, a problem that affects many pregnant women especially during the later stages of pregnancy.

Being rich in iron, prunes also help to keep anaemia at bay.

How to use

Soak overnight in still bottled or filtered water and add to your breakfast bowl of muesli, or mix with other dried fruits, such as apricots, mangos, apples and pears, to make an appetising compote.

You can also use prunes in fruit loaves, cakes and puddings such as apple and prune crumble.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

One of the few herbal remedies deemed safe for pregnant women.

Raspberry leaf tea should be drunk during the last 3 months of pregnancy to strengthen the uterine and pelvic muscles and so make the birth easier, and post-natally to help restore tone to the pelvic area.

How to use

Make a tea by infusing 28g dried raspberry leaves in 600ml boiling water and leave to stand for 10 minutes.

Strain and sip a cupful 3 times a day.

Pure Rose Essential Oil

The essential oil extracted from fresh rose petals has a blissfully romantic and feminine quality.

Surrounding yourself with the aroma throughout pregnancy will help keep your emotions and hormones in balance.

When absorbed through the skin the oil stimulates circulation and helps preserve the skin’s suppleness and youthful glow.

How to use

Add 10 drops pure rose essential oil to 30ml grapeseed or sweet almond oil and massage into your face, breasts and abdomen throughout pregnancy.

Dab a few drops on the pulse points as a perfume, or add 5 drops dissolved in 1tbsp milk to your evening bath and wallow in its aroma.

Salmon

Like other oily fish, salmon is rich in a polyunsaturated fatty acid called DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is essential for the development of the brain and nervous system.

Pregnant women need plenty of this essential fatty acid, as the foetal brain produces up to 250,000 nerve cells every minute.

Breast milk is rich in DHA, so if you are breastfeeding it is important to keep reserves for your own body topped up.

How to use

Try to eat fresh, lightly grilled or poached salmon at least twice a week Other good oily fish sources of DHA include sardines, mackerel, tuna, swordfish and herrings.

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