Meeting Pregnancy’s Challenge While Living Drug Free

Pregnancy, and the motherhood that follows, compose one of life’s most wonderful, yet challenging experiences. The adverse symptoms of pregnancy are a big part of that challenge, and pharmaceutical drugs don’t always offer respite; according to a Charles University, Czech Republic study, up to 59.3% of standard meds present enhanced risk during pregnancy.  Fortunately, there are plenty of drug-free ways in which to tackle some of the pressing issues that flare up during pregnancy.

Tackling the dreaded heart burn

Heartburn is one of the most common and unpleasant side effects of pregnancy. The effects of morning sickness can already be pronounced enough to cause distress, and acid reflux only worsens this. Pregnant women experiencing heartburn are not alone – one study, conducted by John Hopkins, found that 78% of women experience heartburn during pregnancy. However, many of the drugs usually taken to quell a stomach are unsuitable for pregnant women, bismuth subsalicylate chief among them. To tackle heartburn, consider a cup of sweetened ginger tea with some baking soda mixed in. Moderate your meal times, and try to sleep on an incline if comfortable.

Addressing your allergies

Pregnancy can surface allergic reactions and vanish others, depending on how the various hormones decide to act. However, pregnancy and antihistamines are often incompatible. While a 2013 Boston University Medical Center study debunked the myth that antihistamines can cause birth defects, they nevertheless can cause adverse reactions that need to be avoided when pregnant. Instead of using antihistamines, try a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar a day and keep your nasal passages well irrigated. According to Mother.ly, you can also try introducing more turmeric into your meals, which will again shore up your body and prevent the symptoms of allergic rhinitis taking over.

Taking on general pain

Aches and pains are part and parcel of pregnancy, in addition to whatever may be affecting you in your normal day-to-day life. As a result, it’s easy to reach for painkillers. However, extreme caution may be taken. For instance, opiates can cause addiction and withdrawal in your unborn baby, even if you consider yourself to not be addicted. Additionally, ibuprofen and aspirin can, in higher doses, create a real risk of miscarriage and early hemorrhaging. Where possibly, it’s simply better to stay away – but what if you need pain relief? Warm baths are a great first step, according to Babycentre online. With essential oils and salts, you can provide great relaxation to tired muscles. Also try out gentle yoga. As well as stretching out your muscles, yoga has been shown to have a holistic healing effect on the body through promoting circulation, pain tolerance and general all round well being.

Pregnancy is an amazing challenge with one of the best possible results you can imagine. The dramatic changes your body undergoes creates a wide range of problems that can become distressing throughout the full term pregnancy. Take action through natural methods to help yourself, and you, your body, and your child will thank you later.

Jenn Samson is a freelance writer and editor. She used to work in PR but has been embracing the freelance life for many years now. Outside of work she enjoys cooking, hiking and traveling to Europe as much as possible.

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