4 Common Pregnancy Complaints
and Holistic Solutions
We have put together some holistic solutions to some of the most common pregnancy concerns.
Nausea – For some, nausea never comes, and for others, it can last through the entire pregnancy. However, for most, nausea typically comes mid-way through the first trimester and continues until the beginning or middle of the 2nd trimester.
Holistic options to consider:
- Ginger – be it tea, a ginger chew, or a cookie, consuming ginger has helped many with pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting.
- Peppermint – Drinking peppermint tea, eating peppermint candy, or even smelling peppermint through a diffuser can be helpful. *Peppermint can adversely impact breastfeeding relationships once the baby is born, however, using during pregnancy is not typically harmful
- Eating small but frequent meals with protein, like yogurt, nuts, or chocolate milk.
- Acupuncture – Nausea is one reason of many that having a relationship with an acupuncturist through pregnancy can be helpful.
* Acupuncture: There are well-known pressure points on the body that have been used for centuries (sea sickness wrist bands come to mind). Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that works to help with physical, emotional, and mental ailments. Some reasons pregnant people choose to see an acupuncturist during pregnancy: swelling, headache, stress, breech position, digestion, anxiety
Muscle soreness/cramps– Your body is working hard, and you are probably feeling it. Not only overall fatigue is normal in the first trimester, but muscle soreness and cramping are not uncommon.
Holistic options to consider:
- Regular stretching in the morning and evening, such as yoga
- Staying hydrated
- Taking deep breaths throughout the day to help expel any build up of lactic acid
- Increase potassium consumption such as bananas, sweet potatoes, or spinach
- Begin receiving regular prenatal massage
- Get plenty of rest
Constipation – A common pregnancy complaint is constipation. Changes in hormone levels and slowed digestion, coupled with added pressure on your pelvic floor means you may be experiencing constipation.
Holistic options to consider:
- Diet rich in fiber
- Staying hydrated
- Chiropractic care for alignment support
- Regular exercises, such as pregnancy yoga or walking
- Toilet Stool
- Finding ways to reduce stress
Incontinence and Frequent Urination – It can be frustrating while pregnant because it is possible to experience incontinence AND constipation – they are not mutually exclusive. Incontinence is the lack of control over urination. The changes to organ placement, and the pressure being placed on the pelvic floor makes urinary incontinence a common pregnancy complaint.
While frequent urination may not be entirely relieved until your baby is delivered, there are some things to consider, for both it and incontinence.
Holistic options to consider:
- Establishing a relationship with a physical therapist with training in pelvic floor health
- Consider Yoga courses with a focus on pelvic floor
- Breathing and full relaxation when using the restroom to allow for your bladder to be emptied entirely
- Schedule and take frequent bathroom breaks
We love to work with our birth doula clients to help them relieve whatever symptoms they have in pregnancy. Please comment what has worked for you during your pregnancy! Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook