Pregnancy Discomforts and Remedies Backache Pain located in the upper or lower segments of the back Why? It is common to experience some aches and pains in the upper or lower regions of the back because of the anatomic changes occurring during pregnancy. Enlarged breasts and a growing uterus contribute to a change in weight and the center of gravity. Add to this poor posture, inadequate muscle tone and an exaggerated curve of the lower back (lordosis). Aggravating factors include a posterior fetal position, standing in place for too long and bending forward at the waist. Prevention Exercise - without overexerting! Maintain good posture Wear comfortable and supportive shoes and bra Sleep on a supportive bed (one that doesn’t sink or sag) supported with pillows Execute proper lifting techniques (squat don’t bend) Remedies Belly band Rest Pelvic Rocks Chiropractic adjustments Use back support while driving Massage Ice packs Warm baths/showers/compresses Tiger Balm Salve Castor oil pack: After soaking flannel cloth in castor oil, place on area of discomfort, cover with plastic and apply a heating pad for 30 minutes Apple cider vinegar: After soaking cloth in apple cider vinegar and ringing out the excess, place cloth on area of discomfort for 15-20 minutes Cause for concern In the event you have any questions as to the normalcy of your pain, please do not hesitate to call. In the case of severe back pain that is not alleviated by any of the above recommendations, call immediately! If the ache/pain is located at waist level we need to rule out kidney infection or the possibility of liver or urinary tract infections. Carpal tunnel syndrome Altered sensations, including tingling, numbness, pain, stiffness and weakness in the thumb, index, middle and radial portion of the ring finger that can travel upwards affecting the arm and shoulder Why? While carpal tunnel syndrome can exist outside of pregnancy from repetitive hand/wrist movements (typing), the weight gain, fluid retention from hormones and subsequent swelling during pregnancy sometimes compress the medial nerve in the wrist. Prevention Use of ergonomic keyboard (if applicable) Periodic movement or breaks during periods of repetitive hand/wrist activity Remedies Rest, being careful to avoid supporting head with hand/wrist during sleep Splinting or stabilizing the wrist with a support at night and while typing Exercise Acupuncture Warm, moist heat Drinking fresh pineapple juice (anti-inflammatory properties) Skullcap infusion, drink to heal affected nerves Vitamin B6 (25 mg/day for two weeks) in addition to B complex supplement Childbirth * Cases of carpal tunnel syndrome appearing only in pregnancy are typically corrected after delivery! St Johns Wort tincture 5-20 drops while symptoms last. St Johns Wort Oil. Wishgarden has one I really like, ask me about it. Cause for concern In the event you have any questions as to the normalcy of your pain, please do not hesitate to call. Constipation Infrequent and/or difficult eliminations as stools become hardened and back up within the intestinal tract Why? Although it is not considered normal, constipation in pregnancy commonly occurs as a result of the hormone progesterone and its relaxing effect on the peristalsis of the stomach and intestinal tract. The additional transit time allows more water to be absorbed in the intestines. A poor diet, iron supplements and the pressure of a growing uterus, which displaces the organs beneath, also contribute to constipation. Prevention Proper diet & fluid intake Regular bowel habits Go with the urge/try not to hold it Avoid foods known to cause constipation Remedies Increase water intake Increase fruits/veggies/fiber intake Daily physical activity Rest Drink prune juice or black cherry juice Drink a hot liquid then a cold liquid OR drink a warm liquid upon standing/rising Move E-Z (TriLight Herbs:½ tsp 2-3x/day) for stimulation of bowels Use of glycerin suppositories Yellow dock root (a liver stimulant with laxative effects) Cause for concern In the event you have any questions as to the normalcy of your pain, please do not hesitate to call. In instances of persistent constipation with no relief from the above suggestions, it becomes necessary to rule out the possibility of fibroids. Dyspareunia Painful sexual intercourse Why? Physical changes in pregnancy, abdominal growth and a descended baby can cause vaginal crowding and impaired circulation. Emotional concerns of fear regarding trauma to the baby can also play a role in dyspareunia. Prevention Education to dispel misconceptions that intercourse harms the baby (in normal circumstances) Remedies Trying alternate positions Ice/cold packs Edema Swelling of the lower body extremities, legs and ankles (can include fingers) evidenced by indentations (from footwear/socks) with possible feelings of tightness Why? Swelling can be caused by a variety of reasons. Typically the more common reason is due to the normal, healthy expansion of blood volume and hormones. Other causes can be diet related (not enough salt, fluids and/or protein), duration of standing/sitting and increased perspiration. Prevention Changing positions (not sitting/standing for prolonged periods) Adequate salt, fluid and protein intake Remedies Rest (this will alleviate the more common hormone/blood volume related swelling) Walk Improve diet (adding deficient items) Cause for concern In the event you have any questions as to the normalcy of your swelling or accompanying pain, please do not hesitate to call. While swelling in the extremities is typically not a cause for concern it should be reviewed and discussed at each visit in order to determine that it is not a sign of something more severe. Specific things to look for include a generalized (all over) swelling that increases and does not fluctuate with activity or time in the day. The inability to note distended veins could indicate fluid is leaving circulation as it is drawn into the surrounding tissues. Potential complications include: pre-eclampsia, cardiac or renal disease. Fatigue Drained, sluggish and general feelings of tiredness (extremely common in 1st trimester) Why? It is common for women in their first trimester to experience fatigue as their bodies adjust to new demands and hormone fluctuations. Fatigue can also be related to a decreased basic metabolic rate, hypoglycemia, anemia, emotional stress and multiple gestation. Remedies Nap(s) during the day Exercise Social interaction to stimulate the mind Improve diet (additional fruits & vegetables) Yellow Dock root tincture (energy balancing effect) Cause for concern In the event you have any questions as to the normalcy of your fatigue, please do not hesitate to call. If the fatigue persists into the second trimester or if there are other accompanying factors that point to infection, dental or heart issues, referral will be made. Headache Sharp, dull, throbbing or steady pain located in the front, back or sides of the head Why? A headache can be caused from dehydration, hypoglycemia, anemia, eye strain, exposure to toxins, exposure or recent withdrawal from caffeine & sugar and vasodilation of the blood vessels due to poor tone. Remedies Massage Chiropractic adjustments Increased fluid Frequent intake of food Relaxing teas (hops, skullcap, chamomile) Soaking hands & feet in hot lemon water Essential Oils Cause for concern In the event you have any questions as to the normalcy of your pain, please do not hesitate to call. Sudden onset or headaches not considered usual to you, along with those that increase in severity and are unresponsive to pain relief efforts, are concerning and such cases will be referred. Additionally, any headache accompanied by spotted vision please call immediately. Heartburn Burning sensation in esophagus due to reversed peristalsis (may be felt in chest or neck) Why? Progesterone, a pregnancy hormone, affects the cardiac sphincter (top opening) of the stomach by relaxing it and decreasing the movement of the stomach, which prolongs the emptying time. This issue combined with the effects of a growing uterus that pushes and displaces the stomach cause digestive fluids to enter the lower esophageal tract causing an uncomfortable, burning sensation. Prevention Avoid consuming liquids with meals (drink throughout the day) Avoid cold, spicy, over seasoned, greasy and fatty foods Avoid eating large meals, especially before bed Avoid poor posture or a position that puts pressure on the stomach Avoid caffeine Remedies Walk after eating Raise the head of bed (30 cm) or use extra pillows Eat small & frequent meals, slowly Eat plain, baked potato Chew raw almonds or cashews Sip milk, hot water Good posture Stretching (give stomach room) Use digestive enzymes or papaya enzymes Take a calcium/magnesium supplement (1 tsp - 1Tbsp as needed) Take comfrey tablets with pepsin Slippery elm bark powder (capsules, as needed) 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar mixed in 8 oz. of water 2 Tablespoons Baking Soda mixed in 8 oz. water Hemorrhoids Though hemorrhoids can be present without pain, the abnormal dilation of veins located in cushions around the anal sphincter can also protrude, swell, itch and become noticeably painful. Why? Hemorrhoids are most often caused by constipation, so many of the factors that lead to difficult bowel movements can therefore also be tied to this discomfort. Additional contributors include standing for prolonged periods, weakened blood vessels, lack of venous valves, pooling of blood from backflow during abdominal pressure (such as repeated straining from constipation), progesterone’s effects of relaxing vein walls and poor circulation from the increased pressure of the growing uterus. Prevention Avoid becoming constipated (see suggestions under constipation) Avoid straining during bowel movements Elevate feet on stool while using the bathroom Remedies Cold compresses Calendula, used topically Witch hazel compresses Rest & elevate hips/legs/feet Rutin (50 mg) Avoid heavy lifting Warm sitz bath (can add magnesium sulphate crystals - Epsom salt) Replace prolapsed hemorrhoids using olive oil and gloved hand, Kegels Yellow Dock root tincture (1/2 dropper, orally 3x/day) Vitamin E capsules (400 IU) placed in rectum to heal tissues Nettle infusion (1 - 2 cups/day) - heals vascular systems Collinsonia Root tincture or tablets (1 - 3x/day; up to 6/day if needed) Vitamin C with bioflavinoids (500mg - 3g/day) Hawthorne Berry extract (1/4 tsp - 2 or 3x/day) Insomnia Sleeplessness or difficulty falling asleep Why? Mentally it may be difficult to get good sleep because the mind is racing with thoughts, concerns, anxieties and/or anticipation! Physically, insomnia could be due to hypoglycemia, deficient intake of B vitamins, discomfort with growing uterus or an active baby. Prevention Avoid stimulating or active events just before bed Avoid caffeine and other stimulants Remedies Aerobic exercise, morning or early evening Warm bath Sleep with extra pillows Eat high protein snacks after waking Vitamin B6 (50 mg) Magnesium (250-300 mg) Skullcap tincture (1-10 drops in hot water or under tongue) -mild sedative Chamomile or Catnip infusion (steep for 1/2 hour) Hops tincture or infusion (after 5 months gestation) Valerian root (2-3g dried root) + Lemon balm (80mg) 45 min before bed Cause for concern If you are rising because of bathroom trips that seem extremely frequent a UTI (urinary tract infection) should be ruled out. Leg Cramps Sudden pain causing a tight pulling sensation in the leg Why? Leg cramps can occur because of deficiencies in the diet, including inadequate salt intake. While there is evidence that too little sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorous can be responsible, it is interesting to note that excess calcium has also been attributed to leg cramps. Additionally, the weight of the growing baby and uterus exert pressure on veins and nerves from the pelvis running below, which contribute to the possibility of leg cramps. Prevention Maintain diet rich in variety of vitamins & minerals (Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous & Potassium) Avoid carbonated beverages Remedies At onset: Straighten leg and flex foot (heel toward the floor) Lift toes up - do NOT point toward floor Elevate legs above the heart Shift weight while standing Walk daily to increase circulation Apply heating pad and manual pressure Cause for concern Do NOT massage the cramp if varicose veins are present, or there is reason to believe they could exist. In some instances this effort could unintentionally dislodge a clot! Reviewing additional factors in addition to the occurrence of leg cramps may lead to the need to screen for anemia. Nausea & Vomiting Common between 4-14 weeks of pregnancy, this queasy unsettled feeling, which may or may not include vomiting, can occur at any time of day or persist throughout the entirety of the day Why? Various influences can be attributed to the nausea and vomiting experienced by 1/2 to 2/3 of pregnant women. In the first trimester the influx of hormones, such as estrogen and HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin), along with their concentration as the blood volume has not yet expanded can negatively affect some women. In addition, changes in dietary needs versus intake, decreased blood sugar and conflicting emotions have been linked to nausea and vomiting as well. Late in pregnancy, nausea & vomiting can be caused by the increasing pressure and discomfort from the growing uterus. Prevention Avoid prolonged periods of not eating Eat before rising each morning Eat a high protein snack before bed If up during the night, have a snack Avoid spicy/greasy food Avoid strong odors Lower fat intake Avoid taking supplements on an empty stomach Remedies Eat boiled egg in AM Reduce stress Rest Get support from family/friends Exercise Eat small, frequent nutritious food every 2 hours Raspberry leaf tea Chew anise or fennel seeds Consume foods that settle stomach Prevent dehydration: Adding lemon to water to make more palatable Use cold cloth on head (if dizziness occurs) Take B6 (50 mg) in AM and before bed Ground ginger capsules/Ginger root tea Try wearing acupressure wristbands (seabands) Cause for concern Excessive vomiting is a cause for concern as it can quickly lead to dehydration. Please call immediately if food/drink are unable to be consumed or held down. Nausea and vomiting that persists into the second trimester needs to be reviewed as this is less common and could be a sign of another complication. It may be necessary to call in a prescription of Zofran or Phenergan if you are unable to keep anything down over an extended period of time. Pruritis gravidarum Intense itching, usually occurring in the third trimester, can begin on the abdomen and spread generally all over; form of jaundice in pregnancy. Why? The increased amount of hormones, estrogen and progesterone can effect the liver’s ability to excrete bile salts. As this condition is related to the liver, it can also occur if the liver has been compromised because of other circumstances not related to hormones. Remedy Oatmeal bath Anti-itch creams Massaging yogurt topically Usually resolved within days after delivery Dandelion root & Yellow dock root (liver support) Consuming liver cleansing agents (beets, dark greens, lemon juice, olive oil) Consuming foods rich in choline (egg yolk, wheat germ, brewer’s yeast) Round ligament discomfort Can be described as a sharp pulling pain or cramp, felt on one or both sides of the uterus extending into the pelvic area (or solely occurring there) Why? The round ligament is made to stretch with the uterus; therefore as it grows the stretching and pulling itself can be uncomfortable. Pressure from the enlarging uterus in addition to the frequency of contractions toward the end or pregnancy, make triggering this spasm more likely. Prevention Avoid sudden rising from seated/lying position Remedies During a cramp: breathe deeply, relax and bend toward side of pain St. John’s Wort tincture (5-20 drops with cramp) - for all spasms Caster oil compress + heating pad (30 minutes) Hot water bottle/Heating pad or warm bath Maternity abdominal support garment Pulling knees toward chest Use pillows to support abdomen when laying Cause for concern In the event you have any questions as to the normalcy of your pain, please do not hesitate to call. Before treating with heating pad, appendicitis, gallbladder infection and peptic ulcer should be ruled out. Sciatica Irritation of spinal nerve, felt from the hip area to the back of the upper leg, described as sharp pain, tingling or weakness Why? The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and runs from the lower spine down through the back of the thigh. Because it runs through an opening in the pelvis, pregnancy, more specifically the growing uterus, causes shifting that can impede or encroach on this nerve causing irritation and radiation of the pain. Remedies Chiropractic adjustments St. John’s Wort tincture (5-20 drops during pain) for spasms Varicosities Dull aching pain from enlarged blood vessels, typically located in the legs or vulva Why? Varicosities can occur because of the combination of expanded blood volume and the relaxing effect of progesterone. Lack of vein wall tone and weakened valves from the lower extremities compete with the increased blood flow from the uterus. In addition, family history of varicosities can contribute to a person’s likelihood of developing the condition. Prevention Avoid standing/sitting with legs crossed for prolonged periods Avoid restrictive clothing Avoid heavy lifting Avoid constipation Remedies Often improves after delivery Rest with legs & bottom elevated Moist hot packs Warm baths Exercise Support hose Sit with good posture Vitamin E (400-1000 IU/day) Nettle infusion (1-2 cups/day) Collinsonia Root tincture Vitamin C with bioflavinoids (500mg -3 g/day) Hawthorne Berry extract (1/4 tsp. 2-3X/day) Rutin (50mg) Witch Hazel bark compresses ***Many of my clients rave about this Essential Oils Blend for Varicosities of all kinds. Blend 2-4 drops of each of the EO’s listed below: Grapefruit Cypress Juniper Cedar Wood Clary Sage Lemongrass Lemon Peppermint And a carrier oil such as coconut oil or EVOO by Young Living Vulva specific: Wear supportive perineal pad; Kegel exercises Cause for concern In the event you have any questions as to the normalcy of your pain, please do not hesitate to call. Never massage the location of varicosities as clot dislocation and subsequent embolism can occur. Treatments/remedies should begin in order to minimize development of thrombosis. Extra care should be used in daily activities as injury or puncture to a sight can result in hemorrhage. Urinary Tract Infection Burning while urinating or a strong need to urinate often. Why In pregnant woman, hormones cause changes in the urinary tract, which predispose them to infections. In addition, a growing uterus presses on the bladder, preventing the complete emptying of urine. This stagnant urine is a likely source for infection. Prevention Stay hydrated by drinking at least 6 glasses of water daily. Avoid processed foods or foods that contain a lot of sugar. Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge and completely empty bladder. Wipe from front to back. Don’t use bubble bath or bath beads. Use cotton underwear Urinate before and after sexual intercourse. Remedies D-Mannose 500mg every 3 hours for 7 days. Cranactin 1-2 tablets every 4 hours with lots of water. Vitamin C 500mg every 3 hours. Uva Ursi tea- 1oz tea to 1 quart water and steep for 10 hours. Drink 1 cup every 4 hours the first 2 days then 1 cup daily for 3 days after all symptoms have disappeared, do not take longer than 10 days. Cause for concern If you believe that you have a UTI please call me, if left untreated a bladder infection can turn into a kidney infection as well as cause other problems. If you have a fever of 101 or higher, pain or burning with urination, pressure or cramping in the lower back or cloudy or bloody urine its very important that you inform me so that we can start the appropriate measures.