Pregnancy Issues And Discomforts (oral Presentation)

Pregnancy Issues and Discomforts Nausea,Vomiting & Food Cravings Many women experience nausea and vomiting in the first trimester. It is estimated that 1 in 10 will continue to experience the symptoms beyond the first trimester. It is often called “morning sickness” but for many women persists throughout the day. Hyperemisis gravidarum, also known as excessive and uncontrollable vomiting is medically defined by weight loss and dehydration due the inability to retain food and fluids.

Causes/symptoms Though the cause of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is not greatly known it is believed to be caused by the rising hCG levels in women and the imbalance of glucose in the woman’s body. Estrogen has also be linked to an increased sense of smell and thus causing sensitivity which can increase a woman’s symptoms. It has been shown that women with decreased levels of estrogen in their system such as teenage girls and menopausal women have a decreased sense of smell! One study suggested that women born with anosmia (lack of ability to smell) did not suffer from morning sickness during their pregnancy. Some people believe that women carrying multiple fetuses experience more severe symptoms due to the increased levels of hormones. Some people have suggested and believe that hyperemisis can be caused by stressful relationships in the woman’s life. By getting away from the causes of stress some women’s symptoms have eased up. Low blood sugar, increased stomach acid, lack of sleep and extra protein requirements from the fetus are some other possible causes.

Holistic Method • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Eat small meals frequently, every two to three hours; do not skip meals; avoid hunger. Have a snack before bedtime or during the night. Try eating a piece of bread or a few crackers before getting up in the morning to quell nausea. Get out of bed slowly; avoid sudden movements and get out of bed slowly Avoid high fat and fried foods; eat lower-fat meats, poultry and fish; use skim or low-fat milk products; try carbohydrate-rich foods such as fruit, fruit juice, breads, cereals, rice, potatoes. Drink fluids between rather than with meals to avoid stomach fullness at meal times. Avoid strong food smells and cooking odors by eating cold foods, opening windows to freshen the air, avoiding coffee, garlic and other spices and having others cook when possible. Avoid highly seasoned foods. Avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating; avoid brushing your tongue. Keep well rested; avoid fatigue. Avoid cigarette smoking. Try drinking ginger beer or ginger tea to ease nausea Drink liquids between meals as apposed to meals Turn to starchy foods such as potatoes, crackers and pasta Eat food high in vitamin B6

Acupressure P6 Some people have found that apply pressure to the acupuncture point Neiguan (P6) to be helpful. The wrist bands which work as pressure on the point as well as magnets have worked for some women and no adverse effects to the fetus have been noted.

Mastoid Process Ice applied right behind the mastoid process may also help alleviate nausea.

Homeopathy Due the none intrusive healing effects of homeopathy and its ability to work on energetic levels many women may be tempted to try Homeopathy right away without consulting a trained Homeopath. Due to my personal beliefs and understanding of Homeopathy and its ability to balance or imbalance the bodies system I believe that a trained Homeopath should be consulted for the correct remedy. In Elizabeth Davis’ book Heart and Hand’s she suggests the following Homeopathic remedies: -Pulsiti"a -Sepia

-Nux Vomica -Ipecacuanha -Antimonium Tartrate -Argentum Nitricum -Petroleum

According to reference works there are 187 remedies with symptoms of nausea and vomiting due to pregnancy. The top four remedies and their sources associated with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are: -Cimicifuga (flower) --Ipecacuanha (flower) -Sepia (ink of the cuddle fish) -Pulsitila (flower)

The use of antihistamines The drug Benediction was released onto the market in the 1950’s which contained antihistamines and vitamin B6 which helped reduced nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy. The drug was pulled from the market in 1983 when claims were made that it had a teratogenic effect causing congenital malformations though many people believe that the drug itself does not cause defects. Diclectin, containing the same ingredients is now available on the Canadian market though many doctors are reluctant to prescribe it due to lawsuits. According the U.S food and drug administration, updated June 2008 Benediction has been approved to be given as a 10-mg oral tablet.

Pica Pica is medical disorder defined by the desire and craving to eat non-food substances. Items may include and are not limited to: The cravings must last for at least one month and be age appropriate (i.e an infant under 24 months of age). It is the most common eating disorder in people with mental disabilities and is greatly linked with young primipara women during their first pregnancy. It is widely believed the pregnant women experiencing pica have an iron deficiency but this is not always the case. According to a study done at the University of Alabama in Williams “the rate of spontaneous preterm birth at less the 35 weeks was twice as high in women with pica”. The word Pica comes from the latin word meaning magpie, a bird which is believed to eat anything. Pica may develop in people of all ages but is most commonly linked to pregnant women. The etiology of Pica is yet unknown and there is no specific medical cure.

• feces • lead • laundry starch • vinyl glove • plastic • pencil erasers • ice • paper • light bulbs • needles • string • cigarette butts • plaster • clay

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dirt sand stones pebbles hair burnt matches fingernails wire paint chips coal chalk wood

Food cravings There is no scientific evidence why pregnant women crave certain foods while pregnant but many guesses have been made and common sense can be used. The body is working hard to create the placenta and the baby while keeping up with its normal functions thus using up more resources then normal. If a mom has a strong craving for something then there is a very good chance her body is lacking whatever is in that food and it is its own way of signaling her to its needs. Vinegary foods encourage our bodies to release calcium into the blood stream. Frequent craving of sweets may signify a need for more protein in the diet and food cravings for chips and pretzels may be the bodies way of signify it wants more salt. As food cravings are so commonly experience in pregnant woman it is considered a normal symptom of pregnancy and is within normal parameters and not a cause for concern.

References: • Heart And Hands-Elizabeth David • • A Guide to Effective care in Pregnancy and Childbirth-Murray Enkin, Marc J.NC, Keirse James Neilson, Caroline Crowther, Lelia Duley, Ellen Hodnett and Justus Hofmeyr • • Williams Obstetrics, Twenty-Second Edition • • The Complete Book Of Pregnancy and Childbirth-Sheila Kitzinger • • www.fda.gov • • The Pregnanc Woman’s comfort Guide-Sherry LM Jimenes, RN • • Nutrition for Your prengnacy -Judith E. Brown • • The Natural Pregnancy Book, Herbs, Nutrition and other holistic cures.- Aviva Jill Romm • • ReferenceWorks Homeopathic Software