July 15, 2004

Pregnancy can be tough for some expectant mothers, the better prepared they are, the least problematic this time is for them, writes Saleema A. Gulzar

It is often heard that pregnancy is a natural normal phenomenon and one should pursue ones daily routine the usual way. However, a pregnant woman experiences several complaints, especially if she is a working woman, because then she has to make certain adjustments to cope with occurring health problems.

Research has shown that 80 per cent of women suffer from pregnancy related discomforts. Therefore, the notion that pregnancy is a state of well being becomes a myth. Hence, a mother-to-be needs to pay attention to her health in order to ensure that both child and mother remain healthy throughout the pregnancy.

Besides obvious bodily changes, shifts in hormonal levels and metabolism can also contribute to various physical and emotional discomforts in expecting mothers. Heartburn, indigestion, aching legs, swollen ankles and sleepless nights are some of the ailments, in an endless list.

Why some women experience nausea and others do not, has no sound explanation. However, part of the problem lies in a sluggish liver function that is unable to adequately detoxify the body’s hormones or reduce a raised level of toxins. Nausea and vomiting are the most distressing and frequent discomforts faced by many pregnant women.

Nausea usually occurs early in pregnancy and goes away after the third month. Nearly 60 to 70 per cent of pregnant women are afflicted with this problem. Although it’s called “morning sickness” it can occur any time of the day or night.

For most women, nausea begins between the second and fifth week and ends between the eighth and 14th week after conception. For 35 per cent of pregnant women, nausea and vomiting are so severe that they are forced to take leave from work. Despite the discomfort, women should be reassured by the fact that nausea may serve as a sign of a good pregnancy outcome. In most cases, poor nutrition in the first three months is not a problem as long as the mother was healthy before the pregnancy.

A statistical meta-analysis of 11 epidemiological studies indicates a strong significant association between nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, with decreased risk of miscarriage in the first 20 weeks of gestation. Though, nausea and vomiting cause problems for expectant mothers despite being a strong indication that they are carrying a healthy foetus, there are a few remedies that have proved successful in overcoming these problems.

One can try several of these suggestions and identify the ones that work best:

*Get out of bed slowly; avoid abrupt movements.

*Avoid greasy or fried foods. These foods are hard to digest and may cause nausea. Cooking food makes pregnant women nauseous. Windows or an exhaust fan can help to get rid of undesirable odours.

*Drink herbal teas made of ginger, peppermint and raspberry leaf.

*Suck on a fresh lemon, ice cube or inhale the scent of a freshly cut lemon.

*Eat lightly seasoned foods and avoid spicy ones.

*Eat small meals several times a day so the stomach does not remain empty for long periods of time (six small meals instead of three larger ones).

*Eat high-protein meals (vegetable proteins, beans and legumes), complex carbohydrate foods (crackers, breads, potatoes, rice) and fruits and fruit juices. Such foods help prevent low blood-sugar levels which can cause nausea.

*Drink soups and other liquids between meals, rather than with meals.

*Sip soda water, it gives quick relief.

Many women choose to take vitamin B6 as a “natural” alternative to medication to treat nausea during pregnancy. In fact, women who take a multivitamin containing vitamin B6 during the first six weeks of pregnancy, experience significantly less nausea than women who do not take a multivitamin.

There is a strong indication that vitamin B6 consumption lowers the risk of congenital heart defects and neural tube defects in humans. The B vitamins are also necessary for optimum liver function and healthy digestion.

Other helpful supplements are vitamins C and K. Vitamin C can help stop nausea and vomiting quickly. Vitamin K supports the liver’s detoxifying action and is found in all green vegetables. Many herbs contain components that help prevent vomiting, nausea and soothe the stomach.

Peppermint tea helps to overcome nausea, and ginger prevents vomiting. Two to five drops of ginger tincture in water, or weak tea combined with peppermint can be taken by the tablespoon when feeling nauseous. Sucking on ice-cubes made from these teas will also help.

Raspberry leaf or dried peach tree leaf teas are also helpful. Three cups daily would be adequate. According to some sources, morning sickness is the body’s attempt to rid itself of toxins hazardous to the baby. Drinking one tablespoon of carrot juice also assists the liver in detoxification. Detoxification before getting pregnant would be even more beneficial.

Last, but not least, women should feel proud of being pregnant. Having a baby is a special experience. The emotions experienced by an expectant mother are unique, and once she decides to enjoy this time no matter how difficult it may be, she can thoroughly enjoy the coming motherhood.

A good understanding of the entire process, along with an adequate support system, can help the entire family to cope and enjoy this experience.

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