- Written by Rebecca Gower, B.A., M.A., DSHM (hons)
This is the first in a series of articles about how homeopathic medicine can be used during pregnancy, labour and for breastfeeding.
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy is a major physiological change and a major change in our bodies. As soon as a woman becomes pregnant, the body begins to change so that it can support both herself and the unborn baby. All of the body functions start to work much harder. The heart has to pump more blood around the body, in particular to the womb, placenta, and the fetus. Pregnancy does not only cause physical changes, but there are emotional changes that are particularly evident during the first trimester. Many women experience sudden emotional changes that can range from sudden tears or irritability due to new hormones associated with pregnancy. This is the first in a series of articles about how homeopathic medicine can be used during pregnancy, labour and for breastfeeding.
Pregnancy:
Pregnancy is a major physiological change and a major change in our bodies. As soon as a woman becomes pregnant, the body begins to change so that it can support both herself and the unborn baby. All of the body functions start to work much harder. The heart has to pump more blood around the body, in particular to the womb, placenta, and the fetus. Pregnancy does not only cause physical changes, but there are emotional changes that are particularly evident during the first trimester. Many women experience sudden emotional changes that can range from sudden tears or irritability due to new hormones associated with pregnancy.
Homeopathy for Pregnancy
I believe that Homeopathy is the ideal form of medicine to treat symptoms associated with pregnancy. Any physiological change such as pregnancy will put an increased stress on your body and your immune system. Your body will send out its own pattern of symptoms to try to deal with this added stress. Homeopathy does not want to suppress these symptoms, rather, it works by understanding your unique pattern of symptoms and working with the wisdom of your body to resolve them. Homeopathic treatment can include treating acute ailments such as morning sickness. Chronic treatment is also very effective especially if you have noticed a whole range of symptoms that have changed since becoming pregnant. This can include headaches, digestive problems, interesting food cravings, muscle aches and much more. A homeopath wants to know a lot of specific information about you and your complaints, but we are especially interested in those unique, strange and rare symptoms. For example, it is well-known that pregnant women can have some strange cravings. However, some women develop food cravings for indigestible things such as chalk or clay. This is quite unusual and will play an important part in the prescription of a homeopathic remedy.
Morning Sickness:
Morning sickness refers to the nausea and sometimes vomiting that can occur during pregnancy, but is most common during the first trimester. This is believed to be caused by rising levels of the hormone Human Chrionic Gonadotropin or HCG. Extreme cases of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that can lead to dehydration is called Hyperemesis gravidarum. Unfortunately, the term ‘morning sickness’ is often a misnomer because it can occur any time in the day. Some women will experience symptoms of nausea, vomiting and even dizziness in the morning, others will experience it all day while others will only experience it in the evening. The time that symptoms of morning sickeness are at its worst can be important in choosing a homeopathic remedy. Here are some examples:
Colchicum:
This remedy is needed in pregnancy when the smell of food, especially of cooking food, nauseates to the point of faintness. But, you don’t have to just be sensitive to the smell of cooking food to need this remedy in pregnancy, you can also be horribly affected by other odours as well. Even though there may be very strong food cravings, when you try to eat these foods you will feel very nauseous. The nausea and vomiting will be worse from movement.
Sepia:
There are many similarities between the morning sickness of Colchicum and Sepia. Women who need Sepia will also have an aversion to the smell of food. In fact, the thought, sight or smell of food can cause nausea. But unlike Colchicum, morning sickness in Sepia is often relieved by motion especially vigorous motion such as exercise or dancing. Women needing Sepia often have depression and marked irritability. This irritability is often directed at their family and children. They really want to be left alone. There are also marked cravings for sour foods, vinegar and especially pickles.
Pulsatilla:
Is for morning sickness that is either worse or only happens during the late afternoon and evening. Nausea and vomiting will be worse from rich and greasy foods. Nothing will taste good. Waking with a dry mouth but not thirsty. Unlike the typical Sepia picture of wanting to be alone, women needing Pulsatilla will often be moody and weepy but will feel better from company and consolation. Being outside in the fresh air will make you feel better. In fact, even if you are feeling chilly, heat will make you feel worse.
Ipecacuanha:
Is characterized by constant nausea that is not ameliorated by vomiting. The stomach may feel that it is hanging down. There can be a lot of saliva in the mouth that accompanies the nausea. Nausea and vomiting is worse from stooping
Other Tips for Dealing with Morning Sickness:
1) Eat smaller meals more frequently
2) Keep food by your bedside so you can snack easily in the night or when waking.
3) Try snacking on bland/salty foods such as dry toast, saltines
4) Ginger is known for its anti-nausea properties. You can grate some into a small pot of boiling water. Simmer for 5 minutes. You can also add honey and lemon if the taste is too strong for you. Another option is to try non-alcoholic ginger beer if you are craving cold drinks. You can get ginger beer at most health food stores
How Else Can Homeopathy Help During Pregnancy?
There can also be a whole range of other irritating and nagging symptoms that homeopathy can help with during pregnancy. Some examples can include hemorrhoids, constipation, headaches, muscle cramps and heartburn. Homeopathy can also be very helpful in balancing emotions during pregnancy. Some women may notice that they are constantly crying throughout their pregnancy while others may be very irritable and even angry. We have already seen how the remedy Sepia can be useful in women who feel depressed and indifferent while Pulsatilla can be useful in women who are weepy and crying all of the time. Of course, there are lots of others remedies that can have these characteristics as well. It is best to consult a homeopath for these conditions.
Gentle, Safe and Effective Medicine!
Homeopathy is a natural form of medicine that has been around for over 200 years. The founder of the system of Homeopathy was a trained Medical Doctor who stopped practicing because of the harm in the practice of medicine including the damagage of large, crude material doses of medicine. Homeopathy is a wonderful alternative to this approach as it uses diluted medicines. This means that homeopathic medicines will not cause side effects. If you do need to be on a pharmaceutical medication, they will not interact with these medicines. And, in many cases, you can gradually wean yourself off many medications with the assistance of your prescribing physician as your symptoms improve. The safe and gentle nature of homeopathic remedies make them an ideal choice to deal with while you are pregnant.
About the Author:
Rebecca Gower, B.A., M.A., DSHM (hons), is a Homeopathic Physician who runs her private practice, Red Pearl Homeopathy, in downtown Toronto. She graduated from the Toronto School of Homeopathic Medicine- the only Homeopathic school in Canada certified by the Council for Homeopathic Education. She continues to study with well-known Homeopaths, especially Joe Kellerstein. She currently offers complimentary mini-consultations to discuss how homeopathy can improve your health. She can be reached atredpearlhomeopathy@gmail.com. Also check out her blog at http://redpearlhomeopathy.blogspot.com/.
