Have a safe and healthy pregnancy, naturally!

Pregnancy and birth are natural processes that can be managed and supported through the avoidance of harmful materials and preventative nutrition. To create a positive pregnancy experience it is recommended to manage stress, encourage restful sleep, and have sufficient amounts of low-impact exercise.

During the 9 months, hormones naturally fluctuate (an increase in estrogen and progesterone) to help the body to accommodate for the growing fetus. There is an increase in endorphins which act like the body’s natural pain killers that are especially abundant during birth. Other hormonal changes include an increase in relaxin (yes, that’s the real name) to help the allow for ligaments and connective tissues around the uterus to help it and the hips to expand (opening the pelvis in preparation for birth).

Common symptoms experienced and screened for throughout pregnancy:

First Trimester:

• Nausea
• Shortness of breath (occurs before 20 weeks)
• Hormonal changes can affect respiration, nasal congestion, upper respiratory tract infection
• Increase in sleep
• Cravings/aversions
• Changes in gut motility may lead to diarrhea and constipation
• Presence of progesterone affects the urinary system, women may experience frequent UTIs
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Breast tenderness
• Emotional changes

Second Trimester:

• Leg cramps
• Uterine ligament pain
• Headaches
• UTIs
• Constipation and hemorrhoids
• Heartburn
• Hypertension
• Gestational diabetes *requires screening

Third Trimester:

• Changes in the position of the fetus
• Labour & birth support

The Naturopathic approach:

Our approach involves supporting the mother’s (and fetus’s) health all the way from the pre-conception phase to post-partum. As hormones naturally fluctuate to accommodate pregnancy and post-partum healing and breast feeding, some women may experience the symptoms listed above in ranging severities. There is also a risk of developing or worsening pre-existing or underlying conditions and diseases such as gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia. As providers of functional health and medicine, our naturopaths support the natural progression of pregnancy while treating underlying diseases to prevent the development of other conditions. Diet and lifestyle factors have an integral role in the health and wellness of momma to be as well as the growing fetus. It is also important to note that many supplements, vitamins, botanicals, etc., are unsafe/contraindicated during pregnancy and breast feeding. To learn more about what is right for your specific pregnancy, always speak to a naturopath, functional medicine provider/health care professional, before taking any natural products.