Pregnant: What to do

The subject of my articles in the last several weeks was about pregnancy. You must have been wondering why there is so much focus on a condition that happened, happens and will happen to billions of women multiple times since Mother Eve. So what is the fuss about it now? Well, pregnancy is a preparation for a new life and a continuation of life. The mother’s womb is the incubation site of a fertilized egg, embryo and fetus, which evolve in multiple developmental stages systemically to develop into a miniature, yet quite a complete human being in nine months totally dependent on the carrying mother. God mentioned this evolvement in the Holy Qur’an: “While He has created you in [different] stages” (chapter: 71; verse: 14). Again in chapter: 23; verse: 14, He explains the different developmental stages of the fetus in the mother’s uterus and how He turns the Nutfah (zygote, which is the fertilized ova) into Alaqah (the divided cell that latches to the uterus); the Alaqah beomes a Mudhgha (embryo), which develops bones, which get covered with flesh. Then, it turns into a different creation, the fetus. This is the metamorphosis of the zygote transformed into a full-fledged human being. Each phase requires special care and nourishment through the mother. That is why mother’s health should be protected from pathogens and complications as the fetus’ growth and well-being is tied to hers in many ways. Whatever disorders touch her should be treated carefully in natural ways in order to keep the fetus away from contaminants (drugs, alcohol, smoke, pollutants, heavy metal, bacteria, radiation artificial additives, etc…). Nutrient deficiencies are equally dangerous to her health and to fetal development, requiring a nutritious diet, supplements, care and healthy lifestyles to keep her in optimum health and alleviate her discomforts and pains. She should be also aware of what can afflict her during the nine-month period and be prepared to prevent disorders from becoming chronic or causing harm to her unborn fetus. Her treating obstetrician should be kept informed about her health condition. As for my articles, they should be a source of information and preparation for her. Since I have already covered the pregnancy symptoms — morning sickness, heartburn, gas, indigestion, constipation, hemorrhoids, edema, hypertension, anemia, weight gain and obesity and gestational diabetes — I shall today discuss varicose veins, leg cramps and bleeding gums and keep the last ones — sleep disturbances, stretch marks and the others — for next week. The ways I am suggesting are natural that include a nutritious diet, supplements and herbs free of medical drugs, which can harm both mother and child. • Varicose veins are enlarged and protruding veins, which surface beneath the skin on the legs during a pregnancy due the pressure of the growing fetus and hormonal changes. Hormones cause the leg veins and others to distend and appear distorted under the skin surface. The condition can be painful. Untreated, it can become chronic after delivery. A nutrient-dense diet (whole fruits and vegetables) is necessary to prevent varicose veins and other disorders. Vitamin E complex, wheat germ oil and other cold-pressed oils are needed to lower the risk of blood clots. Berries of deeper colors and nuts strengthen the vein walls and increase their flexibility. Buckwheat reinforces the smaller blood vessels. Important supplements to take are bilberry (160mg), vitamin C (500mg) and bioflavonoid complex (1000mg), twice daily. Their phytochemicals and antioxidants help the condition. Vitamin C builds collagen, which strengthens blood vessel walls. Small amounts of flaxseed oil help prevent constipation, which aggravates varicose veins. Too much of the oil risks causing diarrhea, which is a threat to the pregnancy. Massage and reflexology help to decrease pressure on the legs. A cream or gel made of witch hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, should be applied on the inflamed varicose veins. Soaked compresses with witch hazel also relieve inflammation and pain. It is necessary to lie down and raise the legs higher than the body frequently during the day. It is a way to relieve the legs and swollen feet of body weight, ease discomforts and back pains, improve poor blood circulation, relax and de-stress and prevent the onset and complications of varicose veins. Even though walking is recommended during pregnancy with varicose vein problems, swimming is preferable as it puts minimum impact on the legs while moving and exercising them. A pair of special pregnancy panty hose, found in maternity stores, helps support the bulging veins. They should neither be worn when legs are too swollen and nor should they be too tight and uncomfortable. • Leg cramps can often happen during pregnancy due to hormone changes, baby pressure, poor circulation and certain nutrient insufficiencies. The condition requires supplements like calcium (500mg) and magnesium (250mg), twice daily to relax muscle cramps. Potassium is helpful, too. Prenatal multi-vitamins and minerals (B complex) contain a combination of nutrients, which help muscle relaxation. Essential fatty acid supplement containing fish oils encourages good circulation and blood fluidity. Micro-algae (chorella, spirulina) and grain grass supplements are rich in magnesium, which helps relax muscles, preventing leg cramps. A diet rich in dark leafy greens and seaweed provide important nutrients. Leg and foot massage and warm footbaths help decrease cramps and pain by increasing blood flow. Activity, like walking and swimming, increases blood circulation and muscle and joint flexibility. Resting with legs high after a long day relieves leg heaviness, swelling and cramps. • The gums also swell and become tender, leading to bleeding due to hormonal changes. A good nutrition and adequate supplements can decrease the severity of the symptom. The diet should include sea algae, dark leafy greens (no spinach) and unsweetened active culture yogurt, which are rich in nutrients. Citrus fruits, kiwi, berries and others are rich in vitamin C to help bleeding gum. The nutrient rebuilds and prevents collagen erosion around the gums. Supplements should be high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids to ease swollen gums. Prenatal vitamins contain all the essential nutrients, but C is not high enough. Fifteen drops of calendula tincture, Calendula officinalis, in 2 ounces of water make a good mouth wash to heal gum mucosa. The same dose of myrrh (murrah) tincture, Myrrh cerifera, has powerful properties to heal inflamed gums. A gentle gum massage from the outside with a finger over the upper lip stimulates blood flow and reduces inflammation. It is necessary to heal such disorders during pregnancy. Neglecting them can turn them into chronic ailments after delivery. Next week, I shall tackle other symptoms in order to treat them in an appropriate manner. You too can have a healthy pregnancy! N.B.: Individuals with medical conditions or on medication should consult their physicians when they decide to introduce anything new in their diet even if it is natural.