Easing Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is the unfortunate side effect of rising levels of hormones in the beginning of pregnancy. It's presence is kind of "good news/bad news." The good news is your hormone levels are rising in accordance with the way a viable pregnancy usually goes, the bad news is you're sick all the time. Here are some tips for dealing with one of pregnancy's most irritating characteristics.

1. Divide and conquer. Eat small meals as snacks throughout the day by dividing your typical meal into snack size portions to munch on from dawn to dusk. 
2. Tea for two. Make ginger tea by boiling a small piece of fresh ginger for ten minutes. Add honey to sweeten, sip slowly. 
3. Papaya enzymes. Taken before meals, may help curb nausea.
4. B12, taken in small doses has been shown to be helpful.
5. Chill and stretch. Relax, eat slowly and do some walking or simply stretching after meals. Raise your arms over head as if pushing the sky up,out to the sides, and then behind you. Take a deep breath as you move your arms slowly from one position to another. Feel your chest cavity expand as  you breath deeply.

For most women, the nausea of early pregnancy ceases in the second semester. For a special treat, get yourself a natural brand of ginger ale that actually contains ginger. Sip and enjoy!

Herbal Tea for Your Baby Bump

For centures, women have used herbs for everything from hemmrhoids to hot flashes. However, pregnant mamas need to use caution when reaching for just any traditional remedy. Herbs are powerful, that's why they work. Many drugs come from a plant initially. Some herbs are wonderful for pregnancy, and some are best left alone.

Here are three nutritional and healing herbs to use when pregnant.

1. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is the classic, hands down favorite pregnancy herb. It is a uterine tonic high in Vitamins B,C and E. It is also rich in calcium, potassium and iron. However, it is not recommended for women who have a history of miscarriages or pre term labor. Most women can safely consume it  during the last month of pregnancy. Check with your health care provider to determine effective ways of incorporating it into your daily routine.
2. Oatstraw is rich in calcium and magnesium making it a great one to help calm nerves and anxiety in pregnancy when emotions can run high. It also helps with leg cramps. 
3. Ginger is wonderful to help alleviate morning sickness or nausea. 
4. Nettles are busting with calcium, potassium, iron, and Vitamins A,C and K. These are essential for fighting infection, building bones and muscles and rich blood. Be careful if you are picking them, they will "sting."

As always check with your healthcare provider before embarking on any nutritional plan.

Recommended reading:

http://foodunderfoot.com/
http://www.susunweed.com/susunweedarticles.htm