Natural ways to ease you through pregnancy

Massage

It can feel good at any time, but throughout pregnancy massage can work wonders to soothe swollen ankles, aid relaxation, help you sleep better and reduce anxiety.    During labour it can help relieve pain, and proponents say it reduces stress hormones and lessens the risk of medical intervention. 

Massage can be given at any stage in pregnancy but make sure your therapist is fully qualified and always consult your health practitioner first.

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To ease swelling

Swollen ankles, feet and fingers are part and parcel of pregnancy for up to 80% of women. Drinking more water can help, as can natural diuretics like dandelion, fennel and nettle which help rid the body of excess fluids. 

Drink tea from the dandelion root, or use the leaves and flowers in salads along with celery, watercress and parsley. Vitamin B6 can also reduce water retention while onions and garlic are said to help boost circulation.

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Hydrotherapy

Massage or exercise using water is a gentle way to stay fit and flexible as well as combat a range of pregnancy niggles. 

Water allows freedom of movement, supports the weight of your bump and can ease stress on joints, back ache and the pain of SPD. It can also aid relaxation, improve circulation, help you sleep better and ease pain during labour. 

If you don’t have a pool handy, a warm bath can work wonders, but make sure the water is no hotter than 35 C and stay well away from hot tubs and saunas.

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Acupuncture

Practised in eastern cultures for more than 2,000 years, acupuncture is increasingly accepted within mainstream healthcare in the UK. 

Fine needles are inserted at various points across the body to release blocked energies and correct imbalances caused by the hormonal and physical changes associated with pregnancy. It can be used at any stage to relieve nausea, constipation and back pain, boost energy levels and even to turn breech babies or to kickstart labour. 

It’s available on the NHS in some areas – ask your midwife but make sure your practitioner is qualified to treat during pregnancy.

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Aromatherapy

Essential oils can be used in a number of ways to relax, energise, soothe or calm. Used in labour they help some women to stay calm and ease pain, but are also believed to help reduce stretch marks, morning sickness, muscle pain and stress.

Bergamot, chamomile and lavender are all recommended for use during pregnancy – try them in massage or bath oil, or scent your room using a lamp or nebuliser. 

Remember that essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be diluted with a carrier oil before use.  Also, many aren’t suitable for use during pregnancy so check with an expert before you go ahead.

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Sleep remedies

Finding it hard to sleep?  Despite feeling exhausted during pregnancy you may find that sore breasts, endless trips to the loo, an active baby and a racing mind will all conspire to keep you up at night. 

Many herbal remedies should be avoided during pregnancy as they contain valeria or passiflora, but homeopathic solutions aconite, calc carb and ignatia are all thought to help with sleeplessness, as are essential oils lavender, chamomile and ylang ylang.  

As always, consult your doctor before taking any remedies during pregnancy, herbal or otherwise.

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Reflexology

A natural treatment dating back 4000 years, reflexology uses pressure points on the feet and hands to treat specific problems and clear energy pathways throughout the whole body. 

It can be used to ease anxiety and provide relief from morning sickness, backache and fluid retention as well as tackling SPD, constipation and fatigue.

It’s worth asking your midwife if they can recommend someone, but bear in mind some practitioners prefer to start after the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage has lessened.

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Constipation relief

Constipation is an unfortunate side effect of pregnancy caused by a combination of pressure on the intestine and the hormone progesterone which makes it harder for the bowel to keep things moving along. 

Psyllium husks – the tiny seeds of the plantain – can be useful, as can linseed. Both are available in any health food store, but with each of these drink plenty of water – at least eight glasses daily.  

Essential oils, sweet orange and lemon can also help, while recommended homeopathic remedies include nux vomica, sepia and graphites.

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Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis uses music or visualisation to create a state of deep relaxation where the mind remains alert and open to positive suggestion. It is increasingly used during pregnancy to help women prepare for labour in order to better manage contractions and reduce pain. 

However it can also be used throughout pregnancy to help you manage fears, quit smoking, reduce mood swings and even turn breech babies.

Self-hypnosis techniques can be taught by a qualified hypnotherapist, but there are now many CDs on the market which claim to do the job just as well. 

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