Pregnancy

Good nutrition should begin before pregnancy. If you plan to become pregnant, it is beneficial to go on a cleansing program before pregnancy. The cleaner the liver & colon area, the less chance there is for nausea & hormonal imbalances.

Nutritional guidelines for pregnancy

Good nutrition should begin before the pregnancy. A healthy diet is a good habit to acquire early in life. However, if you plan to become pregnant, it is beneficial to go on a cleansing program, to cleanse the body, before pregnancy.

The cleaner the liver and colon area, the less chance there is for nausea and hormonal imbalances. This also helps to reduce any potential endotoxin or allergy exposure the foetus may be in contact with, along with minimising any toxic chemicals that may be harboured in the fatty acids.

In fact, many women who have problems becoming pregnant are able to conceive after going on a cleansing program. A cleansing program should only be carried out under the supervision of a registered health therapist.

Caffeine must be avoided in all forms, as even 1 cup of any caffeine containing drink or product has led to a temporary reduction in fertility rates by 50%.

In preparation for pregnancy, women should stop taking the contraceptive pill at least six months before conception. Conception that occurs immediately after cessation of the pill increases the risk of malformation or spontaneous abortions. The contraception pill increases the body's need for vitamin B6, B1, B2, C, folic acid and zinc. These nutrients are usually marginal or deficient in most women on contraceptive pills.

Start taking a multivitamin, such as Multipower or Daily One. Six months prior to and during pregnancy, maintain a good diet. Eating small regular meals (5-6 x day) with as great a variety of foods as possible.

Exercise

Start a gentle exercise program before pregnancy. This is important, as it increases circulation, regulates calcium and hormonal imbalances and in general tones the entire body, including the uterus. This will make delivery of your baby easier.

Expose yourself to sunlight for 20-30 minutes each day, as this activates vitamin D.

Herbs

A baby can inherit weaknesses from its parents. A mother can lessen this by improving any problems or weaknesses she has before pregnancy. Herbs can assist in this process. Red raspberry leaf tea, one cup per day for each trimester aids morning sickness and also improves the tone of the uterus in preparation for delivery. As each person is unique, a health consultation with a registered natural health practitioner would be ideal to determine specific problem areas.

During Pregnancy

Diet and Exercise

Calorie intake should not be increased in the first 3 months of pregnancy, however, from 3 - 9 months, the calorie intake can be increased by approximately 10% or 160 - 200 calories extra a day. These extra calories should come from first class proteins eg fish, soy, yoghurt and beans or lean meats (approximately 2 serves). Following an eating plan such as "The Daily Eating Plan" is an excellent way to stay healthy and feel good throughout your pregnancy. Your growing child will also benefit from good nutrition.

The extra need for calcium, folic acid and iron double through pregnancy and are usually best catered for by nutrient supplementation. However, foods rich in these items are as follows:

Calcium	Low fat dairy products (in small amounts), legumes, broccoli, almonds, figs, sesame seeds
Iron	Prunes, liver, sardines, tuna, apricots, beetroots, parsley, pine nuts
Folic Acid	Green leafy vegetables, eggs, lentils, potatoes, broccoli

Cravings for unusual foods during pregnancy usually indicate a need for further minerals, such as zinc and chromium.

Three very important nutrients often neglected are iodine, taurine and polyunsaturated oils. Iodine is sourced from seaweeds, kelp, Celtic sea salt and ocean fish. Taurine is especially concentrated in whey proteins and organ meats. Polyunsaturated oils, mainly DHA, are highly concentrated in tuna and seaweeds. All three nutrients are required for healthy child brain development and cognitive function.

Pregnancy is not a time to start a vigorous, new exercise program, but you can usually continue any program you are used to for most of your pregnancy. If you haven't exercised before becoming pregnant and now wish to enjoy its benefits, walking and swimming are wonderful. There are lots of books written on exercise, many of them talk about exercise during pregnancy. Gentle yoga exercises may be of benefit to many people.

Homoeopathic

Morningmed Relief has been formulated to help assist with morning sickness. Other recommendations for morning sickness are:

Eat small frequent meals
Eat very slowly and only small bites
Sip fluid rather than gulping
Try having ginger root, sliced and made into a tea, by adding boiling water. Seep for 5 minutes and sip. This may settle the stomach

Herbs

There are several herbs that can benefit the pregnant mother and assist in the birth process.

Red Raspberry Leaf High in iron, guards against haemorrhaging, tones the uterus, helps to ensure a shorter labour. Take in the last trimester.

Kelp is high in vitamins, minerals and trace minerals. Tests have shown that kelp helps guard against foetus abnormalities.

Beetroot has been used to prevent or correct anaemia and is an excellent liver cleanser, as well as being high in vitamins and minerals.

Chlorella A super food. It contains 19 amino acids and 20 different vitamins and minerals, including B12, iron, iodine and zinc.

Daily vitamin and mineral requirements during pregnancy

The vitamins and minerals listed below should wherever possible be obtained from an organic food source, rather than as a dietary supplement. You should consult a registered natural health therapist for specific advice before taking dietary supplements.

Vitamin A	Up to 25,000 IU (as beta-carotene)
Vitamin B1	10 - 50 mg
Vitamin B2	10 - 50 mg
Vitamin B3	25 - 50 mg
Vitamin B5	10 - 100 mg
Vitamin B6	10 - 50 mg (can help control morning sickness)
Vitamin B12	50 mcg
Vitamin C	From a plant source (Vit C dosages can be doubled if under stress or suffering from allergies)
First 3 months	500 - 1000 mg 3 x day
Second 3 months	500 - 2000 mg 3 x day
Last 3 months	500 - 3000 mg 3 x day
Vitamin D	400 - 1000 IU
Vitamin E	300 - 500 IU
Folic Acid	300 - 800 mcg (start 3 months prior to conception & continue for 3 months after conception)
Brewers Yeast	2 - 3 tbsp if tolerated
Vegie Oil	2 - 3 tbsp (must be cold-pressed, such as flax seed or olive oil)
Lecithin Granules	1 - 2 tbsp
Calcium	1000 - 1500 mg (be sure it is an organic source eg tahini or herbal)
Chromium	200 - 400 mcg
Magnesium	400 - 500 mg
Zinc	30 - 40 mg
Kelp	2 tsp a day
Iron	30 - 40 mg (use an organic source. Synthetic iron causes constipation & destroys Vit E)

Miscarriage

Miscarriage can result from many different circumstances. Some of these include infections, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, low calorie or protein intake and the use of oral antibiotics.

Studies have shown that women susceptible to miscarriage may be able to carry full term if sufficient amounts of Vitamin C are taken. As much as 500mg-4g, increasing to 10-15g at the end of pregnancy can be helpful. Vitamin E, up to 200IU with each meal, and folic acid have also been shown to be helpful in preventing miscarriages.

Natural remedies for common problems during pregnancy

Using herbs and natural products

Ailment	Herb / Notes
Constipation	Primadophilus, Colostrum, increase water (these things can all help)
Heartburn	Peppermint tea, Super papaya. Mint is soothing to the stomach
Nervousness	High calcium herbs eg. Alfalfa, Spirulina, Chlorella, Super Calcium Complete
Anaemia	Alfamax, Beetroot, Ironecta, Spirulina, Chlorella
Morning Sickness	Red Raspberry Leaf, Clove tea, Ginger tea, Vitamin K and B6
Stretch Marks	Vitamin B Complex & Zinc. Stretch marks are usually caused by a deficiency of these nutrients
Water Retention	Parsley tea, (do not take while breast feeding), a mild cup of Dandelion tea
Colds & Flu	Olive Leaf extract & Sambucol are both suitable viral & bacterial fighters
-	Water intake should NOT be reduced when you have fluid retention

Preparing for the birth

During the last 6 weeks of pregnancy, take the herbal combination Pre Natal. This formula is designed to give elasticity to the birth canal. It is reported to ease stress and the duration of labour and delivery.

Alternatively, you can use Pre-Birth and Birth-Aid. These are homoeopathic preparations specifically for this time.

The Pre-Birth has been formulated to help prepare the expectant mother for childbirth. It strengthens and tones the uterus, can assist in the alleviation of back pain, tiredness, hip pain and spasmodic or false labour pains. It is also helpful for the treatment of emotional problems during this time and is designed to be used in the final 2-3 weeks of pregnancy.

Birth-Aid is to assist during and following the birth, to reduce bruising, pain, bleeding, shock and exhaustion. Neither of these formulations will adversely interact with any other medication that may be required.

After the birth

To Increase Milk	The herbs Alfalfa, Marshmallow, Blessed Thistle, Red Raspberry. Also the homeopathic remedy Milk-Flow, which helps to establish a regular flow of breast milk in the early days of feeding
Infected Breast	Infection fighting combination, such as Echinacea with Golden Seal, also 1000mg Vitamin C every 2 or 3 hours
Cracked Nipples	Aloe Vera Gel, Wheat Germ Oil, Nipplemed Relief Cream (homeopathic)
To Dry Milk Up	Parsley or Sage as tea or capsules. Also the homeopathic Milk-Stop, which assists weaning, reduces pain and the discomfort of swollen breasts

Breast feeding

A nursing mother needs to take 24,000 IU of vitamin A, in a Beta-carotene form and at least 300 mg of Vitamin C.

Protein needs are greatly increased.

Vitamin K can be supplied by yoghurt, cabbage or spinach.

Sufficient Vitamin E and iron (in organic form to prevent destruction of Vitamin E) is needed.

Homoeopathic Milk-Flow can be used. This helps to establish a regular flow of breast milk in the early days of feeding.

Most breast milk contains insufficient amounts of the B vitamins, so particular attention should be made to include them.

If adequate calcium is not provided in the mothers diet, the mineral will be leached out of her bones to supply the milk. Calcium requirements are higher during lactation than at any other time. Magnesium and Vitamin D ensure proper absorption of calcium.

Childhood illness

At Ideal Health we stock a wide range of natural products suitable for babies and children of all ages. Below are the most common ones we recommend for every day health complaints. Please remember that in all cases of illness, seek professional advice before self-prescribing.

Sambucol for Kids	A liquid Elderberry extract, also contains Echinacea & Propolis. A viral specific product
Relief for Children	Liquid Echinacea in a glycerol base. Ideal for glandular problems, colds & flu
B & B	Specific for glue ear. Contains a combination of relaxing herbs. Ideal for stress, anxiety & sleeplessness
Catnip & Fennel	Specific for colic, indigestion & nervous conditions affecting the stomach
Verm-X	A herbal worming formula
General Tonic	Specific for eczema, psoriasis & other skin ailments
Reuteri Powder	A probiotic powder specifically for repopulating the bowel after antibiotic use
Colostrum Powder	An immune boosting powder thar helps with bowel problems

Please contact Ideal Health for further advice regarding improved health status through pregnancy.