Useful Supplements: Calcium, Evening Primrose Oil, Folic Acid, Iron, Vitamin B3 (Niacin).

Useful Herbs: Crampbark, Dandelion Root, Fenugreek, Ginger, Lavender Oil, Motherwort, Nettle Leaf, Red Raspberry Leaf, Squaw Vine, Wild Yam.

Supplements to Avoid: Vitamin E.

Herbs to Avoid: Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Sage.

Further information: A regular, uncomplicated pregnancy lasts for approximately 40 weeks. In most cases, the most severe difficulties which occur during pregnancy are nausea during the first trimester, and swelling and back ache during the last trimester. Any more serious problems – including high blood pressure, cramping, bleeding, and dizziness – should be discussed with a health care provider, as they may be indicators of complications which could harm both mother and child.
Good nutrition is essential during pregnancy. Poor eating habits can cause problems, including birth defects.¹ A balanced diet which avoids excessive intake of salt, sugar, and fat is recommended. At least 64 ounces of water daily is recommended to help avoid bloating and pre-eclampsia related swelling.
Two substances which should be avoided during pregnancy due to the damage they can cause to the fetus are alcohol² and cigarette smoke.³ They can cause low birth weight, abnormal development, and contribute to SIDS.
Caffeine can also cause low birth weight.⁴ Intake should be limited to no more than one cup of coffee per day.
Regular exercise can help improve circulation and make labor and delivery easier. No new exercise programs should be begun during pregnancy without consulting a health care provider.
Post-partum care is equally important. In the first weeks after birth especially, rest and adequate nutrition can greatly ease the body’s transition from pregnancy. Women who are breastfeeding need to take extra care to eat healthy foods and drink adequate water to avoid dehydration. Avoiding sugar and caffeine may also help prevent the onset of post-partum depression.

The following nutrients and herbs may be useful during pregnancy and the immediate post-partum period (NOTE: none should be used without consulting a medical provider for recommendations on proper dosage):

Since nausea and morning sickness can make it difficult to maintain a balanced diet, taking a multi-vitamin during pregnancy may be helpful.

Calcium needs are greater both during pregnancy and post-partum. Low levels are associated with pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure.⁵

Evening Primrose Oil helps to prepare the uterus for labor. It can be used topically or taken orally.

Folic Acid needs double during pregnancy.⁶ Deficiency has been linked to low birth weights and neural tube defects. Since tube defects can begin during the earliest weeks of pregnancy, Folic Acid supplementation should start before conception.⁷ Supplementation also helps prevent maternal infections.⁸

Iron deficiency often occurs during pregnancy and the initial weeks post partum. Check with a health care provider before supplementing, however, as too much iron can also be harmful to the body.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) taken during the first trimester has been connected with larger and healthier babies at birth.⁹

Dandelion root, which is rich in many nutrients, helps to tone the liver. It also helps to ease digestion.

Fenugreek is an excellent supplement for increasing breastmilk production.

Ginger can ease morning sickness.

Lavender oil helps to ease perineal discomfort after childbirth.¹⁰

Motherwort can ease anxiety and tension. In addition, it can help strengthen and tone the uterus, making it strong enough to maintain pregnancy.¹¹

Nettle leaf provides calcium and Iron. It also helps prevent water retention and increases breastmilk production.¹²

Red Raspberry Leaf is an excellent source of Iron. In addition, it is excellent for uterine toning and can increase production of breastmilk.¹³

Squaw Vine and Crampbark both act as uterine sedatives (stopping cramping and contractions), and may be helpful in the prevention of premature onset of labor.

Wild Yam may help prevent miscarriages due to low hormone levels.¹⁴

Herbs to avoid: Several herbs should be avoided during pregnancy and post-partum, as they can cause miscarriage and other complications.

Sage should be avoided by nursing women, as it can dry up milk.¹⁵

Black Cohosh and Blue cohosh can cause contractions. While they may be helpful as a method of naturally inducing labor, they should never be used before week 37 of pregnancy or without the approval of a health care provider.

References:

¹Barnes B and Bradley SG. Planning for a Healthy Baby. London: Ebury Press, 1990.
²Gold S and Sherry L. Hyperactivity, learning disabilities, and alcohol. J Learn Disabil 1984;17(1):3–6.
³Haglund B et al. Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome. Am J Publ Health 1990;80:29–32.
⁴Fenster I et al. Caffeine consumption during pregnancy and fetal growth. Am J Public Health 1991;81: 458–61.
⁵Villar J and Repke JT. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy may reduce preterm delivery in high-risk populations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1990;163: 1124–31.
⁶Truswell AS. ABC of nutrition. Nutrition for pregnancy. BMJ 1985;291: 263–6.
⁷MRC Vitamin Study Research Group. Prevention of neural tube defects: Results of the Medical Research Council Vitamin Study. Lancet 1991;338: 131–7.
⁸Tamura T, Goldenberg R, Freeberg L, et al. Maternal serum folate and zinc concentrations and their relationships to pregnancy outcome. Am J Clin Nutr 1992: 56; 365–370.
⁹Doyle W et al. The association between maternal diet and birth dimensions. J Nutr Med 1990;1:9–17.
¹⁰Dale A, Cornwell S. The role of lavender oil in relieving perineal discomfort following childbirth: A blind randomized trial. J Adv Nursing 1994;19:89–96.
¹¹Felter, H.W. Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacognosy, and Therapeutics: 443. Cincinnati, OH: Lloyd Bros Publishing, 1922.
¹²Gladstar R. Herbal Healing for Women. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1993, 177.
¹³Gladstar R. Herbal Healing for Women. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1993, 177.
¹⁴Mowrey, D. The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine: 107-115 & 151-156. New Canaan, CT: Keats, 1986.
¹⁵Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, UK: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd., 1988, 229–30.