Namaste, Smart Moms.

Let’s get right into this.

Pregnancy symptoms can suuuuuuck.

Majorly.

But a lot of moms are worried about the possible consequences and side-effects of taking typical medications (like Tylenol PM, for example) while pregnant. There are mixed reviews on whether it’s safe for the fetus or not. (1)

And of course smart moms are going to err on the side of caution.

If we have to be a bit ridiculous about protecting our children, then we will be, just for that one time it pays off.

That being said, I have a little list of not-so-ridiculous, helpful, natural ways to deal with those tough months of pregnancy.

Constipation (And yeah, hemorrhoids)

Yep, I went there first. It’s a fact of life for most women. And it’s the topic we as women tend to avoid the most. Which is understandable, because it’s gross. But ladies–IT HAPPENS.

Especially when you are pregnant.

• First and foremost, fiber is so important. You want to keep things moving normal? Make sure you’re getting enough in your diet. Good sources are in prune/prune juice (make sure it’s not loaded with sugar), veggies, whole grains (double fiber bread is great), and beans. For ease, I just get Metamucil or a fiber supplement so I can just drink it.
• Drink lots of water.
• Donut-shaped pillows can really help during a flare up.
• Apparently kegel exercises are good for it too! It increases circulation and helps to prevent incontinence. (2) Who knew. Besides kegels benefit your sex life, so you have nothing to lose.
• Witch hazel wipes can cool it off and ease some pain. (2)

Heartburn

Don’t embrace this burn. It’s not fun. Save the burn-embracing for your work outs.

• Avoid spicy or greasy foods. Chocolate should probably be avoided for now. Sorry.
• Give yourself time to digest (stay upright) before you lay down or go to bed. Giving your body a few hours to digest before bed is a good idea anyways.
• Drink soothing things like milk or eat yogurt. They can help soothe the burn.
• Coconut or lemon water also help squelch the burn. (1)
• Keeping your head elevated at night can keep the heartburn at bay.
• Eat smaller meals throughout the day.

Morning Sickness/Nausea

Ahhh nausea…it certainly doesn’t make itself a stranger during pregnancy. Here’s some natural ideas to help you deal with this unpleasant guest:

• Ginger root is strongly recommended by everyone I know (and everything I’ve read). You can get them in chewable tablets or in capsules. Personally, I think ginger root tea is excellent!
• Peppermint oil is another great one. It can really help settle the stomach. Peppermint tea is a tasty way to get the peppermint helping hand.
  Note: Put one drop of peppermint oil and a sugar cube into your tea (or just suck on them together). (6)
• Prenatal acupuncturists can be a great idea to try out! Not only can it help with sickness, it can also help with back pain and headaches! Also, Sea-bands or Psi wrist bands are well loved by some moms. They work by pressing acupressure points that are known to help conquer nausea. (2)
• Protein right before bed can help your blood sugar stay stable throughout the night which may help you feel better upon waking (so you’re not feeling sick from hunger and low blood sugar the next morning). (1)
• Increase your intake of vitamin B6. And remember to take supplements (discuss which ones are best and safest with your doctor) that help your body keep up with essential vitamins and minerals.
• Here’s one I hadn’t heard (and plan to try next pregnancy). Freeze Gatorade in ice cubes trays. That way, when you can’t keep food down and just the thought of drinking water makes you want to vomit, you can suck on these for gradual hydration and replenishing electrolytes and salt (this is especially great if you’ve been vomiting a lot). (4)
• Try aromatherapy. I haven’t tried this one, but I’ve heard it works great for some. My advice would be to talk to your doctor about it. (Well, that’s always my first advice with anything. Don’t just follow anything you see on the internet). Oils or aromatherapy can be great, but since it’s not really tested you might want to follow a few safety precautions such as avoid putting it on yourself, use half dosage, and always know about which oil you’re using. Phew this kind of got heavy. Like I said, I’ve heard great things! Just talk to your doctor about what’s going to work best for you and baby. (5)
• Get out of bed slowly and get plenty of fresh air. (6)

Fatigue

You’re wiped out! Creating a human being is pretty hard work. While you’re certainly a superhero, here are some things that can keep you running.

• I know, I know…it’s so hard sometimes. But working out can make you feel so much better. It gives you more energy and helps you sleep more soundly at night, leading to even more energy and better moods.
• Prenatal yoga is fantastic. It can be a great way to keep your mind, breath, and moods balanced and focused. You’ll feel more in tune with your body and baby.
• Water can help keep you from your mid-day wipe-out. Carrying around a water bottle (stainless steel or bpa-free containers are best) can help you stay on top of your water intake.
• Remember you are burning about 300 more calories a day while you’re pregnant. Fill that up with some nutritious food.
• Make sure you’re getting enough iron.

Stretch Marks

Bad ass momma tattoos are more like it.

But if you’re wanting to maybe reduce some of the artistry, here are some ideas:

• Apply coconut oil or cocoa butter on your skin (thighs, tummy, backside, breasts, etc.) can help reduce excessive stretch marks. (3)
• Keep a healthy weight. It can help your skin out during this process and aid your body’s plasticity after the birth.
• Embrace them. You’re beautiful and bad ass.

Like I said, run everything past your doctor just to be safe and to create a plan that works best for you and baby.

And like I always say, do your own research in addition to anything you read on the internet.

That’s what smart moms do.

You’re the expert.

I really hope some of these tips help you out! These natural remedies can be an awesome way to go before you start taking medication that has a spotty track record.

And the peace of mind is priceless.

(1) http://mom.me/pregnancy/being-pregnant/31159-12-natural-remedies-common-pregnancy-symptoms/

(2) http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/natural-remedies-for-pregnancy-symptoms.aspx

(3) http://www.parenting.com/pregnancy/health-symptoms/natural-remedies-pregnancy-symptoms?page=2

(4) http://www.parenting.com/gallery/moms-best-pregnancy-remedies?page=4

(5) http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/aromatherapy

(6) http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-9602/30-natural-remedies-for-morning-sickness.html