Healthy Beginnings

Healthy Beginnings

[ March/April 2004 ]

How To Have a Happy, Healthy Pregnancy

by Chinmayo Forro

Intuition, receptivity, patience, nourishment, fluidity,
flexibility…these are all feminine qualities very much
needed to heal the world and ourselves.

Every woman is a wise woman. And she holds, within her body, a sanctuary from which new life emerges. Intuition, receptivity, patience, nourishment, fluidity, flexibility…these are all feminine qualities very much needed to heal the world and ourselves.

When a woman is pregnant, it is as if everyone around her senses the miracle she carries within. Simply observe a waiting line in the supermarket: “When is your baby due? Do you know if you’re having a boy or a girl? When I was pregnant…”

Women love to share pregnancy and birth stories. Grandmothers will tell you in minute details their birth stories, just as if it happened yesterday. No matter how long ago, this very special time is never forgotten.

Besides nourishing the sixty million cells we each create every second, pregnant women also provide for their new baby. Below are a few suggestions for a vibrant, wholesome and happy pregnancy.

Before Getting Pregnant

One organ works harder and suffers most during pregnancy: the liver. The liver works as a filter and, just as we clean the filter of our car, we need to cleanse it regularly. Ideally, we should cleanse the liver at every change of season, and definitely prior to getting pregnant. There are several good liver cleansing programs available. Talk to your health care provider for the one right for you.

Folic Acid supplement has been shown to protect the fetus against neural tube defects. 400 mcg daily should begin two to three months prior to conception and may be taken through the childbearing years.

Red Clover Flower infusion is the single most useful herb for establishing fertility. It helps restore and balance hormonal functions and brings alkaline to the body. The infusion may be taken freely throughout the day and for several months continuously.

Nourishing Herbs

There are two herbs that are midwives’ all time favorites:

Red Raspberry Leaf may be taken as a tea or as an infusion. It is the safest of all uterine tonic herbs. Its fragrine content tonifies the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus. It also has high content of vitamin C. When drunk throughout pregnancy, it can prevent postpartum hemorrhage caused by an atonic uterus.

Nettle Leaf is known for having more chlorophyll than any other herb. Nearly every vitamin and mineral known to be necessary for human health can be found in stinging nettles. It also nourishes and strengthens the kidneys, which work harder in pregnancy.

Food for Mom and Baby

Most problems in pregnancy can be prevented by attention to nutrition. As much as possible, avoid pesticides, synthetic hormones and antibiotics, as well as GMO (genetically modified organisms) by eating organic. Some of the basic foods recommended in pregnancy include:

Freshly squeezed Wheat Grass juice (free for pregnant women at Organic Oasis) will prevent anemia and build strong blood, as will all dark leafy vegetables.
Seaweeds, miso, tempeh, tamari and nutritional yeast (T6635+ is non-active, which means it is okay, if yeast infection is present) are all packed with vitamin B12.
Cucumbers (overripe, yellowish ones) are especially nourishing to the liver and pancreas.
Protein-rich foods include fish, turkey, chicken, eggs, rice & beans, protein powders and bars, and spirulina.
Fresh fruits and vegetables. Absolutely no canned foods because of all the additives and preservatives, which are especially detrimental in pregnancy. Frozen is okay.
Calcium rich foods: milk (goat milk is best), cheeses, yogurt with acidophilus (avoid sweetened brands), salmon, sardines, seaweeds (especially kelp), sesame salt (also called Gomasio), turnip tops, beet greens, kale, dates, figs, raisins, prunes, papayas, parsley, watercrest, and more.

Supplements

As the word implies, supplements are not food but supplementary additions to the diet. Because our soils are increasingly depleted, supplements are helpful in providing missing nutrients.

Cod Liver Oil provides omega poly unsaturated fatty acids EPA and DHA. This oil is absorbed better when emulsified (taken with whole organic milk or freshly squeezed organic orange juice).
Digesting calcium is not enough; it must be absorbed. Therefore, not all forms of calcium are recommended. Ionized calcium is thoroughly (98%) absorbed by the body. Adequate calcium absorption drops acid levels and increases alkaline levels and oxygen content in the body (healthy cells thrive in alkaline environment). Calcium is better absorbed with vitamin D.
Without magnesium, calcium would not be metabolized, that’s why most supplements will have calcium and magnesium in combination. Calcium tightens the muscles, while magnesium relaxes them. Excess calcium in the body results in calcium deposits such as gallstones, kidney stones and arthritis. All of these have been known to disappear after taking extra magnesium, especially in the drinking form. Unlike calcium, magnesium does not build up in the body, as excess is eliminated. It is best to take the magnesium on its own, without any calcium (before bedtime is a good idea).
One of the best multi vitamins, supported by scientific research is “Living Multi” from Garden of Life. Besides providing all the vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and probiotic organisms, they also contain potent enzymes that promote digestion and help prevent the common heartburns of pregnancy. Remember: without adequate absorption, all the food and supplements in the world are useless.
And last but not least, one gallon per day of water and/or herbal teas. Avoid soda pops at all cost. A woman builds an extra two cups of blood while pregnant, and the baby needs a healthy volume of extra amniotic fluids.

Emotions

No matter your life situation, enjoy your pregnancy to the fullest. Surround yourself with positive people. Pamper yourself with massages, aromatherapy, facials, pedicures and manicures. Celebrate your body! Celebrate your baby!