Many pregnancy discomforts can be relieved with good diet, hydration, gentle exercise, and rest. The recommended suggestions are a good starting point for improvement. If these suggestions don’t provide relief, then looking into additional therapies may be helpful. The herbs suggested here are generally safe during pregnancy, although talk to your care provider with any additional questions or concerns.

COLDS, FLU, FEVER, and MILD ILLNESSES

Stress, over-working, eating a poor diet, and anxiety can all weaken the immune system. If you start to feel a cold coming, then first try to rest.  That may look like taking a day off from work and turning off the phone.  Maybe kids can go to a friend’s house.  With the plan to rest and rejuvenate- not clean or tidy up.

Often feeling unwell is a way the body is telling us that we are overdoing it and need to rest.

Recommended:

• Plenty of fluids: water, herbal tea and electrolytes. About 8-10 cups a day!
• Clean, simple whole foods: fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.    
• Gentle movement might be helpful.  Walking, stretching or dancing
• Vitamin C and Zinc is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and especially when we aren’t feeling well.  Note: Vitamin C not more than 2,000 mg per day for 5 days. Use Zinc as recommended on the package.

Herbal allies: Echinacea root, garlic, ginger, kudzu root, lemon balm, catnip, chamomile, raspberry leaf.

There are some pregnancy immunity blends, such as this one from WishGarden Herbs: Immune Boost For Pregnancy

Homeopathy can be an amazing tool to help you move through an illness quicker and with fewer symptoms.  Oscillococcinum can help shorten flu-like symptoms if taken right at the beginning of symptoms.  This is my favorite homeopathic book for family use: Homeopathic Self-Care: The Quick and Easy Guide for the Whole Family  

Homeopathy is very safe during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for your newborn.  As a certified homeopath, I love sharing my wisdom about homeopathy!  Connect with me!  

*Important: Seek medical attention from your midwife, physician or urgent care if the following conditions appear:

• High fever over 102
• A fever lasting more than 2-3 days
• Frequent vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Persistent coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
• Chest pains
• Rash, sores, or warts outbreak that are hot, red and inflamed or near your genitals