Medication Linked to Birth Defects Receives Attention from Expecting Mothers

Below is some valuable information regarding medications taken during pregnancy:

For women, the act of giving birth and being pregnant are experiences in life where proper care, nutrition and emotional being are important aspects of the process. There are many instances where several symptoms will arise for women who are pregnant and being well equipped with proper education will provide the ability to nourish a safe pregnancy and childbirth.

Due to the fact so many prescription and over the counter medications for various ailments have several side effects and consequences, it is important to have information and research at ones disposal to make as educated of a decision as possible prior to taking any drugs.

Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a warning about Topamax (topiramate), a medication used for migraine headaches, anxiety and epileptic seizures. Studies show that this drug significantly increases the risk for newborn babies developing birth defects such as cleft lip or palate if taken by women who are pregnant. These are things everyone does not like to hear but oral birth defects can cause problems with infants when eating and communicating if not treated immediately with surgery.

Many physicians insist that the risk of developing birth defects from Topamax is especially high when taken during the first trimester of pregnancy or if a woman is unaware to the fact she is pregnant during treatment. The FDA is adding more information on the labeling of the drug, cautioning about the risk of birth defects association with the medication.

Many mothers are taking a cautious route when taking oral medications during pregnancy and taking the mind, body and spirit of the baby into full consideration. Many natural techniques can help a woman feel in shape and in control to deal with anything that arises.

Women of childbearing age should study the risks and benefits of taking medications because there are several instances where negative complications can arise in the future due to these decisions. Choosing a natural pregnancy can be a beneficial decision for mothers and their babies. Please meet with your personal physician and childbirth educators prior to making this decision.

Additional information, side effects and medication interactions can be found at Topamaxlawsuit.com

Why Hire a Doula?

http://www.pregnancytoday.com/articles/professionals-and-policies/why-hire-a-doula-2266/

The First Trimester

Your first trimester is a time of mixed emotions, excitement, fear, joy...  It is also a time of new physical changes.  One of the most common complaints about the first trimester is morning sickness.  Not all women experience this and it ranges from mild nausea to severe vomiting.  Morning sickness doesn't only happen in the morning, for many women it is present all day long.  The good new is that it usually doesn't last much longer than the first trimester.  That being said, 12 weeks can feel like an eternity.  So, what can you do to alleviate morning sickness?

• try eating smaller meals or snacks, more frequently
• have a snack before bed, and if you wake up in the night to use the bathroom, have a snack then too.  this will help keep blood sugar from dropping so low during the night.
• eat a snack BEFORE getting out of bed in the morning.  keep some crackers next to your bed.
• sparkling juice 
• salty crackers
• ginger
• peppermint (even just smelling peppermint sometimes can help)
• acupressure bands such as sea bands

These are a few suggestions, try a few to see what works for you.  It's easy to forget what you are doing all this for, your precious little baby!  Try to think about your baby and how much he or she is worth!

Iron

Many women during pregnancy become anemic and/or have low iron levels.  Low iron leads to true anemia which is a low red blood cell count.  Hemoglobin carries oxygen in red blood cells and your body needs iron to produce hemoglobin.  Why is this so common in pregnant women?  Pregnant women increase their blood supply by up to 50% while pregnant, and all this extra blood producing takes requires iron.  So, why do women need to increase their blood supply so much?  For one thing they are now circulating blood to the maternal side of the placenta and to the growing uterus.  It is also a protective mechanism so that the mother can compensate for blood loss after birth.

Iron supplements can be hard on the stomach and cause constipation.  Here are a few things to help increase your iron without upsetting your stomach.

• eat foods that are high in iron: red meats, organ meats and dark green vegetables for example
• cook with a cast iron skillet (learn how to season it properly so that your food won't stick)
• Floradix-this supplement is available at health food stores.  It is a liquid with herbs and vitamins added for easy absorption.  It does not cause constipation or stomach irritation.
• alfalfa-this is helpful in late pregnancy to help with digestion and also to increase levels of vitamin K which help with blood clotting and prevent blood loss and subsequent anemia post-partum
  
• vitamin C-helps with iron absorption so take it or drink OJ with your other sources of iron
• nettle tea
• multi-vitamin with vitamin B12 for absorption
• Slow Fe or iron in the form of ferrous gluconate which is easier to absorb than ferrous sulfate
• chlorophyll-helps to make more red blood cells
• don't drink milk with your vitamins-the calcium binds with the iron and then your body can't use it

Other suggestions are welcome in the comments!

New website

Please check out our new website for natural birth classes in Colorado.

http://coloradochildbirthclasses.com/

Please also don't forget my website:

www.passion4birth.com

And my upcoming class starting October 24th at Mountain Midwifery Center.

Discomforts of Pregnancy

Non-pharmacological remedies for the discomforts of pregnancy:

Heartburn:

• identify offending foods and avoid them
• engage in moderate physical activity
• eat apples, toast, papaya, or yogurt
• try eating smaller meals and eat slowly
• avoid soda and other carbonated beverages
• take a walk after meals

Gas:

• identify offending foods and avoid them
• lie down and do abdominal breathing
• do pelvic rocks
• avoid soda and other carbonated beverages

Bleeding Gums:

• this may be caused by increased circulation during pregnancy (other mucus membranes may also be sensitive, bleeding or running nose for instance).
• have teeth cleaned by your dentist
• increase vitamin C (oranges and citrus fruits)

Varicose Veins:

• improve circulation by walking or other exercise
• avoid standing for long periods of time
• tailor sit
• change positions often
• elevate legs
  
• do pelvic rocks
• lie on left side
• do ankle circles (do not point toes, this can cause leg cramps)

Leg Cramps:

• pelvic rocks
• squat
• sleep with legs slightly elevated
• avoid pointing toes or stretching too hard
• salt food to taste (be sure salt intake is adequate
• eat foods high in calcium
• to stop a leg cramp, point heel or stand on the affected leg
• be sure you are eating nutritiously
• get some light exercise

Hemorrhoids:

• improve circulation
• get more exercise, like walking
  
• avoid constipation
• pelvic rocks
• put feet up on a small stool while on the toilet for a bowel movement
• sitz baths
• Kegel exercise
• increase fluids

Fatigue:

• this is normal during pregnancy, but could be a sign of anemia or dehydration
• get more rest
• take a nap
• alleviate stress
• cut back on working hours if possible
• cut back on activities
• maintain good nutrition
• increase fluids in diet

Constipation:

• eat a variety of fresh or dried fruits
• drink lots of water
• eat foods high in fiber
• daily exercise
• avoid taking laxatives or straining during a bowel movement
• put feet up on a low stool during a bowel movement

Backache:

• be aware of good posture
• pelvic rock
• stand only for short periods of time
• increase calcium in diet
• walk
• take a warm bath

Weight gain:

• eat a well balanced diet, with plenty of protein
• avoid junk food
• get daily exercise