Homeopathic Medicines In Pregnancy: Safety And Effectiveness

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The popularity of homeopathic medicines in pregnancy is not recent.In fact, it has been a favored alternative to allopathic medicines for centuries since the latter is suspected of havingteratogenicⁱXSubstances that can cause birth defects or abnormalities in a growing embryo.effects. Although homeopathy may not replace allopathy completely, it may be recommended in some instances.

Read this post to learn about the uses of homeopathic medicines for some common pregnancy-related complaints.

Are Homeopathic Medicines Safe During Pregnancy?

Homeopathic medicines are usually safe forpregnant women(1). They are generally derived from natural sources such as plants and minerals and diluted several times.Also, homeopathic medicines are non-addictive and contain negligible amounts of artificial substances.

They can help provide relief from common problems such as morning sickness, constipation, insomnia,heartburnⁱXA burning sensation in the chest when food and stomach acid reflux back into the esophagus., andback pain(2). However, you should not self-prescribe the medications but see a qualified homeopath.

Use Of Homeopathy During Pregnancy

According to the British Homeopathic Association and The College Of Practical Homeopathy (based in London), homeopathy can be a useful herbal treatment in the following ways(3)(4).

The medications mentioned in this section are general recommendations for informational purposes only. You need to consult a certified homeopath for personalized prescriptions.

Homeopathic remedies for first-trimester complaints

1. Morning sickness

This common problem is associated with nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. The general prescriptions include:

• Arsenic albumfor excessive vomiting.
• Cocculus indicafor nausea soon after getting off the bed.
• Ipecacfor nausea or vomiting when eating or smelling food.
• Pulsatillafor vomiting, heartburn, acidic or bitter belching, or nausea after having food.
• Sepiawhen strong smells of food trigger nausea. When morning sickness is accompanied with lowerabdominal painsepia is recommended.

2. Constipation

Another earlysymptom of pregnancy, this might continue throughout your pregnancy. Homeopathic treatment recommendations include:

• Lycopodiumif passing hard stools.
• Nux vomica, opium, or aluminafor frequent constipation, a futile urge to pass stool, and a dull headache.
• Nux vomica and sulfurfor constipation that leads tohemorrhoidsⁱXSwelling of the veins in the lower rectum or anus..
• Sepiafor pain as a result of hard stools.
• Bryoniais recommended with a feeling of dryness in the rectum.
• Causticumis useful during painful defeaction

3. Breast tenderness

This may happen due to hormonal changes and may usually lead to the tenderness of breasts. Wearing a supportive bra may be helpful.

• Pulsatillamight soothe breast soreness and discomfort.
• Phytolaccawhen breast feels hard, swollen and tender
• Cancer carbis recommended when there is breast tenderness in obese females.

Homeopathic remedies for second-trimester complaints

4. Backache

Backache develops as the growing uterus puts pressure on the joints of the lower back and pelvis. General homeopathic recommendations include:

Bella Donna for relieving pain comes fast and resolves soon but touch aggravates the pain.

• Kali carbonicumfor relieving a weak and tired back.
• Natrum muriaticumfor moderate back pain.
• Rhus toxicodendronwhen your back hurts from a strain or injury.
• Sepiawhen your back feels tired with an aching dragging pain in the lower back.

5. Varicose veins:

These enlarged and swollen veins develop when the uterus squeezes over the large vein passing through the leg. They become painful, itchy, and uncomfortable.

• Pulsatillamay help the discomfort in the rectum (where varicose veins lead to piles).
• Carbo vegetabilisfor piles that causes burning pain before a bowel movement.
• Hamamelismay help soothe swollen, inflamed, and painful veins that get worse if you exert pressure.
• Zincum metallicresolves large varicose veins develop causing pain and soreness that are worsened from touch.

Homeopathic remedies for third-trimester complaints

6. Heartburn

Also known as gastroesophageal reflux,heartburnoccurs when stomach acids flow up to the esophagus and mouth. Homeopathy medicines for this problem include:

• Apis mellificaif you belch every time you eat or drink.
• Capsicumwhen there is a severe burning sensation behind the breastbone.
• Carbo vegetabilisif you experience heaviness, belching, and fullness even after consuming a small quantity of food.
• Lycopodium may helpwhen you feel bloated after having food.
• Sulfurif heartburn worsens mid-morning and when dairy products aggravate the symptoms.
• Arsenic Albumrelieves burning pains but warm drinks make the patient feel better.

7. Itching

Itching or pruritus is common in the third trimester and happens when the skin stretches and tightens. It is likely to occur on the breasts, nipples, tummy, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hands, and feet.

• Dolichos可能会有帮助当有痒的body and worsens at night.
• Sepiawhen itching is severe due to exposure to air.
• Mercurius vivus在痒pustular eruptionsⁱXSmall, swollen, pus-filled blister-like sores on the skin's surface.filled with pus or fluid.
• Tabacumif you experience unbearable itching.

8. Urinary problems

Urinary problems, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs), are common throughout pregnancy and are frequent in the final stages. Homeopathic and non-invasive recommendations include:

• Cantharisif you experience a constant burning sensation in the bladder and discomfort while urinating.
• Phosphoricum acidumin the case of cloudy urine and a burning sensation.
• Nux vomicaif you have difficulty in passing urine or irritation and itching in the bladder.

9. Homeopathy for labor

Homeopathic experts recommend some medications to help with labor. Their efficacy needs further research(5)(6). Common recommendations include:

• Aconite加快劳动时associ极端痛苦ated with fear and anxiety.
• Arnicafor preventing bruises and controlling bleeding in normal labor.
• Chamomillafor relieving unbearable and violent labor pain.
• Cocculusfor relieving exhaustionassociated with dizzinessand mild headache.
• Kali carbonicumfor severe pain in the back, which radiates down to the buttocks and thighs.
• Kali phosphoricumis given in-between contractions to relieve exhaustion.
• Pulsatillais given when the woman turns weepy or clingy during labor. It may also help restore hormonal levels after birth.
• Sepiafor severe pains and irritability post-birth.
• Sulfurwhen contractions turn weak or stop, and when the woman feels restless and irritable
• Caulophylumwhen there is weak contractions with no dilatation.
• Gelsemiumwhen cauliphylum fails.
• Pulsatillais given when the patient feels emotional and highly sensitive to psi(ref American medical college of
• homoeopathy.

10. Homeopathy after delivery

Whether it is a vaginal delivery orC-section delivery, homeopathic medicines are recommended to relieve postpartum pains and speed the healing process. Listed below are some homeopathic medicines used for the purpose(3).

• Arnicafor soreness and bruising that happens withepisiotomyⁱXA minor procedure to widen the vaginal opening during childbirth.or stitches from a vaginal tear.
• Hypericumfor pain after an epidural, an episiotomy, or a forceps/vacuum-assisted delivery.
• Kali phosphoriumfor relief from mental exhaustion associated with tiredness and headache after childbirth.
• Staphysagriafor pains that develop with deep incisions. It also offers relief from the pain and sensitivity of the genital organs.

Medicines should be strictly consumed as per guidelines of homeopathic consultants only. Self medication can turn hazardous.

Are There Any Risks Of Using Homeopathy During Pregnancy?

The risks or side effects of homeopathic medicines are thought to be marginal. However, more research is needed to establish their safety and efficacy during pregnancy.

Although homeopathic medicines are regulated by the US FDA, they are not subjected to the same testing protocols as allopathic medicines.

顺势疗法药物正常Deliv吗ery?

If the labor is normal and progressing with no complications, arnica could help to prevent any further maternal health complications and is believed to lessen the pains after birth. There is no substantial evidence to prove the efficacy of homeopathic medicines fornormal delivery. Only a qualified homeopath could give the best advice based on your health condition.

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