Many pregnancy discomforts can be relieved with good diet, hydration, gentle exercise, and rest. Listed below are several common pregnancy discomforts. 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 are safe during pregnancy, although talk to your care provider for any additional questions or concerns.

VARICOSITIES

Varicose veins occur when the one way valve becomes weak and allows blood to pool in the veins. Causes can include heredity, lack of exercise, poor diet, pressure of the uterus inhibiting flow. See notes for Constipation and Hemorrhoids.

Note: Never massage varicose veins. If there is heat, swelling, pain, or infection around the vein seek medical treatment immediately.

Recommended: Exercise, walking, biking, swimming, yoga, dancing, leg lunges. Elevate the feet higher than the heart several time a day. Don’t sit for long periods of time. Foods high in Vitamin C can be helpful. Vitamin B foods, leafy green vegetables. Vitamin E foods.

Additional therapies: Chiropractic care, homeopathy, cranio-sacral.