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How to Stay Healthy During First Trimester of Pregnancy?

Natural treatments for concerns experienced during pregnancy.

Becoming pregnant can be one of the most wonderful and exciting times in a woman’s life. However, there are a number of problems that can arise during the different trimesters that can make the journey quite challenging.

Because so few medications can be taken safely during these nine months, many women are looking to find natural ways to address their pregnancy symptoms.

First trimester:

Nausea and vomiting
This can affect up to 90 percent of pregnant women in their first trimester.

Causes: Researchers believe that nausea and vomiting is a result of the many physical changes that occur in early pregnancy, including higher levels of hormones.

Treatment/Prevention:

  • Several studies have shown that the use of a vitamin B6 or ginger supplement may decrease the intensity of both nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
  • Acupressure wrist bands or acupuncture may also help, though the evidence is less clear.

Yeast infections
Also known as vaginal candidiasis, yeast infections tend to be more prevalent in pregnant women. It is not uncommon to have a certain amount of yeast or candida in the vaginal canal; however, it can become a problem when it grows so fast that it overwhelms other competing beneficial micro-organisms.

Causes: It is believed that the high estrogen levels and high glycogen content in vaginal secretions during pregnancy provide an excellent environment for the yeast to grow rapidly.

Treatment/Prevention:

  • Take a probiotic supplement high in L. acidophilus, which provides beneficial bacteria that help prevent overgrowth of the yeast. Probiotic capsules can be taken orally or even inserted vaginally during an active infection, but it is important to talk to your health care practitioner first.
  • Some people believe that eliminating sugar from the diet may also be beneficial.

Click here for common health concerns during the second trimester of pregnancy!