Tips From Midwives: 3 Herbs That Help Relieve Stress During Pregnancy

Health & Medical Articles

Pregnancy can be a scary and stressful time for many women. Although doctors are not fully aware of the full extent excessive stress may have on pregnant women, studies have shown that approximately 1 in 10 women who experience high levels of psychological stress deliver pre-term. Having a midwife by your side when you're pregnant can help relieve stress, as most midwives are quite knowledgeable on the different techniques that can help pregnant women relax. One of the easiest ways of relieving stress is to incorporate certain herbs into one's diet. Here are 3 highly recommended options.

Using Valerian Root as a Sedative and Calming Agent

For thousands of years, valerian root was used as a herbal medicine to combat stress, reduce excessive anxiety and promote a night of good sleep. It can also help control panic attacks and relieve headaches. The US Food and Drug Administration has recognized valerian root as a safe herbal remedy, and many studies have backed up claims regarding the effectiveness of the herb.

Valerian root can be taken orally in the form of capsules or can be added to tea and other beverages in the form of a liquid. Your midwife will calculate a suitable dosage for you based on your weight and height. Generally speaking, you will be expected to take three doses each day for no more than four to six weeks at a time.

Nourishing the Uterus with Squaw Vine

Squaw vine is another common herb that is frequently recommended. It was first used by Native Americans as a late-pregnancy tonic to tone and nourish the uterus and body in preparation for childbirth. Many midwives also report that clients who use a pregnancy tea that contain squaw vine will have a very low transport rate close to 0%. These properties can help pregnant women feel healthier and less stressed during pregnancy. Generally speaking, squaw vine is ingested as an ingredient in tea, and it is generally coupled with other herbs that are recommended for treating or preventing other pregnancy problems.

Because squaw vine is slightly oxytocic meaning that it can start contractions, it should only be taken during the last six weeks of pregnancy. Once again, your midwife will need to calculate what the proper dosage is based on your age, height, weight, health and several other conditions.

Soothing Digestion with Chamomile

Chamomile is perhaps one of the most popular herbal teas available. It is highly recommended by many midwives because it has a soothing fragrance, can soothe digestion, has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and also reduces blood pressure. Chamomile has also been known as a mild pain reliever. All of these properties combined make chamomile the perfect tea for relaxing and relieving stress. On top of that, chamomile can be easily and quickly prepared at home.

While there are some controversies surrounding whether pregnant women can drink chamomile, most experts agree that it is fine for pregnant women to drink chamomile tea as long as they do not have a history of hay fever. However, one would need to drink an obscenely large amount of chamomile tea for there to be any problems, so you really don't need to worry about it at all.

Conclusion

By having a midwife around, not only will you be made aware of the different types of herbs that can benefit your pregnancy, but you will also receive emotional support and additional resources that you may need during the pregnancy. To choose a midwife, look at the type of education that they had prior to taking on the occupation. Don't hesitate to interview or speak with the midwife first to see whether or not you feel comfortable with her. For more information, see a website such as http://www.whallc.com.

31 August 2015