A nice
page with lots of remedies for general discomforts
Natural
Remedies for Discomforts of Pregnancy by Dr. Marina J. Rose
in Los Altos, CA
Search down for Complaints
during pregnancy from REPERTORY by Oscar E. BOERICKE, M.D.
Miscellaneous
discomforts
and
remedies from a homeopathic perspective
Aromatherapy For Discomforts
of Pregnancy
A local naturopath recommended the Ulna Gemmo Black Currant buds
for energy.
Have no fear re: your "low" blood pressure. It is entirely normal reading. You may wish to look at other reasons why you may be light-headed such as low blood sugar levels at the time, in which case, eat! Or, for some women, after they eat, all the blood goes to the digestive system, and that's when they experience lightheadedness. Try experimenting with drinking fluids a half hour before eating, to build up your blood volume before diverting it to your digestive system, or try eating more frequent, smaller meals.
Re: anemia -- beware, the latest research (for the last few years
now!) has shown that a hemoglobin count of 9.5 is optimal for
fetal growth and maternal well-being, because this reflects an
appropriately expanded blood volume.. This is way below what has
and still is being strived for. Usually when a reading like this
comes in the doctors are recommending transfusion. True! Also for
the faintness -- homeopathic carbo. veg. 30x is affective.
I am 15 weeks preg and for the past 10 days feel I need to take
in deep breaths through my mouth to overcome this feeling of lack
of oxygen! I was really worried but my Gyn found my pulse and
blood pressure normal and sent me off saying it was
physiological----! But I still feel uncomfortable. Anyone out
there experiencing the same or have any helpful advice to offer. I
sometimes feel as if I'm getting into a habit of taking long
sighs.
I did a lot of research on it, saw my midwife, an allergy
specialist, and my GP, and the most likely explanation we can come
up with is that I'm not (probably due to the overall muscle
relaxation effects of pregnancy) clearing my lungs completely of
carbon dioxide, which sends the "gasp for air" message to the
brain. I find it helps to work on completely exhaling when you
feel this sensation, THEN inhaling. This is completely different
than the sensation later in pregnancy where the uterus is so big
that is crowds the lungs and you can't catch your breath, there's
not one, obvious, generally accepted reason for it, hence some
doctors reluctance to accept it as a "real" condition.
(They also make Baby AYR, which contains the same saline formula to help loosen mucus and clean a baby's nose.)
The best current research indicates that iron deficiency can
contribute to restless legs syndrome. This can be a normal
change that occurs around 20-28 weeks of pregnancy, and it will
probably resolve on its own as the body gradually increases iron
levels. But you might want to focus on increasing your iron
levels until the restless legs problem disappears.
She may need more than just magnesium. I recommend a
Calcium/Magnesium supplement with Vitamins D3 and K2. My favorite
brand is Solaray with a chewable option for those of us who don't
like capsules.
Neurology 2004;63:1065-1069
Restless Legs Syndrome Common Among Pregnant Women
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Sept 27 - During pregnancy, one in four women will experience restless legs syndrome (RLS), Italian researchers report. . . . The only risk factor for developing RLS during pregnancy was a low hemoglobin level, the investigators report.
"Our results on a significant difference in iron storage indicators support a hypothesis that a relative iron deficit could play a role" in RLS, Dr. Manconi said in a statement. However, he said, "the rapid improvement of RLS symptoms after delivery give more power to a hormonal rather than iron-related hypothesis."
[Ed. - This statement makes no sense - the implication is that
the improvement is too rapid to be associated with changes in iron
levels. However, because of the drastic reduction in blood
volume that occurs soon after giving birth, a woman's iron levels
do rise dramatically afterwards. And, the iron levels
drop drastically around 28 weeks along with the drastic increase
in blood volume that happens around that time. To me, this
makes it sound as if changes in iron levels are very
relevant to RLS.]
An
Evaluation
of Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) - free CME
Apparently, dehydration can sometimes cause leg cramps.
If you're taking a calcium supplement without balancing the
magnesium, you may have a magnesium
deficiency. There's a product just for pregnant women
- Mama
Calm
The Magnesium Web
Site's Online Library
I recommend 25 mg magnesium at bedtime. Some clients do
better with the Floradix balanced calcium/magnesium
supplement. Experiment to see what works best for you.
The cure for me is a Citracal and a glass of water. I sleep
like a baby.
One of my clients felt that high doses of vitamin C/bioflavonoids
were causing leg cramps.
The remedy is to lower carbohydrates in the diet - up the fresh
vegetables and down the potatoes, pasta and bread.
Could this be a pH problem? Too acidic?
You can also balance the sodium/potassium ratio of your blood by drinking raw beet juice or eating raw grated beets mixed with equal parts of raw grated apple (tastes basically like apple).
optional additions:
walnuts
yogurt
poppy seeds
sunflower seeds
jicama, julienned
grated carrot
If you're eating a lot of high potassium and high calcium foods
and/or taking extra supplements this might do the trick instead!
I always found that mineral water and bananas worked well with
crampy legs. I used to have a bottle of mineral water beside the
bed.
Case 1:
Pregnant and Restless [Medscape registration is free]
Restless Legs Syndrome from the
Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
I have a woman in my childbirth class who is having a terrible
time with twitchy legs (aka restless legs?). She gets them every
night as she goes to lie down for bed. If you've never encountered
this (I had it once during my pregnancy), it's this weird nervous
feeling in your legs, like the nerves are firing and you want to
stamp your feet to stop it. Am I making sense? The woman in my
class says it's the physical manifestation of anxiety. That
sounded like a good description to me. Anyone have any remedies
for this?
I have heard of this, and several women in my family had this and
it was due to lack of potassium in their diet. You might want this
Mom to contact her care provider.
calcium-1000-2000 mg
Liquid Calcium (we recommend Marietta's brand, as it works
the best of ANY we have tried or seen) helps reduce leg
cramps.
Go for the Calcium + bananas or Emergen-Cee for potassium. Worked
for me, and works for the clients we've used it on.
I would consider calcium- magnesium or potassium . Look at a diet
sheet. Potassium would be the easy just add a banana or some
orange juice, lemonade.... Calcium & magnesium are a bit
trickier , general consideration that some supplementation is
need.
I regret that I cannot recall the source now, but I have read in
one of my maternity nursing books that this symptom often is
associated with iron-deficiency anemia. The pathophysiology was
not explained. A woman's health care nurse practitioner I work
with has heard the same. Has anyone heard of an association
between this symptom and Fe-deficiency anemia?
Restless legs can indicate a calcium deficiency or anemia.
I have had several ladies find Gatorade or Sportsall helpful with
this. They generally report drinking 3-4 glasses a day.
try magnesium - as much as she can without loose stools
A banana a day, plenty of potatoes, kiwi's, almonds...Lots of
walking and especially stretching before bed...
One of my clients said that almond milk worked well for her.
The questioning has led me to try to do more lit. searches to see
if there is anything out there already to back up some of the
stuff we are saying. On the restless leg syndrome it seems that
many of the articles I found and the web site for restless leg
syndrome mention anemia as something that will cause this syndrome
and should be treated. I also found reviews about 2 small studies
done in different years in Romania by the same doctor they
concerned magnesium deficiency and sleep disorders, including
restless legs. I did not find anything about potassium , but I
sure as heck will recommend a glass of juice or a banana before I
would consider recommending the drugs. I will have to re-visit pub
med and copy the citations I read them over on line but didn't
save them. here is one for a sample on the anemia, it is like the
grocery store article someone else wrote about. The Romanian
articles were in the Rom. Journal Neuro Psych 1993, and one in
1987.
Restless legs syndrome is characterized by unpleasant,
deep-seated paresthesias in the legs and sometimes the arms. These
sensations occur at rest and are relieved by movement. Sleep
disturbance is common. Many patients also have periodic movements
of sleep. Mild symptoms of restless legs occur in up to 5% of the
population. Restless legs syndrome is idiopathic in most patients,
but it may be the presenting feature of iron deficiency and is
also common in uremia, pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid
arthritis, and polyneuropathy. Treatment of the underlying cause,
when possible, usually relieves the symptoms. For patients with
severe symptoms, levodopa, bromocriptine mesylate, opioids,
carbamazepine, clonazepam, and clonidine hydrochloride have proved
to be effective.
See also: Chiropractic Care
Pelvic
Girdle
Pain
in Pregnancy Linked to Parity - This isn't such a big
surprise, but some moms find it helpful to know that it's not
surprising that they have a little more pain with each
pregnancy. However, I've seen moms who turn to chiropractics
for the first time in pregnancy, and it helps eliminate all their
pain, so don't despair!
Water aerobics
good for pregnancy back pain - Water aerobics can help ease
the pelvic and back pain that plague many women during pregnancy,
Swedish researchers report.
Back
Pain During Pregnancy from the Mayo Clinic
The new memory foam technology can be a tremendous help to
pregnant women in relieving back and pelvic pain. Try the Ergonomic
Seat Cushion. You can get it cheaper from Dr.Leonard's.
Back
Pain
and
Pregnancy: Active Management Strategies by Julie Colliton,
MD
Editorial
-
Pelvic
girdle pain in pregnancy
Exercises may help, and evidence is increasing that acupuncture
reduces pain
BMJ 2005;331:249-250 (30 July),
doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7511.249
Undergarments for Relief of Back Pain and
Vulvar Varicosities
Effects
of
acupuncture
and stabilising exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in
pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain: randomised single blind
controlled trial.
Elden H, Ladfors L, Olsen MF, Ostgaard HC, Hagberg H.
BMJ. 2005 Mar 18; [Epub ahead of print]
CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and stabilising exercises constitute
efficient complements to standard treatment for the management of
pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy. Acupuncture was superior to
stabilising exercises in this study.
I searched MedLine for "back pain pregnancy" and found lots of interesting article abstracts.
3 that caught my attention:
Laying on your back, keep the left leg straight. Flex the right hip to 90 degrees and place the right foot on the left side of the right knee, with the left foot flat on the ground. Have your care provider abduct the right knee toward your left while holding your right shoulder to the ground. When the knee is as far as it can go, a small surge of pressure on it will serve to "relocate" the subluxed SI joint. This will apply pressure to the right sacroiliac joint and almost immediately improve the pain. Studies have shown it to be effective and extremely safe. I have taught it to my pregnant patients for about 10 years.
It can be repeated p.r.n. and there are no documented problems for the baby as the procedure puts no pressure on the uterus or the baby.
The procedure can be repeated on the other side.
The most recent article in the medical literature on this
procedure, that I am aware of, was written by Paul Frame, M.D. The
word "sacroiliac subluxation" was in the title.
Unless a woman has fallen on her tailbone (coccyx) or broken it
in a previous birth, the tailbone is rarely sensitive.
I've found that in addition to these stretches, I was often able
to relieve this reported discomfort with my massage clients with
therapeutic massage of the supporting muscles of the pelvis.
So, if she doesn't get complete relief with the stretches, refer
her to a good prenatal massage therapist.
Buoyant salt baths come to mind. Try acupressure on the
back of the legs. One point is near the center of the back
of the thigh right at the crease below the buttock. Another
point is on the center line of the back of the legs, at the base
of the gastrocs/calf muscles.
This section has been moved to its own web page - Chiropractic Care
See also: Chiropractic Care
In a pinch, you can use a belt around your hips . . . tighten it
until you get the support that relieves the pain. Since the
belt holes are often an inch apart, you may not be able to get the
best fit without stuffing additional washcloths in along the
sides.
Oftentimes, pregnant women with pubic bone pain may have asymmetrical motion in the sacroiliac joints, with secondary pain at the pubic joint. The pelvic bones are large bones which articulate at the back with the sacrum, and form the pubic joint at the front. There is one sacroiliac joint on each side of the sacrum; the sacrum being in the middle. If one or both of the sacroiliac joints (in the back) are relatively “stuck” it will cause more stress on the associated joints, particularly the pubis.
At night during sleep with decreased motion, the blood flow to the joints would decrease, and the viscosity of the connective tissue would increase, thereby making the symptoms worst in the morning: Analogous to a car sitting overnight needing to be warmed up before driving off so it works better after being warmed up. With movement the condition would feel better because the blood flow to the joints would increase and the connective tissues would be more pliable with movement: Just the reason why any one who exercises warms up first before going into more strenuous exercise.
Though this may not be the case, it is worth having it checked by
a chiropractor who has worked with pregnant women. This can
be done safely without the need to take x-rays to look at the
joints, for the very obvious reason that she is pregnant. This can
be easily and painlessly evaluated by in-office orthopedic
tests. If that is the case, by skillfully
performing one or two chiropractic adjustments to the sacroiliac
joints, it can make a huge difference, very quickly. The
adjustments are performed very comfortably and without pain.
Pelvic
Pain (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) - this is a fabulous and
comprehensive resource!
Homeopathic sepia 30c is reported to be wonderful for symph pain
related to pregnancy...
Our local chiropractor says that most symphysis pain is caused by
driving a stick shift.
I have found that 1gram of liquid cal mag before bed time makes a
huge difference with most of my moms who have chronic
ligament/muscle related pain.
I have three women who are all complaining of supra-pubic pain
that is making their lives a misery. i have ruled out uti etc. i
am putting it down to the head going down into the pelvis and also
the symphysis rubbing etc.....what can i advise apart from the
usual hot pack/bath/massage?
i had pubic symphysis pain w/ my last pregnancy - these are some suggestions from my midwife, which worked well for me
- tell your client to move slowly, even "sliding" towards her side before getting up after lying down
-apply heat packs to the area as needed
- there is a maneuver her partner can help her with:
he/she should put hands on mom's hips, then basically give her a
nice, strong "squeeze" or hug. this pushes the symphysis inward
and relieves the discomfort. this can be done as often as mom
needs it, and she should tell her partner if she wants more/less
pressure - of course have her check w/ MW or OB before trying
i've known women to use the following and claim they felt relief (how's that for careful wording [GRIN]?):
I'm not a midwife but I suffered from pubic symphyseal separation
during my pregnancy. It was not a complete separation as has
occurred during some pregnancies and deliveries, but a partial
separation resulting in inflammation of the symphysis.
Apparently the relaxin kicked in in my system early. My
doctor diagnosed it by asking me if it was painful to walk but not
painful to go up stairs. That was exactly the case.
The direction of movement of the pelvis caused the pain. And
there really wasn't much that could be done. Rest, minimal
walking, lifting and bending. It improved, and since my
delivery two and a half years ago it has mostly disappeared.
But not completely.
Two things helped me:
First, my naturopath, who is also a home birth midwife, gave me a
supplement called "Ligaplex". It contains all natural products
(don't read the label, though, or you'll be grossed out) that
support your ligaments, so they're stronger for longer. I took
this until the last three weeks of pregnancy, when you really WANT
them to soften, and it made a tremendous difference.
Remember, though, to stop taking it several weeks before you're
due to allow
the pelvis to stretch.
Second, I had my chiropractor adjust my public bone. I didn't
have this done during pregnancy, but several months later.
(I don't know if it can be done during pregnancy safely or
not). It made a big difference, especially in terms of
menstrual pain. It might be worth looking into.
I had a separation of my symphysis pubis, too, but it occurred during the birth of my first daughter due to poor positioning and vacuum extraction. Here's what Elizabeth Noble has to say in "Essential Exercises for the Childbearing Year":
"The connective tissue uniting both pubic bones becomes softer during pregnancy and the increased mobility at this joint may become painful. No muscles span this joint, therefore no specific exercises can be don to protect it. In fact, Exercise usually makes the condition worse, especially moving one leg. Keep your thighs parallel during exercises and rolling in or out of bed. A diagnostic test is to get on your hands and knees and raise on e leg off the floor.if this does not aggravate the PS symptoms at the center of your vulnerable midline, you may have adductor tendonitis or round ligament spasm, the discomfort of which is felt on one side. Treatment: Local polarity therapy. Position: Lying on your side, a partner places all five fingertips firmly at the union of your pubic bones, and the other hand rests flat on your sacrum. The hands should remain still on these two points until warmth, tingling, vibration, pulsing or other evidence of your body's electric field can be felt equally in both of your partner's hands. Usually one or two treatments is necessary. I have successfully used polarity balancing to treat painful PS laxity for fifteen years."
Elizabeth Noble has a degree in physical therapy, among other
things, and founded the Women's Health Section of the American
Physical Therapy Association and has trained over 2000 instructors
in prenatal and postpartum exercise.
Things that can help:
One of my clients has been told by her doctor that she has a
separation. She is able to walk sideways with no pain in one
direction, but not forwards or in the other direction with no
pain.
The symphysis pubis is a joint that is meant to be mobile
especially as the head engages and the presenting part descends
but if this joint becomes over stretched then there is often
constant pain particularly on walking. One of the interesting
things I have noticed with this condition is that walking
backwards is easier but obviously not practical! It does help with
the diagnosis however.
yep, sounds like a PS separation. a chiro should see her. Might be able to help some. time is the best cure.
most advise strapping it to prevent motion. There are all kinds of ways to strap -- expensive inventions. Sometimes an ace bandage wrapped tight and low helps a lot. Sometimes women can wear one of those back support belts (you know, the wide things you see workers wears sometimes). She'll have to get one large enough and strap it really low.
liniments help some:; mineral gel, ben gay etc.
warm tub soaks of course. and the tub will probably be the best help for her in labor. She might get confidence if you point out to her that her pelvis is now a good deal larger than before! Symphysis section was an operation used in the old days (still in some countries). it opens the pelvis a LOT, and will make a lot more room for her baby. She's unlikely to have any trouble with CPD!
It might take a couple of weeks, but she'll improve. and a
chiropractor might be her best friend!
It is also not recommended that she has an epidural as then she
can overstretch the joint. A good birthing position is side
lying in left lateral. Mary Cronk suggests tying a scarf
around the knees at the max of the pain free gap to ensure that in
labour the legs are not opened further than this. After the
birth she can have X-rays to see the extent of the SP opening and
treatment can be offered depending on this.
See also: Chiropractic Care
Sciatica can be caused either by the increased blood volume or by
pinched nerves in the pelvis as it softens under the influences of
relaxin, especially in late pregnancy. The standard
recommendation is to see a chiropractor, which usually does help.
This really does work, and it is Soooo simple. I still
recommend going to the chiro first, though, if you can.
A
New Relief Technique for a Common Pregnancy Complaint - by
Joseph A. Kleman
In my professional opinion, the symptoms presented—which
frequently lead to a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis—are not
actually carpal tunnel syndrome but a mild yet chronic incidence
of compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a painful
condition that occurs when pressure within the muscle of a
specific area of the body, such as the arm, builds to dangerous
levels. This pressure can decrease blood flow, which prevents
nourishment and oxygen from reaching nerve and muscle cells.
If it is her thumb, index, middle finger and 1/2 of her ring finger, it is probably carpal tunnel syndrome.
vit B6 100 mg qd is supposed to help, but takes several weeks.
Splints to keep the wrist in slight extension (aka "cock up"
splints) help. If she does repetitive hand movements (knitting,
computers, sewing, sports, she may need to stop). At night, (if
she doesn't want the splints), have her sleep with this hand on a
pillow to try to keep it slightly extended.
One other thing that helps is Ice packs to the wrists when it is
especially bad. While this usually goes away within a few weeks of
pregnancy, she needs to monitor it carefully, as permanent nerve
damage can occur if it is a true carpal tunnel and not just from
edema of pregnancy. I had one gal like this and she ended up with
bilat carpal tunnel release's 8 wks PP. Never did get all the
function back in right thumb. Have her watch for wasting of the
muscle in the palmar thumb muscle pad (thenar prominence) and
major weakness. If this occurs, she needs to see orthopedist soon.
As of May, 2020, the only one I can find that seems to hold your
wrist at an angle is the ACE™
Brand For Her Wrist Support, Adjustable.
Long ago, in a midwifery practice I was part of, we treated wrist pain just like carpal tunnel pain, by healing the nerves that were being squished by the extra fluids in the body, etc. Here is what we used for pregnant and lactating mothers:
B-Complex 150mg doses (Nature's Plus brand is what I recommend).
Take one in the am only (may keep you awake at night--more than
usual that is!).
Zinc (chelated is probably best) 40-50mg once daily
Magnesium 400mg up to three times a day. (may make stools loose or
try Magnesium citrate to reduce loose stools)
We had fantastic success with pain reduction and increased use of
hands, wrists, arms. I recommend this combo all the time
now.
I had a patient tell me she red an article by a nutrition phd
that warned of neuro toxicity with more than 200mg of B6 qday. I
frequently have patients use 200-300 qday. some..a fair amount
respond better to 300mg or so I think.
Original work in NEJM about 1984 (?) showing reversible
peripheral neuropathy (mainly numbness and tingling) at doses
above 200 mg per day. It has been my habit ever since, to rec.
200mg or less a day.
I use Rocktape, I have some pretty severe carpal tunnel myself
right now, I cut it in small strips and use it like an ace bandage
but it has been the only thing that helps, and it is water
resistant and will stay on for a few days.
Abstract: We describe seven adults who had ataxia and severe
sensory-nervous-system dysfunction after daily high-level
pyridoxine (vitamin B6) consumption. Four were severely disabled;
all improved after withdrawal. Weakness was not a feature of this
condition, and the central nervous system was clinically spared.
Although consumption of large doses of pyridoxine has gained wide
public acceptance, this report indicates that it can cause sensory
neuropathy or neuronopathy syndromes and that safe guidelines
should be established for the use of this widely abused vitamin.
Pregnancy
Gingivitis:
What Every Expectant Mother Should Know By Sheila Wolf,
RDH. [Home page for
MamaGums.com]
What do you suggest for a mom with pregnancy-induced friable
gums? Is there any treatment, or do you just let them suffer
through it?
One of my sisters is a consultant in Periodontology (gums to you and me!!!)
As I remember from what she said when it happened to me:
I think it's one of the effects of oestrogens during pregnancy and some women (arguably) are particularly susceptible to it. The main problem seems to be persuading women to KEEP ON brushing their teeth and flossing despite the bleeding - which will keep their gums in good nick. If they stop - because of the bleeding - or brush them more gently, then they're probably more likely to aggravate the problem in the long term. It's best to encourage them to be even more careful about their dental hygiene during the pregnancy or to try a softer toothbrush. Otherwise the old wives' tale about loosing a tooth for every baby is likely to become reality because of rampant gingivitis.
Delivery usually makes it go away.
In my own case, it stopped within 12 hours of all three births!!
Good dental hygiene: brushing and flossing conscientiously -- maybe even get a cleaning because plaque builds up more easily in pregnancy and gingivitis is more common.
Other helps:
She might want to switch to a softer toothbrush.
A good cleaning at the dentist and good oral hygiene usually will
heal this condition. I also agree with the Vit C
I worry about teeth cleaning during pregnancy. . . from what I
understand, dental bacteria can be a real problem systemically if
it gets into the blood stream during a cleaning and require a
course of antibiotics to get rid of. I think I'd suggest it only
as a last resort, and start with mega doses of vitamin C, regular
brushing, and rinsing with 1/3 salt water, 1/3 mouth wash, and 1/3
hydrogen peroxide (recommended to me after MAJOR mouth surgery
when I couldn't brush).
For swollen ankles, you might try wearing airline popsocks. If I put them on in the morning they kept my ankles fine all day. If I didn't wear them they looked dreadful. The popsocks have a nice wide band at the top which is not too tight and so does not cause constriction which might cause further problems with varicose veins etc.
I recommend homeopathic arnica (6X or 30X, 3 tablets under the
tongue once/hour until it's better, and then three times/day until
the tendency changes). Baths also help move the fluid back
into the bloodstream, where it can be eliminated.
Normal baths may not help much. I suggest trying to find a
place where she can get submerged so that only her head is out of
the water (that is how the original studies on using immersion to
help edema were done). When I am advising hydrotherapy for edema,
I am very specific and sometimes will write it down.
1) first empty your bladder
2) be sure to have water to sip while you are in the tub or pool
3) get into water so that only your head is out of the
water. relax in whatever position is comfortable.
4) be prepared to get in and out several times to pee. as the
water presses on your skin, it pushes the fluid back into your
blood stream where your kidneys pick it up. once they recognize
that there is too much fluid, they send it to the bladder.
so you have to pee.
5) you need to spend a minimum of 20 minutes in the water, but
with trips up to the bathroom the whole process may take as long
as an hour. SO plan accordingly.
Also, I would check on how much protein she is getting. One
of the things that can lead to peripheral edema is insufficient
albumin in the bloodstream. For most of our moms,
insufficient protein is not an issue, but every once in a while it
will be.
It sounds like your client is "third spacing" the fluids- which
is fairly normal to a certain degree at this stage of pregnancy
especially. The fluid which is/would be normally in the venous
system is in the tissues (so-to-speak). This is partly because of
the hormonal influences in pregnancy- esp. the increased
progesterone causing vessel relaxation and the pressure gradient
to be thrown off (the pressure usually keeps the fluid in the
vessels as opposed to letting it "seep through"). As long as she
doesn't have any of the S/S of PIH- and it sounds as if those have
pretty much been ruled out- this is called "gestational edema" or
"edema secondary to pregnancy". Many women find considerable
relief by getting into a pool and soaking - the pressure of the
water in the pool helps to counteract the edema in many cases. She
could try lying in the tub and fill it as high as possible with
water - the more volume of water the more pressure-. Tubs aren't
generally very deep though. The only other thing I can think of at
the moment is just reminding her to elevate her legs higher than
her hips for a few times a day to help relieve some of the
leg/ankle edema. You could also try adding a calcium supplement
and/or magnesium supplement if you are really thinking it might be
PIH related.....
A favorite around here this time of year is watermelon smoothies
--- -- blend the melon WITH THE SEEDS until smooth... Folks swear
by it! The seeds are supposed to be the "active principle"...
Try eating lots of celery and cucumbers.
How
to
Flush
Away Sinus Ills and How to Treat Sinusitis Without Drugs and
from Dr. Mercola.
Many pregnant women find that their increased blood volume
results in increased sinus congestion and occasional bouts of
sinusitis. It's best to take care of these bouts before they
turn into such painful infections that you feel that you must
resort to antibiotics. My favorite preventive measure is the
neti
pot - here's a nice metal one that won't break. (Neti
pots are famous for breaking, and pregnant women are famous for
dropping things in the later months as their joints relax with the
hormones of pregnancy, so . . . )
Confessions
of
a
Neti Pot Convert
I had a persistent sinus infection this season and the thing that
kicked it for me was to do a straight colloidal silver nasal
spray. I bought a empty nasal spray bottle at my local herb
shop and put colloidal silver inside. A couple of sprays in
each nostril a few times a day and it was gone within 4-5
days. This was the BEST thing that I had tried and I won't
hesitate to do this again if I get another sinus infection.
The lady at my herb shop recommended that I do this.
Last year I was on the verge of surgery for repeat sinusitis
infections - I had over 7 courses of antibiotics in less than 6
months. Then I reached out to the group here.
Someone suggested the Grossan sinus rinse machine which you can
get on amazon and it has worked wonders. I have not had a sinus
infection since although I do ritually use it daily. It's $100 but
it is soooo worth it.
It has saved me from surgery and I can't recommend it highly
enough. IMHO it is much better than the manual rinse ones.
Good luck and thank you to the person who recommended it to me.
Between outbreaks of sinusitis, a cleanse (like neti pots or
cleansing machines) are great. Keeping things moving works wonders
in preventing the
actual sinusitis. ONCE you have a sinusitis however, stop
using the neti pot or cleanse, as it will spread the infection
rather than stop it.
Two suggestions you can consider that have worked for me: (Both came from chinese medicine doc's and both worked great for me. One had completely stopped my sinus issues before I had a baby (I'd had chronic issues for years & after doing #2 below they lessened until I didn't have any sinus infections, etc. for over 3-4 years) And the other was from a different TCM doc as after having a child my immune system and everything else took a major nose-dive and I was sick all the time again. I've now not had a sinus infection for about 2/1/2 years after having done #1 below (*the Saccharomyces* *boulardii yeast, which is what florastor is)*
#1Buy florastor and have her sniff it up her nose three times per day (each side, one side at a time, block the opposite nostril while doing it). This doesn't hurt, it smells like fresh bread (because it is a friendly flora yeast) and for me is much more tolerable than saline washes, which I just can't handle and may be hard for a little one. This friendly yeast displaces the pathogenic bacteria which causes the chronic sinusitis.
#2 Go to a REALLY GOOD Chinese Med Doc who sees lots of kids (are you in the bay area? If so consider Randall Neustaedter in the South Bay or Efrem Korngold in the City) and they will customize a brew just for your child.
I've had significantly better success with TCM and my sinuses
than conventional medicine (which with conventional medicine got
to the point where only zithromycin and cipro would work and they
wanted to do sinus surgery - ugh!!!!)
You may want to check into molds. Either outside molds or
inside molds can cause an immune reaction which triggers chronic
sinusitis. Dr Mercola had a write up on his site. SO
strengthening the immune system should help.
Another suggestion.. one that worked for my father who has had
chronic sinus infections since his teens...cutting out all dairy
and beef proteins from your diet. Chronic sinus and phlegm
issues are a common indicator that you have a sensitivity to
dairy.
The concept of a neti pot can be really daunting - I find that it
helps to breathe out a little bit as I'm doing it - just a gentle
outbreath so I don't feel like I'm drowning! Or you can
figure out how to do a glottal stop to block off the backflow down
the throat.
If you're not quite ready for a neti pot yet, try one of the
commercial squeeze bottles of saline solution - avoid the ones
with thimerosal or other mercury compounds. It might be
easiest to try this in the shower the first few times. You
can just spray a fine mist up your nose to moisten the tissues and
help drainage, or you can get fancy and tilt your head back and
actually allow the saline to flow through the back of the nose and
into the throat. This can liberate a lot of gunk that you
can then spit out. As I said, this is all easier in a nice,
warm shower!
I suggest the Grosan nasal irrigation machine. 5 years ago I had
sinus infections all the time--constantly on antibiotics. I
started using this machine and I have not been on an antibiotic
since that day. Honestly it has been 5 years and I have
never felt better.
If you have a chronic sinus infection, consider the possibility
that it may be a yeast
infection. Many of the dietary and lifestyle changes
necessary to overcome vaginal yeast infections may also be
necessary to overcome sinusitis due to yeast.
If you feel like you ARE getting sinus irritation/infection other than just the headache symptoms, (this sounds gross, but it works...) buy some saccharomyces boulardii capsules (that don't have any other herbal things mixed in) open it, put about the same amount as the size of a small dry lentil on your finger, close the other nostril and snort it up in. Do both nostrils. It will smell like bread yeast & isn't as gross to do as it sounds. My Chinese Medicine guy had me do this and it staves off sinus infections really well. From what I understand this stuff is a "good yeast" which takes over the bad yeast, which is often a precursor to enabling a bacterial infection to take hold (??something to that effect, but it works...)
Also, often what I think are sinus headaches are actually
tension, and a chiro adjustment resolves it immediately.
Might want to see if that would help...
Steam Tents - Standing in a warm, moist shower helps a lot, but you can't possibly stand in water that is hot enough to do a good job of fighting a brewing infection. A steam tent allows you to get hot steam up into your sinuses where it counts! It's like putting a hot compress on an infected cut; the heat helps kill the germs, and it increases the bloodflow through the area, bringing more white blood cells to fight the infection, and carrying away the deteriorating infection.
Especially if you think you might be coming down with a sinus
infection, start steam tents right away. Heat a big pot of
water to boiling; while it's boiling, set up your space at a
table. Make sure the table is protected from moisture if
necessary, and have a nice big ceramic bowl ready to receive the
boiling water and a chair ready to pull up to the table.
Have a large, thick towel or beach towel or doubled flannel sheet
ready to make the tent. Make sure there are no children or
animals running around that could cause an accident with a bit pot
of boiling water!!! Oh, and make sure you 've got some
hankies handy, as this will loosen up lots of the congestion, and
it's nice to be ready to blow your nose gently and relieve the
congestion! Then pour the boiling water into the ceramic
bowl, sit in a chair with your head over the steaming bowl, and
use the cloth to make a tent over yourself and the steaming
water. Be judicious in breathing in the steam - don't
breathe it in if it seems dangerously hot. So breathe it in
slowly, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth,
so the hot steamy air can accumulate in your nostrils instead of
being blown out with each breath. You can just do this until
the water gets so cool it's not steaming anymore. Or you can
get fancy and work each side of your nasal passages; block off one
side and breathe in and out through the other. Try breathing
in through the mouth (which can get a bigger gulp of steamy air)
and then gently blow it out one side while blocking the
other. I've heard that yogis can do all sorts of fancy stuff
moving steam and water around their nasal passage. You don't
need to get fancy - you just need to get the steamy air in contact
with the infected mucous membranes as much as possible.
See also: Chiropractic Care
One of my clients said that eating significantly more protein
relieved her headaches and prevented them from returning.
Sometimes headache can be caused by dehydration. As you
become dehydrated, your blood volume drops slightly, and your
blood pressure may rise in accommodation. Well, the
increased blood pressure may break some little capillaries in the
brain which, well, it hurts! If you're prone to headaches,
try staying really well hydrated.
This is so very true. I've had a number of clients who tell
me that their headaches go away if they drink enough water.
Next time you have a headache, try sitting down and drinking
lots and lots of water - more water than you could ever imagine -
5 or 6 glasses. Notice whether your headache gradually gets
better. If so, start a strict regimen of lots of water
intake and you'll soon figure out whether it keeps your headaches
away.
I had never heard of grapeseed extract for headaches prior to
being on the list. I get headaches more frequently than I like (I
had a severe whiplash injury six years ago and residual problems
with my neck seem to be the cause). The remedy I have discovered
lately that I really like is St John's Wort tincture (25 drops)
plus 5 or 6 drops of skullcap for nasty headaches, and a few drops
of valerian if I want to sleep. It does seem to really work. The
other thing that I have found helpful is rubbing a drop of
rosemary oil on my forehead if I can catch the headache early on
before it is too intense. I have also found ice on my neck
helpful, and a product I bought from a chiropractor that one rubs
on sore muscles called Bio-freeze. To my knowledge, all of these
remedies are safe in pregnancy.
Headaches: I suggest lavender, skullcap, and/or feverfew for headaches, during pregnancy or otherwise. What I find most helpful is lavender essential oil, rubbed onto the temples or added to a carrier oil (e.g. olive) as a massage oil. [Ed. - There is some concern that almond oil applied topically may be associated with preterm labor.] This works for me for migraines as well as other headaches. Feverfew is wonderful for migraines and is best used fresh, although good quality capsules are effective too. It may cause mouth ulcers in sensitive people and should be discontinued if this occurs. To help avoid this, when using the fresh leaves, it's suggested that you place a leaf or two between two slices of bread! Skullcap is very relaxing and can help with any sort of nervous or tension headaches. One good idea is to make a small pillow and fill it with dried lavender flowers. Sometimes people with migraines find a heavy eye pillow helpful...you can combine these two ideas by filling your pillow with flax seed or rice /and/ lavender flowers, even adding some lavender oil to the mix. This pillow can also be heated or chilled (microwave/freezer) for more relief and is good for back aches and more. I make a tincture of equal parts lavender and skullcap that works well for most types of headaches too. Massage is helpful for many types of headaches. There are also two acupressure points that may help: one is in the meaty part of the hand, between first finger and thumb. You'll know you've got it if the person winces and jumps in pain! Squeeze as hard as you can without creating unbearable pain, both sides if possible. You can do this to yourself, one side at a time, but it often works better if someone else does it. The second point is right in the center of the top of the head. Sort of between where you'd find the two fontanels! It too will be tender during a headache. Direct pressure or a circular firm massaging pressure can stimulate this point.
If the headaches are tension/nervous headaches the following may be helpful (best drunk daily, not just when there's a problem!):
3 parts lemon balm, 1 part passion flower, 2 parts oat straw, 3 parts chamomile.
If they are fatigue-induced, drinking this daily may help:
3 parts peppermint, 1 part squaw vine, 1 part ginkgo, 1 part gota kola, 1 part raspberry leaf, 1/2 part ginger
For either formula, use 4-6 tablespoons of herb mixture per quart
of water. Place herbs in cold water, bring to a simmer over low
heat, keeping pot covered. Remove immediately and let infuse 20
minutes or longer, keeping covered. Strain and drink. I suggest
making a quart each day and drinking it throughout the day. These
two formulas can be combined into one tea.
See also: Headaches
Magnesium is a great relaxer and can help with migraines.
FDA
Approval: Electrical Nerve Stimulator for Migraine Prevention
[5/1/14 - Medscape CME/CE]
Acupuncture
shown
to
relieve migraines
Medical
Resonance Therapy Music - recognized by the World Health
Organization as the most successful “anti-stress remedy in the
world” at the International Conference “Society, Stress and
Health”. Here's their article on Headaches
and Migraine: Digital Pharmaceutics: Harmonic Help
Taking the cayenne inside the nose helps to open up the blood vessels. This enables the blood to get nutrients to all parts of the brain. To stop a migraine follow these simple steps:
I used too much when I tried it, and my nose burned, my throat
burned, and my eyes watered, but the migraine went away! It was a
pretty nasty one too. At least it's non-pharmaceutical.
I wouldn't call it a non-pharmaceutical at all--merely an
unpublicized pharmaceutical. I intend to start prescribing it, but
first a few details please. First, can you use it after pain has
already started, or must you do it prior to onset of pain during
the "aura?" From your post, it sounds like the pain was already
well underway because you described it as a "pretty nasty one."
Second, does it matter which nostril you use--does it have to be
the nostril on the side of the HA? Third, have you ever tried this
with muscle contraction HA's? All the other migraine treatments I
have ever tried before were also efficacious for muscle
contraction HA's also.
The cayenne can be truly amazing. Basically, you put a few grains of Cayenne on a toothpick and hold one nostril shut and snort it! The grains need to land in the back of the throat. If they land in the nose, it burns and the nose waters, and sometimes you can sniff it in the rest of the way.
Somehow, this opens up blood vessels, and relieves the headaches. It can be repeated if needed - sometimes takes more than one try for me, and it isn't much fun because the Cayenne burns, and the eyes and nose waters, but amazingly, often, the headache will go away.
I have used this at the onset of a migraine, but often after it has been "brewing" for a few hours.
Cayenne taken internally is also very good for migraine
sufferers. It helps regulate circulation. I've known people with
chronically cold hands and feet who began to take Cayenne
regularly, who say their feet and hands stay warm now. The hands
and feet often become very cold with a migraine, as well.
CAPSULES, CAPSULES!!!
For immediate treatment of a migraine you sniff (snort) a couple
of grains, until they hit the back of your throat. Your nose and
throat will burn a little, and your eyes will water, but that's
the worst of it.
Coenzyme Q10 deficiency and response to supplementation in
pediatric and adolescent migraine.
Hershey AD, Powers SW, Vockell AL, Lecates SL, Ellinor PL, Segers
A, Burdine D, Manning P, Kabbouche MA.
Headache. 2007 Jan;47(1):73-80.
CONCLUSIONS: Deficiency of CoQ10 may be common in pediatric and
adolescent migraine. Determination of deficiency and consequent
supplementation may result in clinical improvement. Further
analysis involving more scientifically rigorous methodology will
be required to confirm this observation.
You can get visual migranes, and these can present in pregnancy
for the first time – you don’t need a headache to have a migrane.
I had visual migranes in my last pregnancy and have never had one
before or since. It involved loosing patches of vision – I would
be looking at someone and they had no middle – most bizarre. I got
investigated, but basically said it was fairly normal and nothing
to be done about it. [Ed.: This assumes that you have ruled out
pre-eclampsia.]
This could also be caused by low blood sugar.
See also: Food Allergies
A tablespoon or so of swallowed chia gel chases away heartburn
"in a matter of seconds." Chia seeds are also a great source
of fiber and omega-3s. (If you take 0.4 ounces per day, you'll be
getting about 1500 mg of omega-3s, which is about the right amount
of supplementation that won't make the baby's head too big.
) [from Nutrition
- Chia - ... far more than just a furry green "pet"!]
Gut
Health
=
Great Health!: Why Healthy Gut Function is Essential for Overall
Health by Dr. Douglas Husbands
from "Tricks of the Trade" Midwifery Today, Spring, 2009
Acid
Blockers
for
Mom During Pregnancy Increase Baby's Risk of Asthma: Presented
at AAAAI
March 24, 2008 -- Taking acid-blocking medications for heartburn
associated with pregnancy increases the baby's risk of developing
asthma by more than 50%.
Heartburn is one of those things where you may be just a little out of balance with your acid / alkaline status. Some people find that eating citrus makes the heartburn worse. Other people find that taking alkaline supplements or relaxants can make it worse. For example, you might be taking something to help with asthma, anxiety or some other high-acid condition. You may need to experiment to find the level that's ideal for you.
Or you might try focusing on your systemic pH to find the level
that's ideal for you. Good luck!
Heartburn – there's a difference between gastritis, hiatal hernia
and indigestion Do you want to block stomach acid or heal
stomach lining? Many women, pregnant or not, get relief from
heartburn with appropriate digestive enzymes. PLEASE,
be cautious with ANTACIDS (including nexium, zantac, pepcid, tums,
rolaids…) If you can afford it, it's best to be working with
a knowledgeable enzyme therapist, but if you can't afford it, you
can always start with simple digestive enzymes such as papaya;
this is especially helpful if you're having obvious signs of
digestive difficulty, such as sour stomach after eating or
intestinal bloating. If the digestive enzymes don't help,
you may have gastritis - inflamed stomach lining; a good treatment
for this is DGL,
De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice, which helps to heal the
stomach lining.
This
excellent
explanation
of heartburn also proposes the most sensible remedy I've
ever seen - Cell Tech's Contain
supplement. [pdf
document]
Pregnancy
folklore
revisited:
the case of heartburn and hair.
Costigan KA, Sipsma HL, DiPietro JA.
Birth. 2006 Dec;33(4):311-4.
CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to expectations, it appears that an
association between heartburn severity during pregnancy and
newborn hair does exist. We propose a shared biologic mechanism
involving a dual role of pregnancy hormones in both the relaxation
of the lower esophageal sphincter and the modulation of fetal hair
growth.
Chocolate, wine and spicy foods may be OK for heartburn
NOTE - It's not clear whether this research result applies to pregnant women.
Are
lifestyle
measures
effective in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease? An
evidence-based approach.
Kaltenbach T, Crockett S, Gerson LB.
Arch Intern Med. 2006 May 8;166(9):965-71.
"Although there was physiologic evidence that exposure to
tobacco, alcohol, chocolate, and high-fat meals decreases lower
esophageal sphincter pressure, there was no published evidence of
the efficacy of dietary measures. Neither tobacco nor alcohol
cessation was associated with improvement in esophageal pH
profiles or symptoms (evidence B). Head of bed elevation and left
lateral decubitus position improved the overall time that the
esophageal pH was less than 4.0 (evidence B). Weight loss improved
pH profiles and symptoms (evidence B). Weight loss and head of bed
elevation are effective lifestyle interventions for GERD."
Organic
Herbal
Tea
for Pregnancy Heartburn at Earth Mama Angel Baby -
this is new, and I'd like to get feedback about it. If you
use this, please
e-mail me about your results with it. Thanks!
Gastro-esophageal
Reflux
Disease
(GERD) from Cyberounds
Boiron
Acidil
Homeopathic
Medicine for Heartburn or sour stomach
Some people say that drinking peppermint tea can exacerbate
heartburn because it relaxes smooth muscle.
I was one that the almonds also pretty much did the trick, but
also always had my bed elevated and ensured that I didn't drink
the majority of my water in the evening. Just reading in
another birth article, a homeopath suggested a couple of things:
Magnesia phosphorica and Carbo vegetabilis, says to dissolve the
Mag phos in water and sip. What she states did the trick for
her was charcoal in capsule form (not homeopathic, but was
all that worked for her!).
For some people, eating certain foods will prevent or cure
heartburn. Try eating just the soft inside of French bread,
or drinking Perrier. Or try eating yogurt before going to
bed at night, if that's when heartburn is worst for you.
If you want a really fast antacid that works, seek and ye shall
find. The current crop of TV ads for help from heartburn can't
hold a candle to the pills and plants mentioned in the Bible,
suggests the U.S. Department of Agriculture's top plant
researcher. For instance, to block the burn, make a salad using
these plants mentioned in the Bible: almond, chicory, dandelion,
garlic, lettuce, mustard, olives, onions and walnuts.
For heartburn during pregnancy: Chew a few pieces of diced papaya before meals. Papaya tablets are also safe-just follow the directions.
The best way to handle heartburn, however, is to prevent it. No super-spicy meals, eat small meals more frequently, bananas soothe the stomach, do not lie down after a meal but try walking or moving your body a bit. The sphincter muscle at the top of your stomach relaxes right along with all the rest of your body to soften up for birthing, and food/stomach acid can get pushed up. This is where the burning part comes in.
Another handy little remedy is slippery elm throat lozenges
available from health food stores. Slippery elm bark is safe for
pregnancy and it soothes the stomach, but take it only if/when the
above suggestions do not work.
There are many alternatives to over-the-counter or prescription
drugs to treat heartburn. For the acidity, bloating, and
occasional nausea of heartburn and gastric reflux, use homeopathic
Robina as the label directs for relief.
If you don't have a problem eating dairy, you might find that
milk works wonders for your heartburn.
Kal Enzyme Gum. You can buy it in small packages or large
bottles. The mother can take it before and after meals or anytime
needed.
Raw celery. Calcium pills, papaya.
Slowly eating raw almonds and/or sitting up tall and flapping the
arms up and down like a bird (high enough that the hands meet
above the head).
I recommend chewing raw cashews until they are a paste in the
mouth and then swallowing. Also, small sips of Perrier water
sometimes does the trick.
While on the subject of heartburn etc.... How about discussing
some other 'helps". Calcium pills, and papaya have already been
mentioned.... Has anyone had success with the old time apple-cider
vinegar cure? (Just take a teaspoon of the stuff -if you can stand
it straight.. Or put it with a little honey in a little hot water,
and drink like tea). The idea behind it is that "acid stomach" may
actually be an "alkaline" condition and acid like vinegar might
help...... Several of my clients have gotten quick relief with
vinegar....(odd as it sounds [grin])
I found candied ginger. papaya enzyme and enzyme gum at my local health food store. Bought some to try on myself before recommending to pregnant women.
I understand raw almonds work well too. Can't you just shred
ginger into hot water an make a tea. I think like anything, too
much can be a problem, but I understand it does help with nausea
and heartburn.
I have used this remedy for so many years that I can't remember
where it came from. It seems to have helped even the most
difficult and stubborn cases. One tablespoon of liquid chlorophyll
(I prefer the mint, which might also help) to two tablespoons aloe
vera juice taken 1/2 hour before meals. It can be mixed in juice
or water if necessary. It usually only has to be taken twice a
day.
Take 200mg B6 per day.
Increase water intake (more than 2 qts./day).
Check air conditioning, etc. for mold in filters.
Take extra folic acid (800-1600 mcg beyond what's in a standard
prenatal
vitamin).
Take 200 mcg. chromium picolinate.
Increase all B vitamins.
Wear a good pair of UV blocking sunglasses when outside.
Avoid fluorescent lighting.
Papaya is available without calcium carbonate...or how about
fresh papaya? Another trick that I have used with great success is
aloe vera juice (2tabl) combined with liquid chlorophyll MINT (1
tabl) taken 1/2 hour before meals. Usually its only necessary
twice a day, if that. If ladies are getting the heartburn at
night, I tell them to try it before the evening meal. It was a
recipe given to me by a naturopath and certainly cures heartburn.
One thing that works for some women is chewing gum after meals
(peppermint sounds good to most). This increases the flow of
saliva and helps dilute the stomach acid. Make sure you are
drinking plenty of fluids too. I hope this helps! Janet
I can definitely relate to wanting TO EAT while pregnant. What
helped me the most with heartburn was papaya tablets (usually in
vitamin sections even in supermarkets) and any kind of bubbly
water -- Perrier, seltzer, etc. I think that I drank it just about
every day in the last few months of my pregnancy. Hope that this
helps!
Here are some things that did seem to help:
When I was pregnant with twins I had terrible heartburn. I used
green apples, just nibble on them whenever you get it
If the heartburn is interfering with your sleep, you might try
sleeping on a foam wedge pillow that supports you at about a
30-degree angle, so the acid stays down in your stomach! No,
this isn't the same as "sleeping on your back", which is rarely a
problem anyway. Dr.
Leonard's offers a Bed
Rest Wedge for $18.99 or $29.99, depending on height.
2011: Easy Comforts carries a Comfort
Wedge foam pillow
There are more expensive memory
foam
wedge
pillows.
2012: The
Feel Good Store offers a standard dual-position folding Comfort
Foam Wedge, a lower graduated Sleep
Wedge or a Memory
Foam Adjustable Leg Wedge.
Birth. 2006 Dec;33(4):311-4. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-536X.2006.00128.x.
Conclusions: Contrary to expectations, it appears that an association between heartburn severity during pregnancy and newborn hair does exist.
For the past week, my client has been experiencing a burning sensation on her skin, especially in a band of skin 2 inches wide underneath her breasts. The pain feels like it is isolated to her skin, and there are no visible marks of a rash or irritation on her skin at all. It seems to hurt more when she is sitting or lying down. Putting on cream/lotion helps for a little while but then the pain comes back. Moving or adjusting her position sometimes helps, sometimes not. Leaving her skin exposed, especially to cool air also seems to help.
I have heard of this and to some extent had it happen to me when I was pregnant with my second baby - so I can tell you its a really strange feeling and although not painful for me I could tell it could get painful as it is like an electrical shock sensation across the top of the baby/fundus.
I think it it originates from a Muscular/Skeletal issue as opposed to the baby pushing up though although I have never seen it in early pregnancy and it is only when the baby gets up there that the sensation comes. You didn't tell us how pregnant your client is but I suspect at least 32 weeks. Not sure why some women get this and some don't but I would certainly check in with a Chiropractor and if that doesn't work then try acupuncture. It does go away and is quite similar to the floating ribs having to be pushed out of the way so it may be related to that also happening at the same time?
Hope the Chiropractor works for her and if not when the baby
drops it may get better.
I had this also with one (or two) of mine. An exquisitely
sensitive area across the very top of my fundus. It was very
uncomfortable for even clothing to brush over it. I chalked
it up to stretched/irritated nerve endings.
PEOP - Polymorphic Eruption of Pregnancy
formerly called
PUPPP - Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (IHCP) is characterized by intense generalized pruritus (itching) during pregnancy without a primary skin lesion. This page has a nice little differential diagnosis guide.
Intra-Hepatic
Cholestasis of Pregnancy - An account of coping with ICP and
actually reversing the disease through non-pharmaceutical
treatments.
Intensely
Pruritic
Eruption
on the Abdomen of a Pregnant Woman [Medscape registration is
free]
Pruritic
Urticarial
Papules
and Plaques of Pregnancy - created by a woman who had PUPPP
with her first pregnancy and wanted to help other women in the
same situation. You can help increase knowledge about this
very difficult condition by taking the PUPPP
Survey. You may also want to join the PUPPP Yahoo Group.
What Is Obstetric Cholestasis? - by Natalie Forbes Dash ,
Homebirth Access Sydney , Blue Mountains Homebirth Support, online
at BirthLove [backup copy]
[Ed: birthlove.com is not available at this time.]
Intrahepatic
Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Pruritic
Eruptions
of
Pregnancy
This can be a miserable condition, but obstetrics doesn't seem to
have many suggestions other than induction. If some of the
remedies below work for you, please, please, please send me feedback
so we can increase our knowledge base about this condition and
natural remedies. Thank you!
Actually, a lot of people are 'unfamiliar' with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and are therefore also 'unfamiliar' with the potential associated risks. BTW Not just any itching but particularly itchy palmar surfaces of the hands and feet in late 2nd/3rd trimester is a cardinal symptom combined with confirmation of abnormal blood work. In any event, ICP usually manifests in those persons with a previously unappreciated genetically-mediated predisposition, and with all due respect to those with varying opinions and approaches towards this condition, the fact is it can ultimately pose moderate to severe risk to the fetus depending on the severity to which it is affecting the mother.
'Clinical studies clearly show that when obstetric cholestasis
complicates pregnancies it may lead to premature births in up to
60%, fetal distress in up to 33%, and intrauterine death in up to
2% of patients. The cause of fetal death is acute anoxia.
Unfortunately, this diagnosis can be easily 'delayed' as it takes
up to 2 weeks after a woman presents for care AND an astute
practitioner orders testing to determine bile acids levels.
Ultimately, confirmation of this condition does open the door for
'interventions' in pregnancy but then it also increases risk
status and could justify those 'interventions' as necessary and
appropriate. That said, I think it would probably be wise to offer
care for women with this condition through a combination of
modalities including collaborative evidence-based obstetrical
and/or midwifery monitoring in conjunction with complementary and
alternative treatments. The aforementioned link is a good resource
for more detailed information on this disease.
I have had severe Intrahepatic Cholestasis of pregnancy with all
three of my pregnancies beginning in 1989.My doctors have tried
dozens of medicines including Phenobarbitol,Atarax,Promethazine
and Questran( and many,many others) nothing has ever given me much
relief. My doctor has now prescribed me "Actigal" his reasoning
was that since gallstones are made up of bile salts and that is
the cause of my itching and Actigal breaks down gallstones it may
work and it has!! I am going on my second week with Actigal and I
feel 75% better! No medicine has even come close and it supposedly
works even better after 3 weeks.I really hope that this
information can help someone else suffering as I have.It is rather
expensive costing almost $3.00 a pill(in my area anyway) but well
worth it!
There's some thinking that PUPPPs and other toxicoses of late pregnancy are associated with fetal hypoxia, meaning that the fetus isn't getting enough oxygen for some reason. (I would encourage a good ultrasound to check the condition of the placenta before pursuing any other alternative therapies!) Apparently chlorophyll was supposed to be a remedy for fetal hypoxia.
[Antioxidants
in
the
combined therapy of late pregnancy toxicoses and chronic fetus
hypoxia].
Ailamazian EK
Akush Ginekol (Mosk) 1991 Mar;(3):30-4
[Antihypoxic
effect
of
chlorophylly and the method for its clinical use in maternal and
fetal tissue hypoxia].
Shramkevych AF, Sol's'kyi IP, Rozumenko MB
Pediatr Akush Ginekol 1979 Sep-Oct;(5):55
I have the rash now for 3 weeks............miserable 3 weeks. I was determined to get relief. My doctors wanted to do all sorts of creams and ointments. None worked. Benadryl made me sleepy and I was not going to use steroid creams.
I went to a homeopathic DR. and within 4 days the rash is just a
faint memory. No itching, a little tenderness but I can sleep. I
also have to say that Heat is your friend! A hot shower and i mean
hot, let the water sit on one place at a time. The pain is
immense, then the itch that is the worse then just wait, the
relief. It draws out the inflammation and when you go and lay
down, let it air dry. The bumps go down and then just light pink.
Relief for several hours. The homeopathic DR. gave me some stuff
that i put on it when it would flare up. Now it is gone.
I had a rash early in pregnancy that didn't respond to the usual
treatments. Then I started taking Evening Primrose Oil for
its natural prostaglandins and EFAs, and that worked!
I've seen Hypericum perforatum (Saint John's Wort) oil work well on the rash during pregnancy. It has a local anesthetic effect which really decreases the itching. And, it promotes healing by preventing secondary infection...
Black cohosh infusion applied topically has a history of treating
the itching of poison oak and ivy.
Something that some of my clients have had success with for the
PUPPPS rash is Hemp Cream from the body shop.
Severe pregnancy rash indicates kidney and liver stress even if
it's not registering on a lab test. Topical treatments may
be mildly soothing but largely ineffective. She needs
support to gently detox the reticuloendothelial system. I
might try dandelion or milk thistle capsules or a homeopathic
liver formula.
At the end(last 2 days) of my 2nd pregnancy I began getting a
rash on legs and abdomen. By several days after birth I was
totally miserable with it. The family practice dr. said it was
PUPPP - some kind of rash with pregnancy. Have any of you had it
and if so do you know of ways to get rid of(or avoid) it without
using steroid cream? I'm 32 weeks into my 3rd pregnancy. No sign
of it yet but I was told that it often gets worse with subsequent
pregnancies.
This has a few names..."pruritic pustules of pregnancy" or
"pruritic urticaria of postpartum"...according to a couple of docs
who have dx'd women I have worked with. Apparently due to
hormones...some women get it, some don't, it doesn't necessarily
continue to occur in the same woman for subsequent pregnancies,
though it can. Benadryl is usually the allopathic treatment.
There is a fairly rare (for this country anyway) condition called cholestasis of pregnancy that could be the cause of severe itching. It usually begins in the third trimester, but can occur earlier. It supposedly begins with the itch and then jaundice develops, but I have seen a case where no jaundice developed. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels will rise as well as bilirubin and bile acids (which cause the itching). The management is to control the itch with Benadryl. Also I read that cholestyramine is helpful but don't know anything about that.
Hope this is helpful. Maybe some others have some great itching
remedies besides oatmeal baths. I could use some more in my own
bag of tricks.
Another important fact about cholestasis is that it has been linked to intrauterine fetal demise in some (rare) instances. Many providers feel that women who have been diagnosed with this condition should be monitored with weekly or biweekly NST's (nonstress tests), and some believe that an AFI (amniotic fluid index) with each NST is a wise precaution, as well.
This really is a miserable condition. The women who have it
suffer from incessant itching, even inside their noses and on
other mucous membranes. Since it is caused by the build up of bile
salts in their blood, topical treatments don't really do any good
at all.
Why do bile salts "build up" in the blood? Is there something one
can do to counteract this? My midwife friend has her mother doing
things like red clover, dandelion root and other liver stuff.
I have used homeopathic Apis with good results, one friend just
tried it and it worked, her doctor said she would just have to
suffer.
Well, I'm not an expert on this condition by any means. When I
see it or suspect it, I consult with a physician. According to Williams'
Obstetrics (yes, the one with copious amounts of male
chauvinism and some very good information), it's an idiopathic
(meaning they don't have a clue why) condition which appears to be
genetically influenced as it is most common is some ethnic groups
(Scandinavians and a particular group of Native Americans in
Chile!). The bile acids don't get cleared properly from the liver
tissues. There's no inflammation or overgrowth of liver cells,
just stasis. Some researchers have recommended giving
cholestyramine, a drug which binds bile acids and helps the mother
excrete them, and others have found that it doesn't do much good
and may disturb fat soluble vitamin transport. Some researchers
have found more of an association with fetal demise than others.
Some have found an increased risk of preterm labor. The
recommendation in Williams' is that you induce after the fetal
lungs are mature. I don't think there is enough data to know
whether any particular herbal regimen would be efficacious. It's a
rare enough condition that it would be hard to gather the numbers.
There are several conditions that can cause "pregnancy itch": papular dermatitis of pregnancy, prurigo gestationis, pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy, and pruritis gravidarum. There are different lab tests that can be done to R/O or differentiate if a woman is suffering from any/or which of the above.
Papular dermatitis of pregnancy: will abate with delivery or during the early PP period; but may recur in subsequent pregnancies. Initial reports regarding an increased fetal loss associated with the dermatologic condition are controversial. It's a rare condition with unknown etiology.
Prurigo gestationis: also unknown etiology occurring 2% of pregnancies. Will spontaneously regress after delivery but may take up to 3 months and recur with subsequent pregnancies. No known associated maternal or fetal complications.
PUPPP: Unknown etiology that begins in 3rd trimester and slowly regresses during the 1st few wks PP. It's observed primarily in primigravidas and recurrence in subsequent pregnancies rare. There are no adverse maternal, fetal, or neonatal effects associated.
Pruritis gravidarum: Very common cause of pregnancy itch and due to intrahepatic cholestasis with the accumulation of bile salts. Jaundice may develop. There is an increased incidence of preterm labor and LBW babies with women who developed the cholestatic jaundice; but overall maternal and fetal mortality rates have not been affected by this condition. Regression occurs shortly after delivery.
I had a client last year that had the itch. Did all of the
recommended labs, which didn't reveal anything. Benadryl, oatmeal
baths, etc. did nothing for relief, she couldn't sleep. Referred
her to an OB to make sure I wasn't missing something, but he
couldn't figure it out either. She finally found something on her
own that helped: Aquathor, looks like Vaseline and she found it at
Costco.
My most recent client had what I think was PUPPP (Pruritic Urticarial Papules and Plaques of Pregnancy). Violently itchy, she said she felt like she was going to go crazy it itched so much. It looked just like the online pictures I found of it, seemed to fit the descriptions I've found. So I tried her on dandelion root tinctured in cider vinegar that I had just decanted. I was very lucky I made this tincture, as she will take no alcohol, even if you put it in water and let it evaporate, it is a religious thing. I like dandelion root in vinegar anyway- seems to extract well, plus you can take it with oil on your salad, more fun than taking droppers full of it! Anyway, after 8 days on it, her itchiness and rash went completely away! She is thrilled and I am thrilled. Especially because the cases I've heard of with PUPPP, usually it doesn't go away until after delivery. Granted, I'm not a dermatologist, maybe it was something else. But it would be cool if women could take dandelion tincture instead of cortisone creams (and occasionally prednisone is prescribed) for this condition. Might be a fun research topic.
For anyone curious, I used fall-dug dandelion root, tinctured in cider vinegar for 3 months (because I forgot to decant at 6 weeks). Fall dandelion root is supposed to have a tonifying effect on the liver and kidneys, spring root is more of a cleansing action. She took a dropper 3 times a day, noticed the rash lessening after day 3 or 4, rash and itching all gone on day 8. If anyone has a client with PUPPP and decides to try this treatment, let me know how it works!
Also, the site I found with pictures of PUPPP is Dermatology
Online Atlas. It is pretty cool, they have
pictures of all kinds of skin conditions, and also have a
differential diagnosis page for each, where they list other
conditions that are similar, with links to pictures of them.
It was very helpful in figuring out my client's rash.
Wishgarden Herbal Tinctures has a formula for liver strengthening
that works wonders. It contains motherwort, watercress,
yellow dock and dandelion root. Their number is :
303-516-1803
I had success treating a client with PUPPP with Dandelion root
tincture - a dropperful in some warm water 3 times a day.
Symptoms lessened by day 3, were gone by day 8 of treatment.
Dandelion has a tonifying effect on the liver, and PUPPP has been
attibuted to liver problems in pregnancy, so it makes sense as a
treatment. Other treatment options are Benadryl, steroid
creams and oral steroids. Dandelion tincture sounds quite
mild next to those, yes? I've heard of people whose doctors
induced them because they were going mad with the itching, and it
usually doesn't go away until after the birth. My client
said it was 10 times worse than poison ivy itch.
I'm at 36 weeks gest and am dealing with (probably) the
same. I've been doing 8 hour infusions of burdock root,
dandelion root, echinacea root and yellow dock root - 1/4 cup
4x/day. I'm also on day three of treatment and it seems to
be greatly improved.
I had severe puppps in my 34th week of my twin pregnancy.
Every book/article that I read, and my doctor said they wouldn't
go away until after I delivered. I luckily found your web site,
and your information saved me. As recommended, I used the
alcohol-free dandelion drops and the Aquafor lotion from Costco.
They went away after 7 days. In addition, I also used the aveedo
oatmeal bath soaks. Now, I find that my skin is dry, so I have
been soaking in the Aveedo bath oil.
Tip for making an oatmeal bath: Toss a handful of oatmeal in an
old sock or stocking, tie the top and chuck it in the bath water.
Works like a giant tea bag and is a great way to get herbs etc.
into the bath without gunking up the plumbing.
A woman on another list had this and said that she used Florasone
homeopathic cream for itching and it worked really well for
her. So that might be worth a try.
I have a friend who also had PUPPP and she saw a homeopath.
She took apis mellifica. Perhaps you have a homeopathic
practitioner in your area. The remedies are specific to the
symptoms so a remedy for one person for the same disorder may
actual be a different remedy for another person because the
symptoms are slightly different for the same disorder.
Once I started wearing low cut undies and looser clothes so they
weren't rubbing on my belly, it helped immensely, and the rash
mostly went away. I have had a very itchy belly with all of my
pregnancies, though, and as I recall, calendula cream helped to
stop the itching.
I have found, at least for me personally, that pregnancy rash is associated with a lack of essential fatty acids in the diet. While I am pregnant, my need for EFAs increases. If I am not paying careful attention, I develop a rash that itches with an intensity that surpasses poison ivy (which I also have only had while pregnant). To counteract this, I take either cod liver oil or flaxseed oil capsules. The relief comes within hours. I continue taking this for the remainder of my pregnancy and for a short period of time postpartum.
Externally I have used a pregnancy massage oil recipe from a book entitled Herbs and Healing by Kathy Keville. It contains Vitamin E, almond or olive oil, cocoa butter and lavender for "scenting." However, the key for me remains to increase my fatty acids. [Ed. - There is some concern that almond oil applied topically may be associated with preterm labor.]
I was diagnosed with PUPPP at 20 weeks of pregnancy. I was
covered in the rash from my neck down to my thighs. It was
so itchy that I could barely function. I could not sleep and
was constantly bleeding everywhere from scratching so much.
My OB and my dermatologist said to take benadryl and steroid cream
to help ease the itch. They both also said that nothing
could be done to get rid of the rash and that I would just have to
deal with it until after I delivered. Needless to say, The
thought of 20 more weeks of hell and taking antihistamines and
steroids were just unacceptable to me. I saw a naturopathic
doctor who related the rash to some extreme stress I had been
experiencing. She determined that my liver was weakened due
to the emotional stress and sought to treat that. Topically,
I used calendula cream. This was ok but then I switched to
GOLD BOND lotion (found at any drugstore) which really worked well
for me. I was given homeopathic remedies, namely essential
fatty acids (for the dry skin), Hepaticol (for the liver) and
sulphur for the itch. I took very small doses (a few drops
under the tongue 3 times a day) for about a week and the rash
COMPLETELY vanished!! Strangely though, the itch lingered
around even though the rash was no longer visible. The itch
eventually disappeared by around my 25th week. I am now in
my 38th week - rash and itch free. Every day I am so
grateful that I was able to get rid of the rash. It was the
most agonizing experience while it lasted. So, my main
advice, seek the advice of a naturopathic or a holistic doctor in
addition to speaking to your OB and dermatologist. It
certainly worked for me!
I tried Benadryl and over the counter cortisone and had no
relief. I went to my doctor and was prescribed Claritin and
Eloncon cream. In addition I started taking colloidal
oatmeal baths with baking powder and baking soda twice a
day. I stopped using anything on my skin except for the
prescription cream. I also changed detergent to Dreft and
stopped using softener and dryer sheets. The condition has
definitely turned around and is much more manageable within in 2-3
days of the above changes. I'm not sure what attributed to
the change but I have noticed if I stop taking the Claritin or
using the cream, the rash seems to come back.
As a GP and acupuncturist, I wanted to share that citrus fruits
especially oranges can significantly aggravate PUPPP, as can other
acidic foods. And acupuncture is very effective at relieving
itch!
I was diagnosed with PUPPPs in my stretch marks at 28
weeks. At 34 weeks it had spread to the rest of my body, and
by 36 weeks I could not sleep at all. Realizing that the
steroid creams and antihistamines weren't helping, I started to
look for other solutions. I tried patch tests with every
lotion, cream, and ointment I had in my medicine cabinet.
Most creams and lotions provided some relief for an hour or so,
but to my surprise, Miconazole made a lasting difference. I
never would have associated PUPPPs with yeast because I'd never
seen such a thing on my skin. It made sense though-- I'd
been craving yogurt for quite some time, and yogurt is great for
yeast infections. Plus I realized that the rash had started
just two weeks after I'd been put on an antibiotic for Strep, and
I only get yeast infections when I've been on antibiotics.
Anyhow the rash cleared up right away. I ran out of miconazole,
but I'm still using lots of yogurt and am also taking dandelion
root. Even rubbing plain yogurt on my skin makes it feel
better. I hope this solution will help others as much as its
helped me. [If you also find a connection between taking
antibiotics and developing PUPPPs or other indications that it's
related to yeast, please send me
feedback. Thanks!]
I am 20 weeks pregnant and have been diagnosed with PUPPPs.
Started taking prescription antihistamine this weekend and finding
some relief. Rash started about 1 1/2 weeks after taking a
large dose of antibiotics for a teeth cleaning. I have a
heart condition, mitral valve prolapse which requires antibiotics
during surgery or when bacteria can enter my system.
I am suffering from PUPPP at 39 weeks. It began about 1 1/2 weeks
ago in my stretch marks & has spread to my arms, back, breasts
& upper thighs. I have been prescribed chloropheniramine
tablets & hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itching. They
are not working (& I don't really like taking them, preferring
to avoid drugs). Neither are calomine lotion or calendula cream. I
took a course of antibiotics/penicillin 2 1/2 weeks
ago after a cat bite. This condition began at the time the course
finished.
I developed PUPPPS in my 17 week (only a few spots, here and
there at first. I thought it was flea bites). Now at 22
weeks I have about 30 spots spread all over. My OB/GYn
diagnosed it as PUPPPS. I had taken antibiotics twice before
my pupps started. Although I have rarely had bladder
infections in my life, when pregnant the first trimester I got two
bladder infections. After the second bladder infection the
Doctor prescribed antibiotics (I don't remember which one). I
thought I took my antibiotics much earlier before my Puppps
started, but when I just went back in my calendar to look, my
antibiotics were prescribed on May 8 for seven days, the pupps
started around May 14 or 15!
I just wanted to say that this website was a life saver for
me. I got your link from my sister-in-law's sister-in-law
after I came down with the horrible rash. My midwife told me
that this rash is just something that some pregnant women get and
some don't. Also, that there was nothing that they could do
for me other than keep me comfortable and that it would probably
spread to my thighs, arms, etc. I tried everything!
Cortizone cream, gold bond, calamine lotion, corn starch, baking
soda, cider vinegar, oatmeal baths, benadryl, zyrtek and anything
else that anyone would suggest to me. I finally started
taking dandelion root last Monday. By Tuesday night I had
already started noticing the difference. Now, exactly one
week later, the rash is now a very light pink and doesn't itch
anymore. I cannot emphasize enough how much I appreciate
knowing this information. I missed two days of work because
of this rash and three nights of sleep. I actually was
considering calling my midwife to see if I could be induced.
I am so glad this information was sent to me. My
suggestion--start taking the dandelion root immediately. I
take two pills, three times a day. You will notice the
difference within two to three days after starting the
pills. Good luck!
I have had violent, itchy PUPPP for most of my 3rd trimester. No over the counter or prescription has worked to rid me of it, from corticosteroid to caladryl. Any topical treatment would work for a night or two, then lose effectiveness. Sarna, a lotion from the drugstore, numbed it, but lost efficacy. Ice packs helped a bit.
Finally something did help more deeply: acupuncture. In tandem with acupuncture, modify the diet to lots of melons (waste removal/filter aids) and NO fried foods, or foods that generate heat, such as onion and cayenne. The idea with the acupuncture is to liberate stagnant energy so that your immune system can handle the fetal cells causing the allergy. The idea with diet is to untax your digestive system so your immune system has more resources to do its job.
Acupuncture helped to: relieve the depression, remove the
burn-like patches of red, raised welts all over my legs, and
alleviate the itching. But after I stopped, PUPPP returned, albeit
in a weakened state. The rash presents less contiguously, more
patchily and the itch is not quite as violent (not itching till I
bleed, e.g.), though still there.
I've had an itchy back (with no rash) and an itchy neck (with
rash) since early in pregnancy but have only in the last couple of
weeks (currently at 30 weeks) developed a rash on the inside of my
forearms. I was prescribed an antibiotic a couple of months ago
and since then have had thrush despite treatment.
I had thought the two unrelated but perhaps they aren't. I've also
noticed that the rash on my arms has become worse as I stopped
taking linseed on my cereal as the dairy was not advised with iron
tablets.
We had a client who was negative foe ICP and was head to toe
miserable with itching/rash. She went to Derm and had a biopsy and
was told it was 100% PUPPS. We were surprised as it was not a
typical presentation.
If symptomatic you should keep testing bile acids weekly, itching usually precedes the labs showing it.
Thorne
has a questionnaire to help you choose the right sleep support
for your trimester and other personalized factors.
NOTE - Caffeine normally has a half-life in plasma of 3-7 hours;
this increases approximately twofold in women who are in the later
stages of pregnancy. If you find yourself having more
difficulty sleeping later in pregnancy, you may need to reduce
your caffeine intake by at least half or move it to earlier in the
day.
One of my clients said this was very helpful to her! It's
reminiscent of the guided imagery sleep stories for children,
which can be very effective.
Pregnant
and struggling to sleep? Read on….. [9th February 2016] by
Maggie Howell
These can be more expensive, but beds with individually wrapped
coils will keep one person's movements from disturbing another;
this is especially helpful for the dad in the postpartum months,
when mom is moving around at night to nurse the baby. \
Peaceful
Sleep Now CD from HypnoBabies
Dr. Mercola's Guide
to
a
Good Night’s Sleep.
DO'S
and
DON'TS
for poor sleepers
Dr. Susan Lark used to offer
a Muti Spritzer Oil called Peaceful Night. "This calming, tranquil
blend of lavender, chamomile, orange, and other essential oils
will help relax and soothe you before bedtime. Just spray
the oil a few times on your sheets, clothing, or skin. Then close
your eyes while the soothing smell enters your nasal passages.
Take deep, calming breaths as the scent travels through your
limbic system to your brain where it helps you feel deeply
relaxed."
Sweet
Dreams!
Getting
a Good Night’s Sleep in Pregnancy - a homeopathic approach
Having
Trouble Staying Asleep? By Hallie Levine from Consumer
Reports Health [9/5/19] - 5 strategies to help you fix frequent
nighttime awakenings
I have had success with a couple of things. Passion Flower
capsules (help to calm the hyperactive mind) and then a combo of
skullcap and california poppy (both in tincture form by Herb
Pharm). I take a 1/2 dropper full of each (skullcap and
poppy) to equal 1 full dropper. I take a full dropper of
each if I feel really wound up. Coffea Cruda has also helped
a bit, but I think I have most success w/ the tinctures.
Acupuncture can also help and there are particular spots that help
w/ sleep.
Extra padding underneath you can really help. If you can
afford a really high-end bed like a Duxiana . . . great. A
more moderate solution is The BedCozy Cuddle Ewe
Underquilt™ - a wool mattress topper. Or you might
want to try a relatively inexpensive Visco-Elastic
Comfort
Zone®
Mattress Topper and Pillow, along with a Contour™
Leg Pillow , although you should know that these "memory
foam" products, as with many other foam products, are made from
urethane or polyurethane, which can cause health problems. (I
would avoid these completely during the first half of the
pregnancy, and stop using them if you notice any ill
effects.). Or you could just use a sleeping bag that adds
extra cushioning underneath you.
Acupressure point for insomnia - Place the index and
middle finger of your left hand on the inside of your right wrist,
three finger-widths below the crease of your wrist. Do this
while you are seated comfortably. Press gently and hold this
position for up to 3 minutes, and then release. Switch hands and
repeat.
Have her take a couple cal/mag citrate before bed. It's worked
wonders in the past.
For women who are waking to empty their bladder in the middle of
the night, they might try taking a warm bath right before
bed. This will move some of the fluid out of their tissues
and help them get rid of some body fluids before they fall
asleep. During the night, some of the fluid that would
otherwise end up as urine will migrate back into the tissues
instead.
last time i had a client with insomnia it turned out her
diet was way too low in protein. have her keep a food diary
and comment on the nights sleep. also could be a food
allergy.
I love Valerian for sleeplessness, but even moreso, I love this
homeopathic combination tonic by Boericke & Tafel
called...ALFALCO. Ah, it is wonderful for sweet slumber
without that drowsy feeling that too much Valerian can give.
I think lavender oil is just great...esp if it follows a turkey
sandwich, glass of milk and banana. If I had to choose just one,
though, I'd choose the lavender oil (apply liberally to wrists,
face, neck.)
I always recommend this sleep remedy to my pregnancy moms:
1 cup milk
1 t vanilla
1 t sugar
microwave or heat until warm. Tastes like a warm milkshake and my
little boy used to always ask for this "special medicine" on
Christmas Eve when he couldn't get to sleep because the thought of
Santa Claus was just too much. It really tastes pretty darn good.
She might try a cool (not hot) drink of Chamomile tea (sweetened slightly if she likes) followed by a warm/hot bath with 3 drops of lavender essential oil added to the water while it is running, finally followed by a wonderful relaxing full body massage from her lover with a massage oil/lotion ratio of 1 part oil to 2 parts lotion with 3-5 drops of lavender and/or 3-5 drops (for a total of no more than 8 drops if mixed or 5 if single) sandalwood added to the mix (shaken very well to mix it completely).
She might also consider making a dream pillow containing 1 drop each of lavender, chamomile, and hops or valerian each put on a separate cotton ball and put into a small pocket of cloth placed under the pillow.
A great synergistic blend for exhaustion during pregnancy according to "The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy" by Valerie Ann Worwood is equal amounts of each of the following oils Lavender, Grapefruit, and Coriander for no more than 6 drops total for use in a bath, 5 drops total in 2 tsp. of cold pressed vegetable oil (grapeseed oil is the best) for an individual body massage, or 4-5 drops in a bowl of hot but not scalding water for a foot bath.
The previously mentioned book is an excellent resource for
aromatherapy oils and their uses. It even has a section (Chapter
10 I believe) devoted to pregnancy, childbirth, labor and
postpartum aromatherapy care.
You can also put lavender oil on the eye lids or make a sleep
pillow out of hops, chamomile and lavender flowers - it smells
great and it contains all those relaxing herbs. I have also used a
homeopathic remedy called calms forte by Hylands which really
seems to help me and my husband both get a good night of sleep
when we really need it. All of this should be safe during
pregnancy.
Benadryl can cause stimulation instead of drowsiness in certain
individuals, but has few adverse side effects and is generally a
safe and effective choice. However it is not known to be
completely safe in pregnancy. Here are some
precautions.
If insomnia during pregnancy is new for you, it might be that
your liver is having trouble processing all the increased
progesterone of pregnancy, which may be revving you up and making
it harder to sleep. Milk thistle can help with this.
Varicose
Veins [Medscape registration is free.]
Reviva Labs Private
Label offers varicose veins prevention lotion. Does
anyone have any experience with it? Does it seem to help?
Varicose veins can develop during or be aggravated by advancing
pregnancy. Homeopathic Millefolium is one treatment option that
will minimize the appearance and discomfort of varicose veins.
[Note: Most homeopathic remedies are safe to take during
pregnancy.] For other tips on homeopathics for pregnancy,
nursing and newborn care, see the EMAZING.com
archives
of the Homeopathic Health Tip of the Day
Women with varicosities of the vulva can birth their babies just
fine. The enlarged veins just seem to move aside for the
baby. The discomfort before the birth is the main
concern. Vitamin E --800 I.U. per day is well advised to be
taken orally. Find a high quality brand with natural D-alpha
tocopherol in a health food store.
For clients with bad varicosities, I recommend lots of
bioflavonoids and low-dose aspirin (a baby aspirin or one
adult tablet per day), especially if they're noticing any lump!
One of my clients started having pain/slight inflammation and engorgement of varicosities of the lower vulva/lower buttocks. Now superficial veins very high in posterior upper thighs becoming engorged.
Have her reclining head down/reverse trendelenburg incline 2-3 times daily, also some knee-chest to get baby up a bit higher. Avoiding crossing legs. Tried compression/biker shorts but seemed too uncomfortable. Not constipated, warned not to become so. Warm sitz baths. Extra vit. E and C.
Have seen vulvar varicosities, before, but these in lower
buttocks new to me. When they first occurred were red, sl
inflamed, responded quickly to extra reclining. Concerned
how else might help discomfort. Client's mom got relief for
her varicose veins in her legs via acupuncture, and I know a
reputable clinician that we might try. Plan NOT to squat for
birth!
I have moms use topical witch hazel on varicosities that are easy to reach. Also Hamamelis 12x homeopathic ( homeopathic witch hazel that can be used internally) can be used through out pregnancy. Hamamelis herbal tincture( by mouth) in the last few wks of pregnancy. Also I highly encourage these ladies with ANY varicosities to use a good belly support-{ there are only a few I recommend} at 20 wks on. I have used these methods for many years and have always seen much improvement.
ps. Hamamelis works great for PP hemorrhage
Co-Q10 is a metabolic enzyme good for anything vascular,
including heart or muscles, and especially varicosities. Available
at Health Food Stores or Trader Joe's. Get the yellow-colored
kind.
Nature's Way (easily found in any health food store around here)
now has a product called "Leg Veins" which contains horse chestnut
and all the other things mentioned as being helpful for
varicosities. One of my clients recently brought in a bottle to
find out if it was ok. She was happy with it and I have been just
starting to recommend it. I am happy to have a product that people
can easily find and use. I used to tell women about Rutin and
Horse Chestnut, but I had no info on how to take it or how much.
Soaking in a warm bath until they soften and can be repositioned.
Then a good cream - like prep H or comfrey/cod liver oil (the
cream/oil helps stool to slip out without dragging and damaging
tissue).
I had the beginnings of one varicose vein at about 28 weeks...you could see it and just feel it coming above the surface of my skin.
I started taking lots of antioxidants: grapeseed extract 800 mgs per day and vitamin c 3000 mgs per day...also flax seed, about 6-10 capsules per day. Antioxidants and bioflavinoids (someone had mentioned rutin) are supposed to promote tissue integrity/strength of connective tissue...veins would be included in that...as would skin, etc.
The little vein that was trying to make an appearance went away,
no others have popped up.......nothing scientific, just my "study
of one"
rutin - part of vitamin C complex, supposed to strengthen vein
walls.
Have a 30 y.o p3 g2 who is experiencing varicose veins for the
first time. She is quite concerned. In researching helpful ideas I
spoke to alternative doc who recommended collinsonia root caps
from Standard Process. In looking in my books I found a source
that also recommends it highly for v.v. but it says that it is a
mild diuretic. Does anyone know if it is truly safe in pregnancy.
If it were for a short term use like Uva Ursi for UTI I would not
be as concerned as for long usage for this particular situation.
I like garlic and white oak bark. The garlic is taken orally and
the white oak bark is a decoction "bathed" onto the varicose
veins.
I had a woman a number of years ago who had terrible varicosities. During her pregnancy we put her on the following
We've had good results with Butcher's Broom.
You take tinctured witch hazel internally about 20-40 drops
daily. It is good for vulvar varicosities and hemorrhoids also. It
is tinctured from witch hazel bark. Is very effective.
M. J. Hanafin RN CNM. C Hom. recommended in her workshop at the
CAM conference that you could use Hamamelis 200c for varicosities,
as well as for hemorrhoids and hematomas.
I have used Bellis very successfully for varicosities in pg. They
do need to have matching symptoms. I have had several moms with
bad v.v. and have none whatsoever now. One mom 42 has battled with
them all her life and of course increased trouble in pg. the
problem was not only remedied but cured her hemorrhoids too. Since
the birth has had no sign of returning problems. I would just
encourage people to try to find a homeopath and use an LM pot. I
am using almost exclusively LM pot. in my practice they have
almost immediate results and they are less likely to be proven
I suggest the following: drink lots and lots of oatstraw tea, use
witchhazel compresses and do lots of hands and knees pelvic rocks,
especially before bedtime, to ease the pressure on the leg
veins. Hot vinegar washes to the legs also help.
Women suffering from hemorrhoids need something to smile about, so
here, for the first time ever in my web pages, we present
St. Fiacre, the patron saint for hemorrhoid sufferers.
Of
heliotropes and hemorrhoids. St. Fiacre, patron saint of
gardeners and hemorrhoid sufferers.
Bonello JC, Cohen H, Gorlin RJ.
Dis Colon Rectum. 1985
Oct;28(10):702-4.
During the Middle Ages, an integral part of the therapy for
certain ailments included supplication to "patron" saints for
possible divine intervention. Through legends surrounding his
life, St. Fiacre, a 7th century Irish monk, has become the patron
saint for hemorrhoid sufferers.
"Hemorr-Ice® - Not a suppository...not an ointment...but a
new, clinically tested method of treating hemorrhoids with cold
therapy. Hemorr-Ice® has a special cooling liquid sealed
inside so it acts like an ice pack. Simply apply the chilled
inserter for two to five minutes. Hemorr-Ice® shrinks the
blood vessels... reduces bleeding...and promotes healing of
inflamed tissues. Provides fast relief from pain, itching and
bleeding. Safe to use, as often as desired. I generally
recommend that my clients use it after moving their bowels, since
the strain pushes blood into the varicosed veins and stresses the
delicate vessels; the sooner you relieve this situation, the
better. Then again, use it before bedtime . . . reducing the
swelling before you lie down really increases the healing
bloodflow while you sleep."
[Ed: As of Dec., 2019, I can no longer find Hemorr-Ice anywhere.)
There are a couple of similar devices - Anurex and HemorRelief.
Anuice claims to be FDA Approved
Medical Device for Hemorrhoid Treatment. It has an
interesting "cold reservoir" that probably improves the comfort
and effectiveness of treatment.
As of Dec. 2019, the best bulk purchase price I can find is from
anurex.com
directly; you can buy a 12-pack for $120, shipping included, so
it's $17.50 each. I carry these for my clients because when they
need one postpartum, they really need one NOW!
The Ultroid(TM) technology
ensures safe and effective hemorrhoid treatment. It
has been clinically proven to be effective in treating grade I-III
and some grade IV internal and mixed symptomatic bleeding or
prolapsed hemorrhoids. The non-surgical procedure is simple to
use, well tolerated and requires no sedation or anesthetic.
Here are some squatting platforms:
And much, much more on the Internet:
Swimming can really help. The buoyancy gets the baby off
the blood vessels and the movement really increases circulation
for faster healing, and the water pressure helps shrink the
hemorrhoids. The cool water can really feel good, too!
I've heard rave reviews about HerbLore's
Hemorrhoid
Salve - very healing and calming. This will help
relieve the pain and shrink the hemorrhoids.
Earth
Mama
Bottom
Balm - "This healing salve helps relieve itch and shrink
swollen tissues of prenatal and postpartum hemorrhoids and helps
speed healing of postpartum vaginal bruising."
Witch Vera Cooling Gel Witch Hazel & Aloe Vera combined to
soothe, cool, tone & calm, dry irritated skin. From Dr.
Kowalski's, am-products.com,
springvalleyherbs.com
or search
for
other
sites. "This curbed my bleeding hemmorhoids in a
couple applications. Best of all, it's quick and easy to apply."
Chia seeds are also a great source of fiber and omega-3s, and
they help with heartburn!. [from Nutrition - Chia -
... far more than just a furry green "pet"!]
I emphasize to my clients that constipation can be a chronic problem in pregnancy and they have to stop thinking about sporadic ways to deal with it. Chronic constipation can only be effectively dealt with by long-term, daily habits to promote normal stooling, not just trying something to fix every episode of hard stool.
The basics are:
1) You have to have enough fiber in the diet DAILY - EVERY DAY - to hold water in the stool and keep it soft. The bulk also helps with peristalsis.
2) You have to be drinking enough water so that the fiber can do it's job. Many women aren't drinking enough even with enough fiber. Other women drink a lot, but don't have enough fiber. You have to do BOTH.
3) You need to MOVE your body to promote active peristalsis to move intestinal contents along. Progesterone works to slow passage of food through the intestines for maximal absorption - unfortunately, the longer food hangs around in the intestines, the more water will be absorbed. Regular exercise helps to prevent peristalsis that is overly sluggish.
All the suggestions so far have been great, but there is no quick
fix that will last more than a day. Clients have to put
themselves on a daily program of fiber/fluid/exercise and stick
with it for the pregnancy.
I have had good success with adding magnesium supplementation,
either in the form of Mg rich foods (alfalfa sprouts and the like)
or in a supplement. I would also ask if the woman is using a
lot of calcium or iron supplements - sometimes decreasing those
will help a lot. Also when we switched our standard PNV rx
to one that includes EFAs our pt c/o constipation went way down.
Most pregnant women are taking increased calcium supplements,
which help to grow a healthy baby. Unfortunately, if your
calcium isn't properly balanced 1:1 with magnesium, you may be
suffering from a magnesium deficiency. Low magnesium causes
increased levels of adrenaline, which can lead to
constipation. You can read about Calcium
and
its Relation to Magnesium - great explanation of the
importance of balancing calcium with magnesium. Peter Gillham is also
the creator of MamaCalm, which is helpful for pregnant women who
are experiencing anxiety, constipation or muscle cramping.
I used to recommend licorice to help loosen up stools. I no
longer make this recommendation, based on the BBC's Warning
on
liquorice
in pregnancy.
"I have struggled with constipation and 'roids' for most of my life. My mom said I was born constipated. I have had the unpleasant problem of a compacted bowel.
"One thing that really works for me is using flax seed oil. I
take 1 tablespoon in the am and 1 Tablespoon in the pm. I put a
Tablespoon of the oil in my mouth and then a big sip of juice and
swish it in my mouth to mix it and then swallow. I could not
handle the texture otherwise. It does not have a strong flavour.
It works like a charm and if I missed a dose my BM's would get a
little harder. Also try to do things you would normally do
standing in a sitting position. I would pull up a stool to the
counter when preparing dinner. Walking helps too ( not to be
confused with standing still ). I also found it helped to NOT
push. I waited till my bowels were ready to do most of the work
themselves. This meant that I would have to relax, read a little,
maybe some music : )." -A.L.
Buy "grey" salt at the health food store and salt your food to
taste.
Drink plenty of water every day. Lots of roughage to have
big b.m. every day.
One whole cucumber eaten every day.
Lots of high quality protein.
Brisk walk that gets your heart pounding.
Extra rest and baths.
When i had them during my pregnancy, i followed my midwives' advice: i soaked a washcloth with witch hazel & wrapped it around ice cubes then applied this to the area for about 10 minutes (i did this 2 or 3 times total). then, i rubbed olive oil on it and tried to push it back it (i don't think it worked), mostly just after showers. i also took flax seed oil capsules, one twice a day.
I also took some advice from dr. bradley, which involved using something to raise my feet up while having a bowel movement. i just put a shallow rectangular plastic bucket (about 6" - 8" high) on the floor in front of the toilet and put my feet up on it, so that my knees were closer to my chest. (he recalls a story in his book about people in india not having any history of hemmorhoids, and their "toilets" are not raised up off the ground -- they're literally holes in the floor. he -- and a doctor from india -- believes that this is the "natural" position we're supposed to eliminate in, and getting our feet closer to our butts essentially puts us in a more optimal position for the appropriate muscles to do their jobs properly. having actually done it, i'd have to agree that it's really more comfortable on the sphicter muscles.)
i followed all this advice and they went away -- BEFORE the
birth. it took only a couple of weeks.
Get those bowels loosened up, even if she has to take stool
softeners (better than painkillers). Increase water and
fruits and veggies. When she eats cheese she must eat it
with applesause and 8 ozs of water. Lots of water
during the day. And walk everyday. Doesn't have
to be far but she must leave the house and walk.
If you’re having trouble moving your bowels, try pressing your
left hand against the outside of your right knee while pushing
outward isometrically. This contracts internal muscles to
help move the bowels.
Magnesium citratealso helps by loosening the bowels...
My holistic doc recommended supplements to boost the liver
(Standard Process) and increased my calcium/magnesium (2 to 1).
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (Natrol Ester-C is a very good
brand, priced moderately). I also take the Source Naturals
proanthocyanidin, but I cut back to 100mg bid. In the last
few months, I added rutin to the mix, started at 50 and now up to
200mg qd (once). This, combined with a
topical cream containing horse chestnut (a noted supplement for
correcting venous insufficiency) usually do the job. An added
benefit of Vitamin C is softer stools.
Homeopathic hammemalis (sp?)-which is homeopathic witch hazel. It's the only thing that ever worked for me, and sometimes for others.
4x4's soaked in witch hazel and applied, gingerly. She could also soak a menstrual pad, after sticking it on her panties in the right position, with witch hazel, or use a cloth menstrual pad over a commercial one (the commercial one has the plastic liner to keep her panties from getting wet).
Drinking LOTS of water and eating a very good diet-high in greens and complex carbs, -to keep constipation to an absolute minimum, because any straining will aggravate the situation.
Regular exercise-in a swimming pool if walking on land has gotten to be a bit much with the weight of her belly.
Seems like I remember nettle infusion (very strong) being helpful
as well. And it tastes wonderful! (my opinion)
Constipation is common in pregnancy due to the relaxing effect of
progesterone on the entire gastrointestinal tract. Iron
supplements often add to the problem. The condition can be helped
by increasing your water and fluid intake, drinking fluids higher
in fiber [prune juice, apple juice, vegetable juice] and eating a
diet higher in fiber. To prevent straining and hemorrhoids, keep a
small step stool [like a nursing stool] by the toilet to put your
feet on so your knees are higher than your hips. When having a
bowel movement, release the pelvic floor, sit up straight, and
block the diaphragm by holding your breath...don't strain..just
hold your breath.
Nature's Way Aloelax is a good, simple formula for constipation during pregnancy. Naturalax 3 is a good formula for severe constipation during pregnancy, especially if you're also having some nausea, as it contains ginger, peppermint leaves and red raspberry leaves. [DO NOT TAKE Naturalax 2 while pregnant!]
Naturalax 2 is terrific for postpartum constipation - it contains
herbs to support contraction of the uterus to prevent postpartum
hemorrhage and herbs to support breastfeeding. [NOTE - This
formula contains goldenseal, which could cause preterm
contractions, so do not take Naturalax 2 while still pregnant!]
If you have hemorrhoids washing after each time you go to the
bathroom with a baby wipe with aloe eliminates the itching and
burning. There is no way to prevent a small amount of stool
sticking to the tissue when cleaning with dry paper. A bidet
(Who's got one?) is wonderful but usually not available.
Another tip: If they swell and just wiping doesn't relieve the
itching/burning get a potato, wash and grate some making sure
there is some peeling in the 1 1/2 inch pile about 1/4 inch thick
in the middle of a paper towel. Twist the place where the potato
is making a small pouch, turn over so the single side of the towel
is next to the rectum and put your panties on. The rest of the
towel will catch any liquid.
We always recommend the "tuck and elevate" routine for bad
hemmies. After a bowel movement, she needs to lie down and elevate
her hips on
some pillows for 30 minutes (relieves pressure on hemmies).
It is also very helpful to just tuck the protruding little (or
big!) ouchies back inside the anus with a finger. This
"tuck" combined with the hip elevation has been very successful
with our moms.
Have you tried arnica? Epsom salts baths? I assume
she has good pelvic floor tone and does regular Kegels (with the
hemorrhoids tucked in, of course).
Collinsonia
Sepia
Pulsatilla
Hamamelis
cold compresses
comfrey compresses (cold)
Tucks
elevating the hips
cetacaine gel (did not make a dent in the pain)
tylenol
I would advise this mother to see a doctor asap if she can't sit to urinate. He will allow her Prep-H, in the meantime she can try:
few essential oils to add to the bag of tricks for piles...
cypress } contraindicated in pregnancy but have
included them anyway as
juniper } they can be effective
postnatally or in gyn care.
frankincense (ok for pregnancy)
can all be used, either in a massage oil (diluted) applied locally, or in the bath. they help by improving the circulation generally and locally.
also, hope i'm not repeating anyone else here, but garlic (in the diet and / or capsules) may help.
our potato recipe; grate half a small potato (fresh - don't be tempted do a load and save it in the fridge) and apply it locally. can be kept in place with a bunny - the old-fashioned type which come with a belt are quite useful for this - tuck another one in behind the first to stop potato falling into underwear. seem to shrink some piles - i think they "draw inflammation out" somehow.
also, witch hazel (which i know was mentioned already) can be poured onto one of those round cotton pads you can buy to remove make up and kind of tucked in between the cheeks, where they usually stay in place. these can be made in a batch and kept in a plastic container in the fridge - usually feels better if cold.
Try a sugar slurry. Sugar mixed with water whisk into a "slurry", kind of thick. This was recommended by a midwife/naturopath to me for a postpartum mom once. She was in major pain and had tried everything. The poor woman would get in the knee chest and have a sugar slurry applied to her bottom.
Also homeopathic Kali carb.
Some of my clients have found that witch hazel compresses
help. Others have smeared honey on theirs with great relief.
One of my clients said to use pureed eggplant (raw) as a poultice
or slopped on a pad and "mushed" onto the hemorrhoids. She
swears it was like a miracle drug.
Don't let her get constipated. Hard stools aggravate (or cause ) the problem.
Have you ever tried "bentonite clay"? I have seen it work
wonders in a very short time. A client from years ago got a
hemorrhoid as big as a child's fist! I'd never seen
anything so huge! She couldn't sit down, and of
course, as you said, it was extremely painful. She
went to the doc, who talked about surgical removal, gave her all
sorts of creams and pain relievers, etc. In the meantime, I
had talked to another client who worked at Whole Foods, and she
told me about Bentonite Clay, and brought me some. I gave it
to my uncomfortable client, and within a week, it was almost
completely gone! We were truly amazed! She went back
to the doc after the birth (hers also happened about 34-36 weeks),
and of course he didn't believe the clay had done it. She
used it externally, made into a thick paste, and internally, mixed
in with some juice. Give it a try...
Ladies have reported that tea tree oil feels great on
hemorrhoids.
I like to use Cetacaine on hemorrhoids if they are painful during
labor.
As the sorry owner of once thrombosed hemmies, I would say she should get in and get them poked. There really isn't anything in the world that hurts as bad, and even though the lancing is excruciatingly (sp?) painful, the relief is so blessed when the pressure is gone. So what if it feels like you are pooping razor blades for a day or so. It still feels better than having that dang clot in there.
I have done it on a pregnant woman, actually, it was my
sister. You just spray the area for about 30 seconds with
ethyl chloride until if freezes, while holding the scalpel at the
ready. Then you make a 1/2 cm cut and the clot squirts
out. Then sitz baths like crazy. All the potatoes in
the world won't help a thrombosed hemmie.
BabyHugger - Fine
Maternity Supports by TrennaVentions, Inc.
Undergarments for Relief of Back Pain and
Vulvar Varicosities
See also: Pushing with
Vulvar Varicosities
Fembrace - A revolutionary
new support garment for relief of the painful symptoms of
Genital Prolapse (Prolapsed Uterus, Cystocele, Rectocele,
Enterocele) and Varicose Veins of the Vulva (Vulvar Varicosities).
The V-brace™ by Fembrace ®
is a support garment for women who are suffering from the painful
symptoms of Genital Prolapse and Vulvar Varicosities. Genital
Prolapse is a general term that includes Uterine Prolapse,
Cystocele, Rectocele, and Entrocele. (877) 535-6800
Prenatal Cradle also
makes the V2Supporter
- a support for vulvar varicosities.
Undergarments for Relief of Back Pain and
Vulvar Varicosities
I have a patient who is 24 weeks pregnant with severe vulvar
varicosities. They are increasing in severity, and the patient is
extremely uncomfortable. Does anyone have any suggestions about
what I can do to help her now, and what I can do to prevent
serious complications at delivery? I've never had anyone with such
extensive varicosities in the vulvar region.
I have a similar patient, though she is now 32 weeks. We have had some difficulty in controlling her discomfort. The only thing I could find in a text was the suggestion to cut a firm piece of foam rubber to be placed in her underwear to apply pressure onto the varicosities. This did not work as well as simply using a large sanitary pad, though that did not work all that well either. Reducing her activity and standing up time did the most.
My source (William's) went on to add that my biggest fear, i.e.,
uncontrollable bleeding at delivery, was very rare. I sure do hope
so, because some of those suckers are as big around as Number 2
pencils. I am not too much help, but at least you're not alone.
I was the varicose queen during my last two pregnancies. Bulbous, painful, throbbing, road -map type veins, from my vagina down to my mid thigh. For my 4 th baby when they started really bad I worn compression pants all the time (about the 4th month on). They look like the 80's type biker pants but are made with really tight lycra/spandex/elastic like material. You can find them in sporting goods stores. I even sewed in a panel so I could wear them to term. They helped a lot!
With my fifth (and going to a midwife) she suggested White Oak Bark capsules. Now THEY were a life saver. I took about 4 capsules a day and in acute times (on my feet a lot, sitting to long or just achy) I took two extra. The throbbing went away just by taking the pills and the maintenance dose helped to keep the swelling and pain down. I didn't even have to wear the pants! Its worth a try.
The other thing that was recommended to me was Hamamelis in
homeopathy. Apparently its an astringent that has the same affect.
Check them both out!
I have heard reports of good (to startling) success with
homeopathic remedy bellis perennis other sources have
success with homeopathic colensonia as well as tinctured
witch hazel---also dramatic success the evidence is anecdotal, but
I do feel it is reliable..
Continuous pressure on the varicosities to keep them from getting
too big. Don't cut episiotomy through them. They will go away
postpartum. (Amazingly so.) I didn't believe it the first time I
saw it. but they did. A male athletic supporter (Jock strap) can
be used to hold big OB pads against the vulva.
Undergarments for Relief of Back Pain and
Vulvar Varicosities
I would go to the health food store and get a bottle of homeopathic varicose vein medication.
What's in this ? Calcarea Iodata 6x, Carduus marianus 6x,
Hamamelis virginica 6x, 12x, 30x,Pulsatilla nigricas 6x, Calcarea
Fluorica 12x, Hydrofluoricum Acidum 12x Do you see it working? I
have had a lot of success with this, have pg and older women who
swear by it.
Speaking from my personal experience - what I liked about the Jobststockings was that they improved venous return SO WELL. They didn't just support the vulvar varicosities, but relieved aching and edema in my legs that was terribly painful.
Mine (not Jobst brand) were $100/pair. My insurance paid for
them, but if I got pregnant again, I'd pay out of pocket for them
in a minute. I had 2 pair so I could wash one. They were a
godsend.
Cheaper than Jobst (a lot) : we have some clients wear bike
shorts under everything. They snug right up on vulvar
varicosities, take some of the ache away. Also collinsonia root,
bioflavinoids, vitamin E, orgasms, rest times with hips higher
than heart (a little trickier than just "legs up"). Have had some
clients with thumb-sized veins protruding on both labia. Birth on
side or lying down, easing baby out w/ blowing, counterpressure on
babe's head. Have never had one of these pop.
One mom had such a swollen, enlarged vulva due to the
varicosities that she wore a kotex and stretch panties to kind of
"cinch" herself up in the morning...it helped her.
I just wanted to add a little something here. An OB/GYN N.P., who was in my practice many years ago, told me about this company in Michigan. I have recommended their products for years with WONDERFUL results. My understanding is that the company was started by two women who wanted to make a difference.
They call their company Prenatal Cradle. They make a prenatal cradle for mothers to wear for abdominal support, to ease back pain.(I used to have to convince women to take them off when they went to sleep at night, because they enjoy wearing them so much.) They also make a VAGINAL SUPPORTER that offers relief of vaginal pressure and pain during pregnancy. (I have seen this supporter give a great deal of comfort to women suffering from vulvar varicosities.) It reminds me of the same principle as support stockings for legs only its for the vagina. The number at the company is 1-800-383-3068. (if you want flyers)
Over the years, I have seen a good number of women helped by
their products. I don't personally know them and there is no kick
back for me, just thought I'd pass along the information in case
it might help someone.
We've had some clients get bike shorts to wear for thigh and
vulvar varicosities. They've been really pleased with the comfort
and cost of them! Even the Amish will wear them, too.
Hmmm,,,, her varicosities are down in her calf..... but this is
something that I would never have thought of. Good tip for someone
with varicosities farther up.
I've been wondering as you've all discussed the bike shorts...
Sounds like a great idea for the vulvar varicosities, but what
about the venous return restriction from the lower legs when you
have them on? Seems like the tight fabric around the thighs, then
nothing on the calves might encourage varicosities to form in the
calves or behind the knees, especially in women already prone to
them. Anyone seen this problem?
Actually, I've seen the opposite. The veins in the lower leg
actually seem to subside along with those in the upper legs and
vaginal area. I've only had about 10-12 patients use these
regularly (the bike shorts are great for umbilical hernias, sore
backs, pendulous bellies, etc), but I've never seen anyone develop
calf varicose veins afterward.
recently discovered a great trick......out of lack of anything else available [g]
Rescue Remedy, prn for pain, itch, discomfort....liquid not salve
cypress essential oil in carrier client loved it ,worked better
than all others for her (witch hazel, tucks, anusol, comfrey)
I suggest the witch hazel (either straight, as Tucks, or in a
herbal suppository I get from Earth's Harvest in Oregon) but also
POTATO wedges. You cut the potato into a wedge and cut off the tip
of the wedge (the part that was the center of the potato) so that
it's flat surface is maybe 3/8 inch across. Place the wedge agains
th anus and lie down and leave it there as long as you can stand
it. The potato will draw out the swelling. The other thing, if the
hemorrhoid is bulging, you can press a fingertip against it gently
but firmly to press out the congested blood and then see if you
can tuck the floppy tissue inside the anal sphincter. This is
causing continuous pressure which frequently allows them to shrink
more rapidly.
This works better if done while in the bathtub; warm water seems
to help.
Many people SWEAR by this home remedy!. Also, some around here
make small "suppository sized potato inserts. I know, it sounds
weird, but I'm often hearing from folks who say this works for
them.
I've seen potatoes work well for hemorrhoids too. Thought I'd pass this on as well.. I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday who is studying traditional Chinese medicine. She swears by the herb alum and says it is effective when nothing else is. She told me to put the powder directly on the hemorrhoid. [I'm referring to the Chinese herb alum, also known as Ming Fan. To learn more about it one can reference Materia Medica by Bensky and Gamble. If anyone is considering using it, perhaps it would be best to obtain it using the Chinese name Ming Fan to avoid any confusion.]
42yo client, expecting 6th babe, her only complaint in all her
pregnancies is groin pain. This time it's so severe that she's
only comfortable when she doesn't move. Walking is excruciating.
Could it be venous problems? They do extend to the groin in some people... I would have thought you'd see things like varicose veins lower down first, but you never know. In my second pregnancy, towards the end, I was getting lots of throbbing in my groin - it's only this time that it has materialised as the dreaded varicosities.
Is the pain on both sides of her groin, or more noticeable on one side? This could be an indicator.
Other ideas - SPD? (see www.radmid.demon.co.uk/dsp.htm
)? Looseness in the hips?
Sounds exactly like my SPD, started in Sacro iliac, and now, at the front, and can be really sore. Although it may have been the 2 hours on the back of the camel into the Sahara last week, that really set it off. Seriously, prior to this, the pain was aggravated by doing anything that was weight bearing, or involved my knees not being locked together. I have always slept on my side, and kept my knees together, but now do the same, when getting out of cars, etc. I rest in the evening, lying flat, although that does make my indigestion worse. I have my maternity belt, which holds me in, and can help, when I know I have to walk. Interestingly, apart from getting on the bike, cycling is far more comfortable than walking, but I put that down to non weight bearing. [SPD == Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction , i.e. pain or separation of the pubic arch]
I had gall bladder pain with 3 pg, take 2 capsules of lecithin
and 50 mg of b6 with every meal, I still have my gall bladder
after 40 yrs.
Apple juice has malic acid which is supposed to soften gall
stones. The liver/gall cleanse recipes often recommend at least
five days of large quantities of apple juice, fresh made or other
high quality, before doing the olive oil liver/gall flush.
I had gall bladder pain with both my pregnancies. During my
first pregnancy it was enough to avoid fatty foods. However with
this pregnancy the pain became severe even eating a very low fat
diet and even upon smelling food. I was visiting a DEM friend of
mine in April when I could barely converse with people because of
the pain. I felt I had no choice but to do the cleanse during
pregnancy (was about 32 weeks). I had tried the olive oil and
lemon juice in the evening a few times already, but without any
success. Under this midwife's care I had only organic unfiltered
apple juice for 3 days. The trick here is that the straw never
leaves your mouth, I drank almost a gallon a day. It really wasn't
bad and I felt very energetic by the third day. At the end of the
third day I had a cup of laxative tea (I was trusting here and
didn't ask what was in it) and 1/2 cup olive oil mixed with 1/2
cup fresh lemon juice and went immediately to bed and laid on my
right side all night. I pooped out about 170 stones the next day
and haven't had pain since. I went on to have an 8lb baby at 40+4
weeks.
See also: Preterm Labor -
Many of the remedies for preterm labor will also help tone down
annoying toning contractions.
Toning contractions are unorganized or incoordinate uterine
contractions that do not dilate the cervix; however they do "tone"
the uterine muscle so that when the signals come for true labor,
the muscle is strong for the job of labor. As many mothers
have said, "I doubt Mr. Braxton-Hicks has ever felt one in his
life. It is a hubris of medicine that Mr. Braxton-Hicks is
credited with first describing them. I suspect that many
mothers and midwives knew about them long before Mr. Braxton-Hicks
was born. In any case, these contractions are better
understood by calling them what they truly are - toning
contractions. When they occur far enough apart, they are
usually painless. However, if they occur closer together,
the uterine muscle may become oxygen deprived or fatigued, and so
they can be painful. When they are close enough together to
mimic the patterns of true labor, then they are called false
labor. A skilled midwife can sometimes tell the difference,
but sometimes the only way to know is to check to see if they're
opening the cervix. [Ed.: I have replaced the word
Braxton-Hicks with "toning contractions" in some of the snippets
below.]
Black haw may be helpful; have her check with her care provider
or local herbalist. This web
page from Tri-Light Herbs gives a nice description of how
black haw "acts to gentle the powerful uterine contraction effect
of blue cohosh to quiet an irritable uterus".
Can someone please help? I am 39 weeks pregnant today and I
have been having toning contractions every day for nearly 2 weeks,
some wake me up during the night and go on for hours. At 37+5 I
had them every 5 mins for a number of hours. Went into the
hospital, CTG showed 1 in 3-5 mins but no dilation or effacement
and cervix 'extremely' posterior. The mw believed my baby
was lying posterior. It's driving me crazy because they are
keeping me awake for hours at night. After a number of
hours they fade away. The question is are these just toning
contractions? or is true labour starting and stopping for some
reason? Thank you so much for any replies....
Be reassured that these pains are doing something - they're getting your baby into the ideal position for birth. If your baby is in posterior position then these are needed to get him/her into an anterior position. The left lateral position is usually the best - hence why the contractions increase and baby probably moves more but really this is what you want! I'd suggest everything that others suggested and maybe add some lavender to the bath for extra relaxation. When you get the pains if you have backache with them, some firm pressure centrally but just above the dimples in your back/bottom in the sacral area can really help.
Here's hoping labour proper starts soon and is nice, quick and
easy on you.
Toning contractions are a blasted pest aren't they. I agree often
a warm bath is the best way to settle them. Also make sure that
you are truly well hydrated, being dehydrated makes them much
worse, so take a good litre of fluid with you into the bath tub
and drink, drink, drink...of course then you'll be up all night
for a different reason :-) They are all working to prepare your
body for labour, so although they are a pain, try to see them as a
positive thing.
So many women feel they have been in labour for a week - or
more! Get cleaning that kitchen floor on all fours daily, lean
forward as much as possible, even lie upside down with your legs
over the back of the sofa WHEN THE BABY I S MOVING. This will
encourage the little darling to get itself in a better position..
These toning contractions will change in the way you feel them and
become contractions. I think it was probably a man who described
them as painless, tightenings, but they are part of pregnancy. If
you continue to be very concerned, do seek advice from your
midwives, but your body is limbering up and there really is
not a lot one can do. Try a nice warm bath before bed, that
may settle things down a bit so you can get some rest during the
night. Good luck and it will stop when you go into labour!
Thanks, yes, I know something is happening because the baby feels
very far down in my pelvis and I keep getting sharp little shocks
down there.
I've been spending time on all fours, using birth ball, sleeping
on my left side and so on. The latter seems to set off the
strongest contractions of all!
Black cohosh may calm these, but check with an herbalist first.
Liquid Calcium (we recommend Marietta's brand, as it works
the best of ANY we have tried or seen) helps soothe
braxton-hicks contractions which sometimes can become very
annoying during the end of your pregnancy.
Some people like chewable calcium tablets also.
You might try increasing your electrolytes, perhaps with Alacer's
Miracle Water or the Electro-Mix powder you can add to liquids.
A castor oil packcan be really helpful.
Other sites w/instructions:
How
to Apply a Castor Oil Pack
For annoying contractions or prodromal labor, I recommend a castor oil pack as follows:
If you're finding the contractions bothersome during the day, there's something that you could try if you're so inclined. It's a castor oil pack, applied externally, not taken internally. It's thought to "regulate" things, in sort of the same way as the Centered Mama tincture, i.e. it helps to slow things down or speeds things up, depending on whether it's the kind of labor that brings the baby.
You can get castor oil at many grocery stores and/or Walgreen's, etc. To do a castor oil pack, you set yourself up in a situation where you can lie comfortably for a half hour or so, and lying on a towel or something where it doesn't matter if it gets some oil on it. Then you rub the castor oil over your belly, in whatever amount or thickness you like, and then you put a warm compress over it. The easiest way to do this may be to take one of the blue plastic absorbent pads from your birth kit, moisten it kind of generously, i.e. so there's a good layer of moisture to pick up and hold the warmth (maybe a half cup or a full cup of water?? not sure), put it in the microwave (if you have one. Otherwise, start with hot water), wait until it's a temperature that won't burn your belly, and apply it over the castor oil. Leave it in place for a half hour. I've seen this stop colicky contractions altogether, which might be something nice to give you a couple hours break in the afternoon for a nap.
Or . . . it might send you into full labor, although this is less
likely during the day. Still, the first time you try it you
might want to make sure it's in the early part of the day when
you're better rested.
Although this may seem counterintuitive, I find that the
prenatal herbal preparations seem to "regulate" the toning
contractions I have. Whereas without the herbs, I get random
contractions of various intensity. Once I begin them, they
seem to come together in waves of consistency.
I have a primip at 36 weeks having contractions come every 5 minutes. This has been going on for a month. She is taking 1600 mg Cal/w 800 mag plus drinks loads of water. Still they persist.
I had really distracting BH for a full 2 month before i finally
gave birth. If homeopathics could have helped, i would have
used 'em. I say, remind your client that BH increase
circulation to the babe and are excellent toning contractions,
emphasizing normalcy.
I have had women like this, one thing is they may be
hyper-excited, overexaggerated pain because they are scared.
I think lobelia is great for this as it is a bit of a
anti-depressant or something but it calms them down. When
they are scared it makes them feel more painful then need be,
women need to know that ctx are normal to begin with, some just
get so scared of PTL that they scare themselves into the symptoms
when in fact they are normal BH.
Try Lobelia, 20 drops 3x daily and cramp bark, 40 drops 3x daily
and maybe do a GBS screen?
Just from my personal experience of early onset and quite strong
BH in 4 pregnancies- I wouldn't be concerned. But be
prepared for a fast one. In my case I carried my babies very
low and they went head down very early also...adding up to the
discomfort of vulvar edema. Seemed like just about anything
would set off these BH- getting up from sitting,stairs, and
walking uphill really brought them on. no preterm labor with any
of them. fast labors- my shortest was 1/2 hr. Only one
mom I've had with similar BH, also carried fairly low & also
shared the edema- (laying down/raised pelvis on pillow sessions
helps of course)
Sometimes red raspberry leaf tea works for this, seems to settle
down the uterus even though it's supposed to tone it. I've also
had good luck with a combo of motherwort tct and St. Johns Wort
tct. If she is really well hydrated, is it mostly water? Does she
need some electrolytes?
Bio-Oil is
supposed to "help reduce the possibility of pregnancy stretch
marks forming by increasing the skin's elasticity." They do
actually have some clinical
trials. I saw their advertisement in The Canadian Journal of Midwifery
Research and Practice (CJMRP).
I have used the typical cocoa butter for both my pregnancies
(this current one being with twins), and have not had stretch
marks. However, I have also read that it is completely
dependent on your skin and no lotion or salve will make a
difference. Regardless, when you start to get really itchy,
rubbing cocoa butter or shea butter on your growing belly makes a
HUGE difference.
Maintain good circulation, Try not to let the skin get stretched
too rapidly try keeping the weight gain slow and steady.
Exercise throughout the pregnancy and it will both improve
circulation and help to prevent an abrupt stretch on the
skin. always cover your skin with runny lotion right after a
shower when you are still damp. Then also apply more
concentrated greasy stuff like aquaphor on the spots that are most
vulnerable and Also in corresponding spots - like reach
around to your back and rub the lotion from your back to front as
if redistributing the skin to help in the effort. Remember
whatever lotion you used is being absorbed into your skin and can
reach the baby. Anything you use regularly you should check
at the ewg site cosmeticsdatabase.org
for the products toxicity profile
I would stay hydrated, use Carlson's fish oil or krill oil daily,
and use extra virgin coconut oil and/or emu oil on the areas prone
to stretch marks. I didn't get many with my 3 kids (even though
the last kid was almost 12 lbs and I am 5'2") and I only used
cocoa butter and fish oil, but I wish I had known about
coconut oil and emu, they are like magic to your skin. You can get
them from any quality health food store. (I buy mine
from vitacost.com or luckyvitamin.com as they seem to be way
cheaper there.) Oh and they do fade over time if you do
happen to get any ; )
I never got stretch marks on my tummy after four pregnancies. I
ate lots of protein, lots of vitamin C and lots of vitamin E
internally. No oil rubbing. I did get them on my breasts, though.
I have known quite a few people who use coconut oil. No
stretchmarks reported.
I remember being really upset at the irony because I made it all
the way to the end of my pregnancy without getting any major
stretch marks, and then I wound up getting big ones in the
hospital during labor because the fluids they gave me made me
balloon another 20 pounds and I was sitting for days in
labor - I got red lines on my hips - but now they are
invisible. Can't see them at all! If I ever wind up in
a hospital birth setting again I'm going to strictly monitor those
fluids!!!!!!!!
I think it's a combination of genetics and nutrition, as well as how big your belly gets. :-)
I've had some recent experiences that have really highlighted the difference in perineal tissue elasticity depending on a woman's diet. I tend to pay more attention to perineal tissue elasticity than to belly skin elasticity, but they also seem to be related.
Someone I know is in the finishing stages of writing an excellent book on pregnancy nutrition, based on actual research instead of the parroting of unfounded advice that gets passed from one standard pregnancy book to the next.
http://www.betterbabystuff.com/
His answer to preventing stretch marks is: coconut oil, collagen, and progesterone cream.
It also really helps to make sure you're getting a lot of vitamin
C, which is essential to building strong tissues for the baby as
well as for yourself. 5000-10000 mg/daily is not too much.
I always heard Cocoa Butter, that's what my mom used and she
didn't get hardly ANY. Me? I got more than I've ever seen one
person get from pregnancy! I used cocoa butter just about
everyday. I would tend to think it's more of a nutritional
thing...I didn't take any prenatal vitamins after about 2.5 months
because I just couldn't...they made me so sick. I've always heard
that skin "issues" are just and outward showing of what's going on
inside your body. Maybe stretch marks could be the same? I'm sure
there are lots of variables that come in to play, so that might
just be one of MANY (size of baby, genetics, skin type, probably
size, torso length, etc.) factors.
The best I have heard is in the burts bees. I hate to say this,
though. I have used products, and I still got stretch marks. It is
genetic. I hate them.
There are quite a lot of different belly butters and belly balms
on the market; I don't know of any research into effectiveness,
but these will almost certainly relieve some of the itchiness that
can come from the stretching skin, and many women swear by them.
Reviva Labs Private
Label offers belly balm and stretch mark prevention lotion.
One of my very astute clients noticed that as her pregnancy
progressed, she needed to wear her underwear inside out because
the serging on the seams was leaving stretch marks in her delicate
skin.
I had a lady yesterday who is complaining of burning and itching of her stretch marks, (abdominal). She's been using almond oil on them and sometimes vaseline. I suggested cold compresses and a cream with Vitamin E, but couldn't think of anything else. Do any of you have any other suggestions? [Ed. - There is some concern that almond oil applied topically may be associated with preterm labor.]
Is she taking oral VitaminE too? 400 IU in pregnancy, 800IU
after.
homeopathically: Calcarea florata 3 tabs three times per
day.
There is a new product from: Mother to be it has a stretch
mark cream, (saw it at the MANA convention) I don't know how
that product works but the others I have tried or have pts. try
and they seem to like it. will look and try to find more.
I have stretch marks on my lower abdomen (all are contained beneath my umbilicus). I picked up some of this "Mother to Be" stretch mark minimizer at the Midwifery Today conference. I put it on most nights on my right side and put just any old regular lotion on my left side. I don't think there has been much difference but my stretch marks never got any bigger than they were at that time (about a month and a half ago I think??). Maybe they wouldn't have grown any more anyway. I think putting some kind of lotion on them helps. They don't really bother me. I don't think there is any real difference in the Mother to Be cream and any other.
I would also think calendula would be helpful for stretch marks
that were bothersome - itchy and sore. I would think
vaseline is a bad idea because it's a petroleum product.
All of these things can cause a "rubbing" on the upper ribs that is more than a lot annoying. When I was pregnant the first time, my son's knees or feet were *constantly* under my right rib and when I could dig my hand in there and shove him down, it felt immensely better.
Without shoving him down, the sensation was bizarre... kind of like if you rubbed and rubbed and rubbed the same spot over and over with a not-so-soft piece of cloth. Almost a burning sensation. It's so hard for a mom to describe this sensation, but I usually can elicit the, "yes! that's it!" after ruling out all the other descriptions like, "Is it inside or outside?" ("I don't know" is a common response because it *feels* inside, but anything on the outside irritates the heck out of it.) "Do you feel a sharp, pokie part of the baby when you push whatever it is down from your ribs?" "Does the baby kick back sometimes when you try to move him from that comfortable position?"
I also have women do the one arm over the shoulder and down towards her butt and the other arm around her waist with her hand heading up towards the over-the-shoulder hand and that helps lengthen the waist and women often have a huge sigh of relief for a few moments. I encourage their doing that many times a day.
For the women who *do* have this "bruising" of the ribs, the numb/painful/burning sensation often lasts until a couple of weeks past the birth of the baby. I forewarn them so they don't automatically think it will disappear immediately postpartum. I do see it as a bruise and it takes time to heal the area.
Ice is a great idea as is arnica gel and homeopathics.
Positioning, however, seems to be the most beneficial for my
clients. Yoga can help lots with this.
Tonsil
stones, also known as tonsilloliths, are mineralization of
debris within the crevices of the tonsils. They can cause a
feeling of pressure and discomfort in that area, and they can
cause localized inflammation like a sore throat. Although they're
not closely associated with pregnancy, the changes in your immune
system could make you more vulnerable to these, so I'm including
this remedy here. You could try some of the remedies mentioned on
Wikipedia, but a client shared something that worked like a charm
for her. She was sometimes able to use a Q-tip to sort of squeeze
them out. And sometimes she was able to suction them out with a
long glass dropper. But not always. And sometimes her Q-tip
maneuvers would cause minor tissue damage or just soreness.
Instead, she tried to use the well-known fizzing property of
hydrogen peroxide when it comes in contact with organic matter.
She figured that if she could get the hydrogen peroxide under the
tonsil stone, the fizzing might lift it out. She said it worked
like a charm with no tissue damage whatsoever. Obviously, you only
want to use the over-the-counter concentration of hydrogen
peroxide, which is often recommended for other types of oral care.
It doesn't taste good, so you'll want to have a glass of warm
water at hand to use to rinse out your mouth afterwards. I would
add that it makes sense to tilt your head slightly so that the
tonsil crypt is opening directly upward. That way, the hydrogen
peroxide will flow into the crypt more easily, and it will be
easier for the gases released by the hydrogen peroxide to lift the
stone out. [NB - I tried to add this to the Wikipedia entry on 11
May 2020, but Doc James reverted it, presumably because no
research was cited. You don't need research to understand how this
works. You just need a knowledge of the properties of hydrogen
peroxide and gravity.]