[YEA]  10/02/2009: Crystalin from San Juan, Pr: "During my first pregnancy, I experienced indigestion during my last trimester, which I understood to be normal. I started experiencing it earlier in my second pregnancy with more severe symptoms, and then earlier again in my third pregnancy, with increasingly severe symptoms. Before my fourth pregnancy, my mother-in-law (the best witch doctor around!) told me about flax seed oil. I tried to take a tablespoon with each meal(3x a day). Even if I didn't take in 3 a day, I still took at least 1 tablespoon a day. I never had any indigestion symptoms, until I went on a weekend trip in my 7th month, and forgot to bring my flax seed oil. I ended up having to sleep sitting up in a rocking chair. My indigestion was so severe, I was having a hard time breathing. When I got back home, I immediately resumed taking the flax seed oil, and had no more problems with indigestion."

[QUESTION]  06/29/2009: Charlotte from London, United Kingdom: "Im 21 years of age and have suffered from BV for about a year now. I am 4 months pregnant and take prenatal and pregnancy vitamins which include folic acid, but i still continue to get BV. Is it ok to increase my dosage of folic acid while being pregnant? And if so how much would be advised to take? This horrible bacteria is killing my sex and personal life. I need help!"

07/27/2012: Anne from Saint Marys, Kansas: "I have read in the question / answer section that pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use castor oil. Is that just internally (I can understand that) or does that advice apply to the external packs as well? I would really like to know why? I want to use the packs for constipation during my pregnancy and can't understand why that would be harmful."

07/27/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Anne, It is advised not to use castor oil packs while pregnant. The reason being is it's a very powerful detoxifier. Just as one is advised not to do detoxing while pregnant, nor go on a weight loss program, the same holds for not using castor oil packs. It is always good to err on the side of caution during this time. Hope this helps, Lisa"

07/28/2012: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe replies: "Anne, what I did was to sit down with a glass by the sink and DRINK!!"

02/05/2013: Pgrace from Hamilton, N replies: "Castor oil acts on baby as well. It can cause your child to expel meconium while in the womb, which is an aspiration risk. I would find something safer to use during pregnancy and labour."

03/03/2013: Ruth from Fairmont, Wv (currently Working In Norway) replies: "Try Bentonite Clay for constipation. I put 1 Tablespoon in about 4 oz. water and leave it sit overnight (don´t stir). In the morning, stir in some honey and you have natural Malox! I take about 1 T. or more every morning with lots of water and have had very little problems with constipation this pregnancy."

[YEA]  01/11/2008: Brigitte from Houston, Texas: "Please, note that I speak from experience. Nothing works better than eating several small yet healthy meals and taking ginger supplements or eating ginger snaps for alleviating the nausea that comes with the early stages of pregnancy. Usually by your fourth month you will no longer need to bother with this as the nausea becomes less over powering. Note that the olfactory senses in a pregnant woman are keenly acute and it would also be of great assistance to bring a handkerchief lightly dowsed with baby powder or some other light fragerance that is easily tolerated by the expecting mother for times when an unpleasant odor sneaks up on you."

[YEA]  04/02/2009: Sharron from Atlanta, GA replies: "550 mg Ginger Root capsules have staved off my continual bouts with nausea and vomiting during my current pregnancy. I'm 22 weeks along and I still take one every morning & freely throughout the day at the first sign of queasiness. It works really fast -- within 5-10 minutes usually.

I wish I'd known about this remedy during my first pregnancy. It was so bad I couldn't stand to look at water without vomiting all the time. Ginger Beer helped during that pregnancy (its a stronger brew than ginger ale). But sometimes I was too sick to drink and hold it down. I wish I'd known about these ginger capsules and/or fresh ginger then. Hope this helps someone.

Also, I wonder whether ginger is the reason I've only gained like 6 lbs so far? I snack all day long rather than eating at normal mealtimes & I'm also still nursing my 1 year old. Between these three factors, I haven't gained nearly as much weight as I'd gained with the last pregnancy at this point. Anyway, cheers to GINGER!!"

[YEA]  01/19/2012: Sarah from San Diego, Ca, Usa replies: "Ginger worked wonders for me as well. Ginger tea, Reeds extra ginger beer, and ginger chews... Also Mint tea is a great way to relieve morning(or all the time! ) sickness. I carried mint tea bags with me anytime I was out and about... Just take a good strong sniff of the tea bag anytime something makes you feel sick!"

10/03/2011: Shiva from India: "Hi, My wife 32 yrs had IUGR (intrautrine Growth Restriction) lost year and the baby died after 32wks. After the period of 1 year we are again trying for conceiving a baby, will IUGR repeat this type also. I am more worrying. Please suggest any natural way to prevent IUGR this time.

Many thanks, Shiva"

[QUESTION]  08/04/2009: Rosatay from Fredericton, Canada: "Just wondering if there is a danger in drinking the baking soda Lemon water remedy while pregnant? I'm feeling sluggish and pretty positive that my body is acidic - judging from my current diet. Would you reccommend this remedy to pregnant women?"

EC: This is one of Ted's alkalizing formulas: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/alkalizing_formulas.html#REMEDY4

[WARNING!]  05/25/2011: Monica from Portland, Or Usa replies: "Pregnant women should not be drinking baking soda water because of the high sodium content! Unfortunately, this remedy cannot be used during pregnancy"

01/03/2013: Lucena from Dubai, Uae replies: "is this true? would like to confirm.. Thanks"

[NAY]  07/27/2009: Thelena from Utretcht, The Netherlands: "i have tried drinking lemon juice with honey as a tea and eaten raw ginger for morning sickness and i haven't noticed a change the whole day that i have tried all these remmedies is there something else i could take. help"

[QUESTION]  09/23/2009: Jane from Portland, Or: "Natural Alternatives to the Rhogam Shot for RH- blood type in Pregnancy/Miscarriage?

Hello. Does anyone here know of what I can take as a natural preventative instead of getting a Rhogam shot? I am blood type RH- and experiencing a miscarriage. I was told that RH- women who are pregnant or have a miscarriage should get this shot so that if the baby is RH and the baby's blood somehow mixes (rare) with the mother's blood, the mother's blood will build up antibodies to 'attack' the foreign blood.

I have since read online that Rhogam is classified as a vaccine, which I am against. In any case, I am committed to using natural methods of healing and prevention.

While I do have the option of simply going without the shot, this could endanger future pregnancies/babies. And I did read that there are natural ways of decreasing incompatibility. Vitamin C was mentioned (apparently referenced from a book by author Susan S. Weed, which I will try to locate) but I did not get the dosage or timing of it. I am supposed to get the shot within 72 hours of bleeding. Any insights are much appreciated."

09/24/2009: Janice from Coloma, Mi replies: "I too have RH- blood. I have had three Rhogam shots. I had my first one around 37 years ago. We weren't absolutely sure but thought I had a miscarriage and got the shot. I received the second shot after my first baby was born and the third shot after my second baby was born. I have had no side effects that I know of. I usually don't get flu shots or vaccines but this was to protect the baby. Both of my babies were born with positive blood, so there was not a problem but I believe if the baby is born with negative blood they may have to have a blood transfusion and that sounds a lot more dangerous than a shot. I'm not real sure how all that works anymore (it's been a long time) but I just wanted you to know that I got the shots and all is well. God bless you."

09/24/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "You've got it the wrong way around. If the mother is Rh- and she has an Rh+ baby, she needs a rhogam shot.

When a mother is Rh- and she is carrying an Rh+ fetus, the mother's blood makes antibodies to the fetus's blood because the mother's immune system "sees" the fetus's Rh+ blood as a foreign invader and responds by making antibodies. The rhogam shot functions to "mop up" the antibodies that the mother made to the Rh+ baby she just delivered so that the NEXT fetus isn't harmed by the anti-Rh antibodies floating around in the mother's system from her PREVIOUS pregnancy.

If the mother is Rh- and the fetus is ALSO Rh-, the mother's body does not see the fetus as a foreign invader and so DOES NOT make antibodies to it, so no rhogam shot is needed after an Rh- mother delivers an Rh- baby. In the event of a miscarriage, a rhogam shot is administered just in case the miscarried fetus was Rh+ . If it was not Rh+ , no harm is done by giving the woman the rhogam shot.

p.s. As far as I know, there is NO "natural remedy" to replace a rhogam shot. The only "remedy" to the problem is for an Rh- woman to only have children with an Rh- man, or NOT have children with an Rh+ man. Rh- and Rh+ blood types are incompatable, even if they are of the same ABO group.

p.p.s. I am Rh- also."

09/24/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "EC's programing seems to have dropped the positive sign that signifies a positive Rh status, e.g. "Rh+ ". This could lead to alot of confusion amoung readers. "

EC: Thanks for noticing that! Will alert the programmers. Will you please re-submit your first rhogam shot post so I can see which + signs are missing? Thanks.

Deirdre

09/24/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "Is there an easy way to re-submit my post, or do I have to type it all back in by hand (bleh)?"

EC: Easy way: just copy and paste your first post to the feedback form and add the + signs where they are missing. Thanks!

09/24/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa replies: "I am not much of a computer person, but it doesn't seem to want to let me copy and paste, unless I am missing a beat somehow. Sorry :( "

EC: Hi Kathy, I have tried to fix your post, but let me know if I missed something!

Deirdre

09/25/2009: T from Maryland, Usa replies: "An Rh-negative mother should have the RhoGAM shot during pregnancy, and also after birth if the baby is Rh-positive (for a miscarriage the shot would be taken regardless). This is the case for each pregnancy she has. RhoGAM doesn't have thimerosal in it, so no worries on that count. I would not endanger future children by refusing the shot. Vitamin C isn't going to make your blood somehow more compatible. This is one case where the allopathic way really is the wisest thing.

Sending you a hug, Jane...I am sorry for your loss."

12/13/2008: Shelly from Antioch, California: "Hello, I am so happy to find this website. I am in need of help. I am pregnant in my 2nd Trimester and have felt considerable depression during my pregnancy. Symptoms include: Lethargic, unable to get out of bed, no desire to socialize or participate in family activities, loss of desire to complete daily tasks. I have two other children ages 7 and 2yrs old and my depression is becoming burdensome and a distracting me from caring for my other children. I am experiencing intense sadness and loss of interest in daily endeavors. These symptoms are very different than normal pregnancy hormone related symptoms as they are more intense and dark in nature. I have discussed with my doctor but I do not want to take prescription medications and would like to consider all natural antidepressants. I have heard that Sam-E is supposedly good, however I want to make sure that any natural antidepressants I may take will not have harmful side effects on the baby while I am pregnant.

Question:
Are there any SAFE all natural Antidepressant remedies available to take during pregnancy?

Thank you for your help."

EC: Your question was quickly answered on Yahoo Answers! http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081213191652AAaYFa6

12/13/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "To Shelley from Antioch, Ca:

Hi Shelley, sorry you are having all this depression with your pregnancy, but has your doctor checked your electrolytes/creatine levels to rule out a UTI or kidney infection? One thing you can check for yourself real fast, is your potassium level. If your problem is low potassium, drinking about 3 l2-ounce glasses of fresh or frozen orange juice in a short period of time should make you feel much better for a short period of time. If this proves true for you go to visit your doctor and ask him to check you for a kidney problem.

If it is just depression, St. John's Wort of Sam-e should be safer than the typically prescribed antidepressants. A sluggish thyroid can also make you feel a lot of what you are describing, and a good stress tab (B Complex + Vitamins C & E) can help activate a sluggish thyroid. The bottle will say l a day but until you feel a difference I don't think one at meal times (notice I said meal times, not when you eat, because everybody doesn't eat the usual 3 meals per day) will cause you any problems."

[WARNING!]  12/23/2009: Angela from Lynchburg, Va replies: "I'm afraid that advice about ST. John's wort being a safe antidepressant is not correct. As a matter of fact, I know from numerous herbalists and a midwife, that it is dangerous. It's also online if you just look. I've also looked into Sam-e for pregnancy, and it's unproven. The only thing I know that is completely safe and natural is Omega 3 supplements. Also Doctors will tell you that Prozac is safe in Pregnancy, but I for one am sceptical as I had my first mid-trimester miscarriage soon after taking it myself. In the end, what I should have done is get out of a stressful situation, eat better so I could deal with the stress better, and have faith in God. . .not take something to mask it."

12/24/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "Hello Angela from Lynchburg, Va,

Magnesium has to lot to do with our nervous system and nerves. Since magnesium is a necesary mineral that our body requires the same as potassium, sodium, calcium, etc. it should be the safest of all remedies for nerves or depression during pregnancy.

For those of you who think you might be low on magnesium, to bring it up in a hurry without getting its laxative effect of it when taking it orally, the transdermal method works fine. Look up Deirdre's praise for it on EC. You will also find her place where she located it at a reasonable price and the sense of peace & contentment she got after using it.

If you don't understand how absorption through the skin works, Dr. Sircus at IMVA (International Medical
Veritas Association) has an excellent article on it, as well as excellent articles on sodium, madnesium and iodine. While you are there you might as well sign up for his free newsletters, which I find helpful."

EC: Joyce is referring to my magnesium oil feedback on this page! http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/transdermal-magnesium-therapy.html

Deirdre

03/10/2012: Diane from Los Angeles, Calif. United States: "I was recently talking to my sister in law. She told me that she knew of two women that used an Apple Cider Vinegar and water douche immediately after sexual intercourse and neither woman had anymore unwanted pregnancies! Ever again while using this birth control method! That the Apple Cider Vinegar kills live sperm!

The two women involved had children and didn't want any more children. This was back in the 40's and 50's.

I was wondering if anyone else had heard of this form of effective birth control? If this does indeed work I think more women should be aware of this effective and inexpensive way of preventing pregnancy.

Thanks, Diane"

03/11/2012: Maria from Gippsland, Australia replies: "Hi Diane, After coming home from sex education at school my mother showed me her douche and told me she had been using it (vinegar & water) whilst breast feeding her last baby - she thought!! Thank goodness thats all she was using as we have an absolutely wonderful extra sibling!

We are only fertile for about 3 days in our cycle so why not learn how to tell when we are and either abstain (the easiest) or use another method. I wonder when I hear of the ACV or lemon method if their sugested success is because 3 days out of approx 30 days means we are only fertile 10% of the time."

03/11/2012: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa replies: "Diane, I heard reference to ACV as a natural form of birth control in the movie Like Water For Chocolate and also wondered if it was true. Also, and for another question, can a woman who is not pregnant or having recently delivered a baby, nurse (breastfeed) a baby??? In this movie the younger sister (as opposed to her older sister that serviced an entire platoon of soldiers and thus needed ACV) was held captive and in the service of her tyrannical mother. This young lady had the job of nanny for her (other) sister's baby. Feverishly wanting to marry a man and have her own baby, her fever causes her breast to swell and lactate and she becomes very happy to nurse her sissy's baby. Can this, or has this induction ever actually happened? The movie is very much based on psychological and spiritual trauma and healing, which includes magic and miracles. A real masterpiece of a movie, and good for anyone who has suffered any type of abuse."

03/11/2012: Diane from Los Angeles, Ca. United States replies: "Maria if the vinegar and water douche is not effective the two married women I discussed in my previous post sure got lucky that neither ever got pregnant ever again?

I wonder if your mother forgot to use the douche one day?"

03/12/2012: Maria from Gippsland, Australia replies: "No exception, every time after sex but never used at any other time. Some ladies even use it before to enhance the chances of getting a girl, I know of no one who has done this."

03/12/2012: Maria from Gippsland, Australia replies: "Diane I am not saying it cannot work but that it doesn't always. But I also wonder if the ladies you mentioned knew their fertile time. If they did and used the Apple Cider Vinegar then it definitely worked for them, if they didn't then we will never know if it was even used in their fertile time.

I remember being told by my Dr that every time you have sex the sperm lives for 2-3 days even though The Billings Method had been taught for some years by then. So she should have known that happens only when your mucous is in the pre-fertile or fertile stage, I would hope she does now!"

03/12/2012: Diane from Los Angeles, Ca. United States replies: "Maria, The ladies I mentioned were still young, fertile, married and had many children and after using the apple cider vinegar and water douche NEVER AGAIN HAD CHILDREN using this method."

07/24/2012: Elaine from Edmond, Oklahma, Usa replies: "My mother told me about "The Whites" years ago when I was first married. She said if you see a slimy, clear or white discharge it means you are ovulating. She told me that it only occured occasionally, but I noticed that every month, about two weeks after the first day of my period, I had a slight, clear, mucous (slimy) discharge. I avoided my husband at this time. I had stopped taking the pill and this was my method of birth control. One month my Whites went on for a couple of days than usual. I thought, surely I'm out of my window and can "indulge". Well, that was over 18 years ago and my daughter will be a senior in high school this year. I have told a couple of friends who were trying to conceive about this. I told them, when you see this, you know what to do and do it as often as you see this discharge. Their dischage was at different times than the normal two weeks after a period. Both now have babies and it didn't take long for them to conceive. Good luck either for control or conception. This method is NOT 100%. Nothing but abstinence if you are in your fertile years is."

03/26/2011: Arn from Kenmore, Wa. replies: "Do a web search for "ovulation method". This is a simple, free 100% effective method. Obviously the powers-that-be don't want you to know about it. Basically, a woman is only fertile 2 days a month. The method teaches you to know when that is. It doesn't involve watching the calendar or taking your temperature. Check it out. It's almost too easy."

10/06/2011: Meggabite from Girdwood, Alaska replies: "I agree and disagree with this, as my mother was using this method when she got pregnant with me! But it's really the only option out there if you aren't willing to use artificial hormones. IUDs aren't recommended if you haven't already had children, as they can cause very painful menstrual cramping."

01/19/2012: Sarah from San Diego, Ca, Usa replies: "Also, look up fennel seed, neem and green papaya."

[YEA]  05/01/2007: Salima from Madison, Wisconsin: "I am 19 weeks pregnant and got sick a few days ago. I didn't want to take any medicines so I've been downing cough drops for the past three days which has done absolutely nothing! I logged on to find a home remedy, and of course being pregnant I have a jar of pickles in my fridge! After drinking in the hot pickles juice I already felt better!! Aparently, the heated vapors of vinger helped my congestion and soothed my sore throat instantly. My coughing subsided dramatically and my throat didn't hurt as much. Thanks!!!!"

[YEA]  03/20/2010: Carla G from Atlanta, Ga: "Itchy Pregnancy Rash

Hi, I've wanted to help other women with this for 6 years but could not find a forum until now. While pregnant with my daughter I developed an unbearably itchy and unsightly rash on my stomach and face. Dermatologists, Obgyn and GP could not help. After hours of internet searching I found a forum on Pregnancy Rashes. Most of the over 500 entries said NOTHING helped but delivery of the baby and I was still 5 months away! I found about 5 woman who had used either topical Witch Hazel or Dandelion Root Extract. I checked every source I could find to make sure neither of these would be dangerous to the baby and then proceded to do both. I took twice the suggested dose on the Dandelion root (based on health food store recommendation) and applied Witch Hazel to the affected areas 3 times a day. By the time I returned to the dermatologist 2 weeks later for a biopsy appointment, the rash was gone! I was so thankful for those 5 women who posted. I hope this will be helpful to some other woman out there who is experienceing this awful side affect of what otherwise is a wonderful time in a woman's life.

Peace and Blessings"

04/10/2013: Taj from Sacramento, Ca: "I am 37 years old went into early premature menopause. I would like to have my periods and conceive?"

04/11/2013: Ky Mama from Clinton, Ky replies: "I would consider adding Apple Cider Vinegar to your daily diet - 2-4 T. in water a day (spread through out the day). (This site has lots of ways people intake this. Just keep trying until you find one you can tolerate and will stick with. ) I am 46 and my cycles are better than they have been all my life in the last year or two. I think it is because I added ACV to my life a couple of years ago. Nothing else has really changed. I also no longer have gall bladder problems or reflux.

Many ladies find Blackstrap Molasses (1 T. daily) to help a lot with cycle difficulties. It is so nourishing and will not hurt you.

Finally, Red Raspberry Leaf tea is a wonderful tonic for women's reproductive health. There is an organic brand that also has nettle and alfalfa in it which is also very nourishing and many find it very tasty. :) Even three to four cups a day would be very healthy.

All of these things could be done safely together. As a last resort you could look into Natural Progesterone. Ed Lee has several books about menopause and premenopause etc. He recommends it. I have used it sometimes but only as a last resort as I am not convinced that it is really that "natural."

Hope you are able to get pregnant!"

[YEA]  04/19/2011: Dilraj And Vijay from Fort Mcmurray, Ab, Canada: "this is tried out on ourself! Discouvered it in desperate situation. During preganancy my wife developed rare condition called PUPPP. We tried all steroids no effect what so ever. There is no cure according to net nothing with Dr. either. We applied Turmeric in onion juice, the PUPPP was done in 10 min!

Thank you, Dilraj and Vijay "

08/19/2011: Christal from Austin, Tx replies: "I had PUPPS with my first pregnancy, my son is a about to be a year and a half, it was TERRIBLE, SO ITCHY!!!! So I went to the dr and they said I should take topical steroids and Ingestable steroids, I did the topical but WOULD NOT EVER IN MY LIFE take steroids, ESP while pregnant since I believe natural is best, the topical didn't do didly squat for the itchies so I searched and searched for natural anything, I started taking dandelion root capsules and that did wonders but it came back with a vengence! AH, I ended up letting them induce me at 38 weeks, I wish I could go back and stick it out, but my son is healthy and perfect, anyway, I am now 29 weeks pregnant with my second baby and started getting little red bumps just like before but THANKFULLY my midwife started me on a dandelion root tincture several months ago so I just upped my dosage and the little red bumps went bye bye. My advice to anyone experiencing this horrible ailment is to take the dandelion root tincture, email me I can get it to you. christaleddleman(at)yahoo.com

May the Lord richly bless you"

09/09/2012: Katie from Winnipeg, Mb, Canada replies: "To the couple in fort McMurray... How much turmeric (powder?) how much onion? What kind of onion? Thanks any info will help."