Perreault Magazine - 58 -
by Dr. Payam Hakimi
HOMEOPATHY and PREGNANCY
Pregnancy, as beautiful, joyful, exciting and productive as it is, also brings about physiological changes in a woman’s body which can be challenging. Although these normal changes occur to get the pregnant woman and the baby ready and nourished during this time, they also cause some strange sensations and symptoms that are less than desirable. Among others, I often hear the following concerns from my patients:
Morning sickness
Cravings
Mood swings
Fatigue
Weight gain
Crying for no reason
Frequent Urination
Colostrum production
Shortness of breath
A foot in your rib
Growing belly
Braxton Hicks contractions
Pregnancy visit anxiety
Ultra sounds
Pelvic exams
Glucose testing
Worry about episiotomy
C-section vs. Natural childbirth
Round ligament pain (sharp pelvic pains)
Swollen hands and feet
Possible complications
IS IT A BOY OR GIRL?
The changes, symptoms and concerns are all related to various changes in the body’s chemistry and structure. They are caused by hormonal shifts throughout pregnancy as well as changes in the size of the uterus as the baby grows.
Changes in hormone levels to sustain a viable pregnancy can cause morning sickness. Any smell or taste or even the sight of food can be irritating and create nausea and vomiting. Then there are the cravings. “Cravings”, a pregnant patient once said, “are the best thing that has happened to me. I am eating things I would have never have eaten before and don’t understand why!”
Emotional ups and downs both during and after pregnancy are very common. A pregnant woman can become moody, agitated, short-fused at times and other times she’ll be depressed, tearful, and withdrawn.
Let me be the first to congratulate you!