There are several natural supplements that can be taken that are rich in vitamins and minerals and can be beneficial during pregnancy, labour, and delivery. Of course, anything that is taken during pregnancy should be discussed with a health care provider prior to use.
Here are just a few good things for pregnancy…
One supplement that is slightly costly, but well worth the price, is called Floradix. For those who cannot stomach an iron tablet, this may well be the solution. Found at many health food stores, this iron-rich liquid is jam packed with B vitamins, and fruit and berry extracts. Taken with a glass of orange juice or a Vitamin C tablet, uptake of the iron is greatly enhanced and it helps to ward off anemia in the later months. Plus, the complication of constipation is pretty well non-existent with this supplement. The taste is not great – something like sweet berry metal – but the energy effects can be felt after a week of supplementation.
Red Raspberry Leaf tea is adored by some and loathed by others. The tea itself can be made and consumed, or for those who despise the taste, it can be chilled with lemon and kept in a pitcher in the fridge. Still can’t drink it (I couldn’t!)? Red Raspberry Leaf is available in capsule form and the only thing to contend with is the distasteful burping that may occur. Once again, it is worth the taste challenge. Although it is not recommended during the first months of pregnancy as it tones the uterine muscles, it is a wonderful supplement in the later months. It is a rich source of both vitamins C and E, contains some levels of A and B, plus a source of phosphorus and calcium. This tea can ease nausea during pregnancy and also is known to decrease the pain of labour (as it does assist in strengthening the uterus and therefore the uterus works more efficiently).
Another tea commonly consumed during pregnancy is Nettle tea. This one is much more palatable than Red Raspberry Leaf tea. This herb contains a lengthy list of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for healthy development. Not only does this tonic assist the kidneys in their increased functioning, it can ease those terrible leg cramps at night, and ease the pain of uterine cramps during labour. This is in part due to the high concentration of calcium. Many women consume this tea during the last weeks of pregnancy because of the tremendously high concentration of Vitamin K. Although tough to prove, Nettle has a reputation for decreasing the amount of bleeding after birth and also decreasing the chances of hemorrhaging.
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