Natural Home Remedies: The Fertility Plan Preventing Miscarriage Naturally And Get Pregnant

When a couple decide to have a family they are taking on one of the most important jobs in the world, so they must be in good health to ensure a healthy baby.
The ova, female eggs, and sperm may be adversely affected by inadequate diet, and by social and environmental factors. The egg is at its most vulnerable for about 100 days leading up to ovulation, the time when it is released, and sperms are also particularly vulnerable for approximately 116 days before they mature. So eating well, having a wholesome lifestyle and environment will contribute to the health of the next generation. It’s an awesome task, and one that requires careful planning at least four months before conception.

Top What your doctor can do

 

• Check your serum ferritin levels if you suffer with fatigue, have pale skin and heavy periods. This will determine whether you have low iron stores.

• Check to see whether you are up-to-date with your rubella immunisations. It is important to be immune to German measles because it can cause so much irreversible damage to an unborn child if contracted in the first few weeks of pregnancy.

• Arrange for you to have a thorough check up to ensure:

• your blood pressure is in the normal range
• you are free of diabetes
• you have no pelvic problems
• you have no vaginal or bladder infections 384 THE NATURAL HEALTH BIBLE
• you are not an HIV carrier
• you do not have any sexually transmitted disease.

• Remove an IUD if you have one. This needs to be done at least six months before you plan to conceive. An IUD can also increase the risk of vaginal infection.

• Advise on medication. Ideally you should not be taking any medication during pregnancy that is not absolutely necessary. If you are taking prescribed drugs, discuss the situation with your doctor to see whether there is any need for you to reduce your medication or to switch to an alternative prior to trying for a baby.

• Prescribe supplements that contain folic acid and vitamin B 12 to help prevent neural tube defects.

 

Top What you can do

 

Here are some simple dietary recommendations which should be followed in order to help achieve an adequate intake of all the essential nutrients. This is especially important in the preconceptual phase and in the first twelve weeks of pregnancy as it determines the growth and development of your baby.

• Eat three regular meals a day. Doing so will give you the best chance of obtaining a balanced intake of all essential nutrients. Do not miss meals.

• Eat one cooked main meal per day. Cooked meat, fish or vegetable based meals will again allow a good intake of essential nutrients, especially protein.

• Eat at least one portion (120g/4oz) of meat or fish or vegetarian protein, such as beans, peas or lentils. Many convenience or prepared meals are low in protein, vitamins and minerals.

• Ensure a good intake of foods rich in folic acid, including green leafy vegetables, fortified breakfast cereals, oranges and orange juice, eggs, almonds and sweetcorn. You can eat cooked liver once a month if you wish until you are pregnant, when you should stop.

• Enjoy good sources of calcium, including dairy products, milk (whole, skimmed or semi-skimmed) and cheese, but avoid soft cheese and cottage cheese. Soft cheese may contain the infecting organism Listeria, and cottage cheese is low in protein and B vitamins.

• Eat at least three portions of fruit per day, and two portions of green leafy vegetables or green salad per day. This is in line with the latest recommendations for healthy eating for the general population, and will help maintain a good intake of fibre, vitamins and minerals.

• Eat two or three slices of wholemeal bread per day. White bread may be acceptable if the rest of the diet is well balanced. Some will need PRECONCEPTION 385 more bread than others, and those on weight-reducing diets may need to consume less.

• Use good quality vegetable oils, which are high in essential fatty acids, especially sunflower, safflower, rapeseed and walnut. Olive oil is not rich in essential fatty acids. Use margarines based on these oils, e.g. sunflower, or you can use a small amount of butter. Again cut down on these if you need to lose weight.

• Eat from a selection of foods rich in essential fatty acids. These include oily fish like mackerel, herring, salmon, pilchards and sardines, and walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans (peanuts are not so nutritious in this respect) and beans, especially pinto beans.

• Trim the skin and fat from meat and poultry. These tend to be high in the less helpful saturated fats, and most of the environmental toxins, if present, will be found in the fatty portions of them. • Get your partner to follow the same dietary recommendations. The health of the father-to-be can also be a factor in the health of your future offspring.

 

Top Pregnancy

 

The effect that diet, environment and lifestyle before and during pregnancy have on our unborn children should never be underestimated. Research shows quite clearly that we can ‘programme’ the health of a baby and influence its growth and development, at least four months before it is even conceived (see Preconception), and during the first three to four months of pregnancy. We can affect the shape and size of the baby, the health of its important little organs, its intelligence in later life, and even its fingerprints!

Examples of how our diet and lifestyle can influence the unborn are many.

• Babies who are small for their dates are likely to have high blood pressure in later life and have a different fingerprint pattern to normal weight babies.

• Low birth-weight babies are seven times more likely to develop blood sugar problems or get diabetes than babies whose weight is in the normal range.

• Impaired lung growth during the developmental stages and early infant life, due to inadequate nutrition and environmental conditions, point to potential abnormal lung function and increased chances of suffering bronchitis, asthma and chronic chest infections. There is enough new evidence to convince even the most sceptical amongst us that diet and environmental factors influence the well-being of the unborn child not only in infancy, but also in adult life.

From the time of conception, each minute bodily system has its own timetable for development, and the supply of essential nutrients and timing of contact with a toxin, will determine the type of damage that results. According to relatively recent research data, babies who are undernourished in the first four weeks of development stand a much higher chance of developing heart disease, a major cause of death in 388 THE NATURAL HEALTH BIBLE middle age, and brain disorders, present from birth, which show up later in life in one in eight adults. Low birth-weight babies, those born at term who weigh under 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs), if they survive, suffer higher rates of childhood illness, and stand a greater chance of being mentally retarded, of suffering from cerebral palsy, behaviour disorders, impaired vision or deafness.

 

 Top Dietary Requirements

 

Despite the fact that many of us feel incredibly hungry during pregnancy, our actual requirement for extra calories does not increase significantly in the first six months, and only by an additional 10-20 per cent during the last three months of pregnancy. What does increase is our need for good quality, nutrient-dense foods, which are rich in folic acid, vitamin B12, EFAs, and the mineral zinc and iron in particular (see below).

We experience the largest demand for nutrients during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Besides looking after yourself, you have the needs of a growing baby to meet, as well as the increased tissue of the uterus, placenta and blood. All this new tissue requires more calories, proteins, vitamins and minerals.

It is normal to gain nearly 12.5 kg (27–28 lb) during pregnancy, but weight gain can vary depending on individual metabolic rate. Some women hardly notice any change in appetite, whilst others feel like they are eating for an army! Studies show that women who gain in excess of 13.5 kg (30 lb) during pregnancy have significantly more healthy babies. Slim women, who only experience a small weight gain, can have babies with a low birth weight. You should be eating enough to gain weight at the rate of 225–450g (1/2–1 lb) per week, unless you are overweight.

• Folic acid deficiency and vitamin B12 insufficiency are now clearly linked to neural tube defects.

• Zinc deficiency during pregnancy has been linked with low birth weight, under 2.5 kg (5.5 lb).

• Vitamin A is another nutrient linked to growth, and in fact it has long been recommended by the Department of Health in the UK, that all pregnant and breastfeeding mothers take supplements of vitamin A as beta-carotene the non-animal source (not as retinol) as well as vitamins D and C, in order to build up vitamin stores that can then be passed across the placenta.

• Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are vital for growth and development of the baby, particularly for the brain and the central nervous system. Recent research suggests that a deficiency of these long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the tissues of growing babies results in low birth weight, PREGNANCY 389 which may have life-long implications. We now know too that adequate intakes of EFAs in the new-born infant seem to influence vision and subsequent intelligence.

Babies born after an apparently normal pregnancy often have borderline levels of EFAs, as do premature babies. Breast milk, from a well-nourished mother, is a good source of EFAs, which probably explains why some breast-fed infants make better progress than bottlefed ones. Trials feeding Efamol Marine (a combination of evening primrose and marine fish oils) to pregnant women during the final three months of pregnancy have produced raised EFA levels in newborn babies. Good sources of essential fatty acids can be found on page 489.

Sadly, many of these important medical facts, which undoubtedly affect the welfare of our unborn children, are kept almost as trade secrets. The health and well-being of your growing baby is undoubtedly in your hands and, with a little knowledge, there are many positive steps that you can take to ensure your baby has the best possible chance in life.

 

Top What your doctor can do

 

• Give regular checks to ensure that the growth of the baby is on target, and that you are in good health.

• Prescribe iron supplements, should your levels drop below the normal range.

• Offer screening facilities for prospective mums who are either at risk or over 35 years of age.

• Refer you to a specialist if there are any concerns during your pregnancy.

 

 Top What you can do

 

• Eat a wide variety of nutritious foods The best are those rich in protein, such as lean meat (preferably additive-free or organic), fish, free-range chicken, nuts, seeds, peas, beans and lentils. Foods that are particularly nutritious and should be consumed regularly through pregnancy are:

• lean meat
• eggs, preferably free-range
• all green vegetables
• wheatgerm
• nuts
• wholemeal bread (up to three slices per day)
• fortified breakfast cereal.

• Include vegetable rather than animal fats Use polyunsaturated margarines and cold-pressed oils, rather than animal fats which are high in saturated fats and low in essential nutrients. Beware of seemingly healthy vegetable fats that contain hydrogenated vegetable oils. These fats have been chemically altered to make them stable at room temperature, and have the same adverse effects as saturated fat. Trim any visible fat from meat or poultry and don’t eat the skin.
• Eat plenty of foods containing calcium and other good nutrients Dairy products such as milk, yoghurt and cheese are all important sources of calcium. So too are the small bony fish like whitebait, sprats and sardines and nuts, seeds and green vegetables. Aim for 300-600 ml (1/2-1 pint) of milk and yoghurt per day, and 175–225 g (6–8 oz) of cheese per week.
• Feast on organic salad, vegetables and fruit Aim to eat a salad daily, plus three portions of vegetables, including one green leafy vegetable, and at least two portions of fruit each day. These are important sources of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
• Don’t use pregnancy as an excuse to pig out on sweet food Many women develop cravings for sweet foods during pregnancy, and use their lost waistline as an excuse to indulge. Sweet food, like puddings, cake or chocolate are permissible, but only in addition to nutritious food. Sweet foods are normally a very low source of good nutrients, and should never replace wholesome food. As long as you are not overweight to start with, have your treats after meals.
• Increase fruit juice, and reduce tea It is vital to make the most of all the dietary iron during pregnancy, as your growing baby will be steadily stocking up on iron to last through the first few months of life. Drinking tea, which contains tannin that binds with iron from vegetable protein, will reduce the amount of iron that you are able to absorb by about half. Choosing citrus fruit juices, like orange or grapefruit, which are rich in vitamin C, you will approximately double the iron that is available to both you and your baby. Other foods and drinks rich in vitamin C are listed on page 486.
• Use tea and coffee substitutes You will see from the list of alternatives on page 7 that there are many different varieties to try. It is worth noting that Rooibosch/Redbush Tea, which is a caffeine-free tea lookalike, has shown positive results in South African trials on babies with colic. It contains a mild muscle relaxant. Raspberry tea could be consumed before delivery as it is thought to relax the perineum.
• Raspberry leaf tea helps with uterine contractions. It is available loose and in tea bag form. Consumption should be limited to one cup a day.
• Morning sickness can be alleviated by chewing on crystallised ginger or drinking an infusion of root ginger in boiling water.
• There’s nothing better than regular exercise Sticking to a regular exercise routine during pregnancy will help to keep you feeling healthy and will tone your body for the delivery. The endorphin release which results from exercise (see page 32) not only raises your mood, but also that of your baby. Research has shown that endorphins cross the placenta, and the baby is therefore able to share your sense of wellbeing!
• Continue with all the relevant steps in the Preconceptual Programme (See page 386). Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, street drugs plus environmental chemicals and hazards.

Potential dangers during pregnancy 

There are a number of bugs which can be very dangerous, particularly during pregnancy. Avoid them and the foods that might harbour them at all costs.

Listeriosis

Even in a mild form, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, severe illness in a newborn baby, or a still birth. It presents as a flu-like illness that is caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bug, found in some common foods. It is therefore imperative to avoid:

• Roquefort, Stilton and other blue-veined cheeses.
• Unpasteurised cheese such as Camembert and Brie or dairy products including goat and sheep’s products.
• Liver pâté of any type.
• Cook-chill meals. These are ready-cooked, and kept cold, but not frozen, and are designed to be eaten cold or reheated at home. Preferably avoid them altogether, or cook them until they are piping hot to kill off the listeria.
• Undercooked meat of any description.
• Pre-prepared salads.
• Soft ice-cream from a machine.
• Food that is past its best-before date.

Salmonella 

This is a bacteria responsible for more food poisoning than any other, and manifests itself in sickness and diarrhoea. Poultry and eggs are probably the most common foods to be contaminated with Salmonella, but thorough cooking often eliminates it.

• Don’t eat anything that contains raw or uncooked egg, and don’t forget less obvious foods like mousse and Maryonnaise.
• Only eat eggs that have been cooked so thoroughly that the egg yolk is hard.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly if you have been touching raw meat, especially poultry. • Don’t let raw meat come into contact with any other food. This includes any spillage that may occur in the fridge.
• Use a special board to prepare meat and poultry, kept only for that purpose. Scrub it very thoroughly with hot water after use, and do the same with any surface touched.
• Cook all meat and poultry thoroughly so that the bacteria are destroyed. Toxoplasmosis This is again a flu-like illness, which is caused by an infection by the bug called Toxoplasma gondii, sometimes found in raw meat, especially lamb, and also in cat faeces. As it can affect the unborn child it is important to take precautions.
• Never eat undercooked or raw meat.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after preparing meats.
• Wash all food preparation surfaces with very hot water or bleach.
• Clean and scrub all vegetables thoroughly to ensure that all soil and dirt is removed. If cats have soiled the earth, food can be contaminated.
• Don’t let your cat have kittens at the time you plan to be pregnant, as kittens carry toxoplasmosis.
• Clear up cat mess with boiling water or bleach.

Unpasteurised milk

Milk that has not been heat-treated may contain bugs that are harmful to health. Avoid ‘green top’ unpasteurised, or any milk that has not been heat-treated, from the time you start to plan your baby, until you have finished breast-feeding.

 

 Top Current thinking on nutritional supplements

 

There is broad medical agreement that supplements containing 400 mcg of folic acid and possibly vitamin B12 should be taken for four months prior to conception, until the end of the twelfth week of pregnancy, in order to prevent neural tube defects. However, opinions vary about what to do after that.

If you are eating an exceptionally healthy diet, which includes organic produce, and drinking very little tea, coffee or alcohol, then the chances are that you will be getting many of the nutrients that you and your baby need. However, if you have a poor appetite, have an unplanned pregnancy, or have not been eating very well, then as a precaution it would be advisable to take a multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, without animal vitamin A (retinol), each day anyway. It is far better to err on the side of caution.

Additionally, recent research shows that it may be advisable for some women to take supplements of evening primrose oil and marine fish oil for the last three months of pregnancy and during breast feeding. Another study on breast-feeding mothers using Efamol evening primrose oil from between two to eight months of feeding, showed improved levels of essential fatty acids at a time when the natural supply in the milk would be tailing off.

The mineral zinc plays a fundamental role in the health of the foetus. Zinc is also useful to reduce the risk and of stretch marks and speed healing. According to Dr Neil Ward at the University of Surrey, deficiencies of zinc have been linked to low birth weight babies with a smaller head circumference.

Knowing that you can influence the health prospects of your new child may be rather daunting. There are countless rewards, though, to be had if you prepare your body for pregnancy and look after yourself to the best of your ability whilst pregnant. Creating a new little person is such a miracle, it’s important to ensure that you are well enough to savour it, and that you do all in your power to enhance the miracle rather than damage it inadvertently.