Taking Drugs While Pregnant

Yeast infection or Candida leads to the release of toxins in the bloodstream that can affect digestive, nervous, respiratory, endocrinal, urinary and reproductive organs in the body.

High-sugar diets, smoking, food allergies and intolerances, diabetes and pregnancy are considered to be the most prominent causes of Candida. While dietary changes are the most important part of any Candida treatment, oral and topical drugs are used for relief from inflammation and itching caused by the infection.

Vaginal yeast infection is one of the typical conditions that pregnant women face. Although yeast infections are common with women, especially pregnant women, doctors find it difficult to explain why it is so. The normal suggestion is that pregnancy by itself reduces immunity to a point where microorganisms like Candida albicans are allowed to grow.

There is a vast majority of women who gather information from not so reliable sources and tend to self-medicate. Self medication during pregnancy is never advisable as there is a child developing within you.

Women should be aware that all vaginal infections during pregnancy are not yeast infections. It is imperative to get the condition evaluated before taking any type of medicine.

Yeast infection on its own is not known to affect the baby. But pregnancy can limit the choice of drugs available for treatment. Yeast infection treatment for a pregnant is different from normal treatment for yeast infections due to the concerns about the fetus. For example:

- Certain drugs used for treating vaginal Candida are easily absorbed through the blood stream and can cause harm to the fetus.
– A yeast infection in early pregnancy should be attended with the shortest possible treatment to avoid complications.
– Very old drugs like Mycostatin do not have a good success rate and may prolong treatment. Drugs like Diflucan, although highly successful, can interfere with normal embryonic development.
– Some of the topical medications expose the fetus to risks if used during the first trimester.

If vaginal Candida symptoms surface during early pregnancy, the treatment should be completed within the earliest possible time. An herbal treatment, Gentian violet, is preferred over other treatments in early pregnancy to avoid exposing the baby to any risk.

Vaginal yeast infections are likely to recur during pregnancy despite a Candida cure in early pregnancy. If it is present during childbirth there is a strong possibility of it passing on to the neonate as oral thrush. The signs of thrush in newborns are reflected as white patches on the tongue.

Any excessive itching or redness in the vaginal area any time during pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor. Your doctor is the right person to tell if it is yeast infection or something else and will help in avoiding unnecessary medication.

After all, it is not only your health that is at stake. You may also look for alternative therapies like homeopathy and home remedies that are totally safe and will not do any harm to the baby developing inside you.

References:

http://ezinearticles.com/?Candida-and-Pregnancy&id=318720

http://www.yeastinfectionresource.com/webcast_transcript.asp?b=yeastinfectionresource&f=gyno&c=gyno_pregyeast&pg=2

That is if you really want to give your new baby the best possible start in life. Yet another study has established that if a mother takes Omega 3 during the latter part of her pregnancy her infant will have improved sensory, cognitive and motor development! But…keep in mind you can’t use any old fish oil, nor will vegetable Omega 2 vegetable oils do the job.

It must be an ultra pure fish oil with high concentrations of DHA. It is the DHA that gives the baby the real benefits. As a side benefit it helps reduce the risk of post natal depression which is believed to be largely due to the baby drawing off its mothers stores of DHA. Remember that the body cannot manufacture Omega 3. It must come from diet or supplementation.

Of course the best oil you can get is our own Omega 3 DHA / fish oil from New Zealand.

The article is below:

Omega-3 Intake During Last Months Of Pregnancy Boosts An Infant’s Cognitive And Motor Development

ScienceDaily (Apr. 11, 2008) — A study supervised by Université Laval researchers Gina Muckle and Éric Dewailly reveals that omega-3 intake during the last months of pregnancy boosts an infant’s sensory, cognitive, and motor development. The details of this finding are published in a recent edition of the Journal of Pediatrics.

To come to this conclusion, researchers first measured docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentration–a type of omega-3 fatty acid involved in the development of neurons and retinas–in the umbilical cord blood of 109 infants. “DHA concentration in the umbilical cord is a good indicator of intra-uterine exposure to omega-3s during the last trimester of pregnancy, a crucial period for the development of retinal photoreceptors and neurons,” explains Dr. Dewailly.

Tests conducted on these infants at 6 and 11 months revealed that their visual acuity as well as their cognitive and motor development were closely linked to DHA concentration in the umbilical cord blood at the time of their birth. However, there was very little relation between test results and DHA concentration in a mother’s milk among infants who were breast-fed. “These results highlight the crucial importance of prenatal exposure to omega-3s in a child’s development,” points out Dr. Muckle.

Researchers observed that DHA concentration in the umbilical cord blood was in direct relation with the concentration found in a mother’s blood, a reminder of the importance of a mother’s diet in providing omega-3 fatty acids for the fetus. They also noted that DHA concentration was higher in the fetus’s blood than in the mother’s. “While developing its nervous system, a fetus needs great quantities of DHA. It can even transform other types of omega-3s into DHA in order to develop its brain,” explains Dr. Dewailly.

For the members of the research team, there is no doubt that all pregnant women should be encouraged to get sufficient amounts of omega-3s. “A diet rich in omega-3s during pregnancy can’t be expected to solve everything, but our results show that such a diet has positive effects on a child’s sensory, cognitive, and motor development. Benefits from eating fish with low contaminant levels and high omega-3 contents, such as trout, salmon, and sardines, far outweigh potential risks even during pregnancy,” conclude the researchers.

In addition to Muckle and Dewailly, who are also affiliated to the Centre de recherche du CHUQ, Quebec City, the study was co-authored by Pierre Ayotte from Université Laval, as well as Joseph Jacobson, Sandra Jacobson, and Melissa Kaplan-Estrin from Wayne State University. This study was funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, Hydro-Québec, and Health Canada.

Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster?

There are many natural approaches to combating one of the most common pregnancy complaints, morning sickness. Most people have heard of the age-old ginger remedy for upset stomachs and intestinal gas. It is an effective remedy that is cheap to use and has no side effects, which is very important to most expectant

mothers. However, there are many more natural remedies that you can use not only to ease the stomach, but also to ensure a smooth, faster labor. Yes, it is true, say hello to reflexology.

Did you know that only ten sessions of reflexology could actually help get you in and out of labor much faster? Yes, it is true. Furthermore, women that undergo reflexology treatment during pregnancy also appear to have fewer complications during labor. These benefits are great, but what about the nine-months of uncomfortable, often painful symptoms?

If you are new to reflexology, here are the basics. Reflexology is the practice of strategically applying pressure to areas of the feet and hands as they correspond with specific body organs. By stimulating nerves on specific areas of the feet and hands, we can stimulate blood flow and eliminate toxin buildup in the corresponding organs and systems of the body. And it is not only limited to the feet and hands, although they are the most widely used areas. Reflexology can also be used on the face and the ears as well.

Because reflexology works to put the body in a state of well-being, it is beneficial to every system in the body. Reflexology has been known to relieve many common pregnancy complaints including headache, nausea, backache, stress and anxiety, sleeplessness, fatigue, constipation, swollen ankles and digestive problems such as acid reflux.

Quick Reflexology Fact

The more feet you work on the more success stories you will receive from satisfied, paying customers. In a business like reflexology, this is key to success. The truth of the matter is, one person could be responsible for making or breaking your reputation, but more commonly, it takes many satisfied customers to get a foothold in your community.

Of all of the pregnancy complaints, nausea, or morning sickness is one of the most uncomfortable. Not only can it last all day and can onset in the blink of an eye, but also can lead to problems holding down food if it becomes severe. Here is what I would recommend if you are having trouble with nausea on a regular basis.

* Start a reflexology treatment schedule and stick to it. In a very short time you will feel like you are on top of the world.
* Eat frequent, small meals throughout the day. This is a common recommendation, but one worth mentioning at anytime.
* Do not eliminate your carbs but rather take in complex carbs instead of simple, sugar-laden carbs. They will only make matters worse.
* Because prenatal vitamin contain a lot of iron, that can be a cause for upset stomach. I always got in the habit of taking it later in the day or before bed versus in the morning.
* Another common recommendation, and a good one at that, is to have some saltine crackers on your bedside. When you wake up in the morning, wake up slowly and munch on some before you rise. One sure fire way to get nausea going is to jump up out of bed. Just don’t do it, I learned this the hard way! It is better to be late than to be sick all day!
* Avoid strong odors and smells. If you can’t hack a smell, go out and take a light walk in the fresh air. That will usually do the trick.

To learn more about affordable home study courses in Reflexology, go to http://www.alternativehealingacademy.com/

by Francesca Black

The time has come. After nine months of anticipation you are standing at the door, suitcase at the ready, stopwatch in hand. You’ve timed the contractions at every two to five minutes on the dot, and as the drama of birth opens its curtains before your very eyes, you wonder if all your preparations will have been enough.

Childbirth is definitely one of, if not the most difficult labors a woman faces in her lifetime. Today, much is written about gentle, natural birthing options, which are healthier for mother and child. By providing a proper state of mind and natural analgesic, aromatherapy can be used to create a memorable, magical birthing atmosphere. This article will explain some of the best ways to prepare for childbirth using essential oils.

One of women’s greatest fears when approaching childbirth is that of damaging the delicate perineal tissue. Doctors and midwives ask whether you would prefer to have an episiotomy or risk a tear. Why not prepare the perineum beforehand with soothing massage? Studies have shown that women who perform daily perineal massages in preparation for childbirth are 30% more likely to deliver over an intact perineum. Besides making the tissue soft and supple, the massage can mentally prepare the woman to relax these muscles and open outward in response to pressure, a skill that will no doubt come in handy when the baby is making his way into the world.

Ideally, you should begin daily 5-10 minute massages at six to eight weeks prior to term. First, empty your bladder. Soaking for 5-15 minutes in warm water and lavender oil can relax the vaginal wall, making the perineal massage more comfortable. If you are doing the massage yourself, place one foot on the seat of a chair or the side of the bathtub; otherwise, a partner can perform the massage while you sit back comfortably with your back resting against pillows.

Mix 1 ounce wheat germ oil with 3 drops lavender and 1 drop geranium. (Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and cold-pressed olive oil are good substitutes for wheat germ oil. You can also use a blend of the oils.) After dipping into the massage oil, insert your thumb or middle fingers into the vagina just enough to stretch the perineal tissue, approximately two to three inches. Press the vaginal wall back toward the rectum, massaging in a U-shaped motion. Gently stretch the vagina open for 20-60 seconds, or until you feel a tingling or slight burning sensation. Stretch both the inner portions as well as the outer rim of the perineum. Make sure to wash hands thoroughly before and after perineal massage, and discard any unused oil.

Wherever you are planning to give birth, aromatherapy can be utilized. For use during labor and delivery, add to your suitcase your favorite essential oils and oil blends, an aromatic diffuser (electric models are the best for use in birthing centers and hospitals), flannels and bowls for compresses, and a plastic tub for sitz baths. Make sure to practice with your partner so that he or she is ready to serve you in your hour of need. Discussing your wishes with your health care provider is also a good idea, so that you don’t end up in a battle of wills just at the time you planned to create your ideal birth environment.

The following essential oils are ideal for labor and delivery. Due to the heightened sensitivity to smell during labor, it is best to use only a couple oils at a time.

Neroli, bergamot, rose, or frankincense help relieve fear and anxiety, and promote relaxation between contractions. These are good oils to use in your diffuser.

Lavender is good for aches, and helps in balancing and calming the laboring woman. After your cervix has dilated to at least 2 cm, you may consider taking a 30 minute lavender bath. Studies show that this can improve progress in labor and significantly reduces the need for drugs.

Between contractions, a foot or lower back massage can soothe and stimulate pain relief. Add 20 drops lavender and 8 drops clary sage in 4 ounces of olive oil.

Jasmine, lavender, or clary sage compresses can stimulate or strengthen contractions, and cool compresses to the forehead keep you feeling refreshed. To prepare a compress simply add 3-4 drops essential oil to a bowl of warm or cool water. Drape a flannel over the surface of the water to absorb the film of the oil. Ring out cloth and apply to area.

1 drop peppermint oil offered on a handkerchief can ward off nausea, or can be used as a pick-me-up during the transitional phase, when fatigue may settle in.

If tension is preventing you from opening the cervix during contractions, an abdominal massage or a compress of 8 drops Spikenard, 7 drops Jasmine, and 3 drops lemon verbena in 4 ounces olive oil can help. Evening primrose oil massaged directly on the cervix can also assist in relaxing the tissues.

Whatever turn your birthing takes, allow the effects of aromatherapy to penetrate your mind and relax your body.

Francesca Black works in marketing at Organic Items http://www.organic-items.com and Aromatherapy Blends http://www.aromatherapy-blends.net leading portals for organic products and essential oils.

by Warren Matthews of Xtend-Life Natural Supplements

“Increased intake of the omega-3 DHA during pregnancy could produce improved motor function in the offspring in later life, suggests a new study from the Netherlands.”

This is the opening statement in a recent article which reports on a study in which 300 children were studied over 7 years.

Of course Omega-3 DHA does much more than just helping the child. It also greatly benefits the Mother as well, particularly with regard to post natal depression. The baby draws off the ‘inventory’ of the Mother’s DHA which is an essential fatty acid in the brain and necessary to maintain a sense of wellbeing. As we humans cannot make our own DHA it has to be replaced from either our diet or supplementation.

So, all prospective Mother’s should supplement with an Omega 3 rich in DHA. Ordinary Omega 3 such as flax oil will not suffice as it does not contain DHA and it is hard to convert the form of Omega 3 present (ALA) to DHA.

Therefore a supplement such as our Omega 3 DHA Fish Oil should be taken as it is not only pure but also high in DHA.

What is interesting about this study is the benefit that Omega 3 DHA has on the nervous system. That benefit I believe applies to everyone at all ages who take it. To read the article, please click here http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?n=82216&m=2NIUD21&c=cujjvkirggyostq .

Swollen legs and feet, common in pregnancy and caused by the build-up of fluid, can be eased with a gentle massage of the following blend. Pour the oil essences into a 30-ml bottle, and add organic vegetable oil to fill. Gently massage the area.

Be careful not to massage deeply, as some pressure points in the feet, ankles and legs can induce labor. -3 drops Lavender -2 drops Cypress -2 drops Juniper.

Except for the morning sickness remedy below, it is important that you do not use essential oils during the first three to four months of your pregnancy.

Morning Sickness

Select one of the following essential oils to alleviate nausea and queasiness. Inhale either directly from the bottle or pour up to 4 drops of one of the essential oils on a tissue and breathe in. Repeat as needed.

Peppermint -Spearmint -Lemon.

http://www.childbirthsolutions.com/articles/pregnancy/aroma1/index. php

Swollen Ankles and Feet

* In a large basin of lukewarm to coolish water, add 1/2 a cup of Epsom salts, pre-mixed with 2 drops each of lavender and roman chamomile essential oils.

* Soak for 15-20 minutes, then dry feet.
* Slightly elevate the feet and give yourself some quality relaxation time.

Morning Sickness

Ginger

* Whenever needed, take 3 deep breaths – inhaling directly from the bottle.

Foot Reflexology

* Mix a single drop of both lavender and roman chamomile essential oils to 1 tsp. of jojoba carrier oil.
* Apply to both feet, then gently rub and press the reflex points listed above.
* Do this for a total of 10-15 minutes.
* Slightly elevate the feet, breathing in the aroma – allowing it to calm and relax your entire being (the jojoba oil will quickly be absorbed into the skin).

Caution Care

* Avoid applying direct pressure to the uterus and ovary reflex points. You do not want to over-stimulate the reproductive system while it’s busy creating a new person!
* Always work with a light touch and start by gradually applying reflexology – every few days.
* Do not apply reflexology if there has been past issues with carrying a pregnancy to full term.
* Use only pure essential oils.
* Do not use any essential oil that has stimulating qualities (examples: rosemary, peppermint).
* Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin without first diluting with a carrier oil.

When used with care and respect, Aromatherapy and Reflexology are a natural, gentle means of bringing great comfort and support to pregnancy. They create a loving environment…for the precious life being formed.

http://solework.wordpress.com/2007/08/19/aroma-reflex-for-pregnancy/

Fetal immune system not so naive after all.

When a pregnant mother receives her recommended flu vaccine, she’s not the only one whose immune system gears up to battle the virus. Her fetus can also mount an immune response against the flu, say researchers in the United States.

The finding runs contrary to the stereotypical view of the fetal immune system. For more than 50 years, this has been thought of as at best wimpy, capable of some basic, general responses but not the elegant, finely targeted defences found in adults.

But allergy researcher Rachel Miller of Columbia University, New York, and her colleagues found that about a third of babies born of vaccinated mothers were equipped with cells tailor-made to fight off the flu virus.

“This indicates that the baby’s got a pretty well-developed immune system by the time it’s born,” says immunologist William Burlingham of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Whether the immune cells are enough to ward off infection from the virus has not been tested. But their existence shows that the neonatal immune system can make immune cells to fight specific antigens.

The findings could have important public health consequences if the babies do become resistant to flu, says Ofer Levy, a physician and immunologist at Harvard Medical School. “This raises the possibility that if you optimize vaccines, you might be able to protect both the mother and the newborn,” he says.

Some researchers believe that exposure in the womb to antigens from, for example, specific foods or cigarette smoke can affect the development of later allergies. But Miller urges caution before extrapolating from her results to other antigens.

“This was a very strong stimulant,” says Miller of the vaccination. “We don’t know how generalizable that will be.”

Fetuses fight back

The fetal immune system was thought puny because newborn babies are highly susceptible to infection. And they have few of the immune cells involved in recognizing specific antigens. Also, says Burlingham, researchers often study the question in mice, which have a less developed immune system at birth than humans.

Recently, there has been some evidence that the neonatal immune system is more sophisticated than once thought. But it is difficult to detect T cells targeted against a specific antigen, and previous work used techniques that were criticized for their lack of specificity.

To home in on the baby’s immune system, Miller used a fluorescent molecule that mimics the antigen, and lights up when the appropriate immune cell sticks to it.

The researchers screened umbilical-cord blood from babies born to women who’d been vaccinated against the flu during their second or third trimester. They found that about one in three babies had produced antibodies and T cells designed to attack the flu virus.

The cells contained protein sequences encoded by DNA inherited from dad, ruling out the possibility that the cells were acquired direct from mum. The results are published today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation1.

“This says that the antigens introduced to the mother through vaccination are transferred to baby, and the baby’s immune system is responding,” says Burlingham. “There’s the potential here that these babies could have some useful immunity.” Burlingham says that his lab has achieved similar results using other antigens.

http://www.nature.com/news/2007/070528/full/070528- 12.html

Given that carrying a baby is an extremely critical task, a pregnant woman is always wary of what she eats. This is specifically so because what she ingests has a direct impact on the child’s overall health. Irrespective of whether it is something to eat or drink, cigarette or drug, the expecting mother always wants to be sure if it is safe for the baby she is carrying.

Since most conventional medications have some side effect or another, the general rule is that expecting mothers should avoid taking any type of medication during pregnancy. But the state of pregnancy creates many challenges – some physical and other psychological.

The first trimester of pregnancy brings along nausea and vomiting and a major hormonal changes. The second trimester is easier. The third trimester is a harbinger of backaches and a strong desire to get it over and done with.

Pregnancy also increases a woman’s vulnerability to psychiatric disorders by nearly four times than normal. Treating depressionbecomes a necessity as depression and other mental conditions mean serious consequences for the child. Pregnant women who are depressed:

* Have a higher rate of miscarriage.
* Are more likely to have babies with some genetic illness.
* Have a higher probability of having complications during childbirth which can lead to death.

Depression is better cured in its initial stages because if left untreated it can cause serious relationship problems with the spouse.

Given that depression cannot be left untreated and needs to be attended to, there is another complication that arises. The question that pops up is ‘should the pregnant mother take drugs for treating depression or not?’ Let’s review the options.

There have been different types of antidepressants in use since their inception in 1950:

* Tricyclic antidepressants act by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. Therefore, they make more of those substances available so that they can act on receptors in the brain.
* MAO inhibitors curb production of an MAO enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of many body compounds (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine and serotonin).
* Mood stabilizers like Lithium Carbonate, Carbamazepine and SodiumValproate.
* Later, in the 1980’s newer drugs, known as SSRIs or Fluoxetine were developed for use in treating depression.

All medications are tested for teratogens before being launched in the market. Teratogens are agents that interfere with normal embryonic development.

However, drugs are tested on animals and cannot be tested on humans for ethical reasons. This leaves an element of doubt about the use of any medication during pregnancy. The only way of arriving at the safety of depression drugs like antidepressants during pregnancy is the studies carried on women who voluntarily used these drugs during pregnancy. Even the most extensive studies depend upon on individual interpretations leading to confusing inferences.

And that is the reason why there is no concurrence between experts about the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy.

The safe solutions that exist for pregnant women are in the area of natural remedies.

* Treating depression naturally with psychotherapy, counseling and Bibliotherapy can ensure that there are no side effects that the fetus will suffer from.
* Natural remedies for depression are usually safe. But these should also be administered under the supervision of a trained professional during pregnancy.

It all boils down to taking a studied decision and striking a balance. The mother’s well being is as important as the safety of the fetus.

References:

http://www.mentalhealth.com/mag1/p5m%2Ddp06.html

http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/2265/medication.html

http://depression.about.com/cs/pregnancy/a/prozacpregnancy.htm

http://www.drgreene.com/21_1816.html

A woman’s body undergoes a lot of changes during pregnancy and child birth. Hormonal changes, physical stress of birth and lack of sleep coupled with the added responsibility of parenting, predispose the new mother to mental disorders like depression. Extreme cases of post partum depression may cause unpleasant emotional turbulence, hallucinations and even thoughts of suicide.

Women who are more liable to suffer from post partum depression include:

* Women with a history of an earlier depression or family history of depression.
* Single women.
* Women who do not have family’s support.

Post partum depression is a common occurrence but rarely manifests in full severity. The treatment involves the same steps as those involved in treating depression and in most cases antidepressants are administered. But the safety of using these drugs during breast feeding is open to doubt.

Treating depression naturally involves consultations with an expert psychologist or a psychiatrist. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps in casting off negative thoughts and behaviors. Interpersonal Therapy is very effective and helps in getting over the problems that are faced by women. It also helps in handling the transition of roles in a better manner.

Nuclear families and fast lifestyles put new mothers in an unenviable position. New mothers need sleep and rest, which can get very difficult unless your partner or a family member opts to take over some responsibilities. Oriental lifestyle is more suited for new mothers to handle situations since grandmothers and aunts offer help voluntarily. The new mother is pampered and not allowed to do any kind of work for at least a period of 2 months. This kind of a set-up provides the much needed company and rest that a new mother needs. It also gives her an opportunity to share her fears with someone more experienced. Grandmothers can also help by giving helpful tips about the do’s and don’ts to get the body back in shape.

Homeopathy, herbs and lifestyle changes form an integral part of natural remedies for depression. Homeopathic remedies like Arsenicum album, Aurum metallicum, Calcarea carbonica, Pulsatilla, Phosphorous and Natrum muraticum are some of the remedies that are used depending upon the typical symptoms and overall personality of the patient.

St. John’s wort is the most commonly used herb for treating depression. Herbs and herbal supplements, although effective, should not be taken along with antidepressants as there is a possibility of some negative interactions.

The changes that occur in a woman’s body during pregnancy can potentially change her entire personality. She needs help, support, guidance and company so that she can give vent to her feelings and apprehensions about the future. Familial support can prove to be as effective as any other mode of treating post partum depression. If familial support is not forthcoming, you can ask for help from friends who do not have young children at home. You will be surprised to notice their eagerness to help.

References:

http://www.med.umich.edu/depression/postpartum.htm

http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/ppd-herbal.html