DISCLOSURE: Please note these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. I am not a doctor. I am simply sharing my experiences.

Pregnancy comes with it’s own unique issues. Some are amazing and awesome, while some…..are not so great. Here is how I deal with some of the not so great parts of pregnancy.

Morning Sickness

I have thrown up twice during this pregnancy (I am 32 weeks as I am writing this). The first time was after a sonogram at 22 weeks. A possible side effect of sonograms is nausea (source). I opted out of future sonograms because of my reaction. The second time I got sick was due to food poisoning at 29 weeks. I was very sick for about 6 hours and then it was over. It was definitely more than pregnancy nausea and a case of food poisoning. Other than that, I haven’t been nauseous at all. I didn’t have any morning sickness and I haven’t had any food or smell aversions.

Yes, there are many factors that contribute to pregnancy nausea including hormones. But studies show that nutrition can overcome a lot of those factors and greatly reduce or possibly eliminate nausea associated with a healthy pregnancy. Here are the things I did that I believe eliminated morning sickness from my pregnancy:

Magnesium: It is estimated that over 80% of Americans have a magnesium deficiency. Two main reasons we are deficient is because our soil is depleted of minerals (including magnesium) resulting in our food lacking those minerals and our diet high in processed foods. And for an extra whammy, pregnancy hormones inhibit our ability to absorb magnesium. Signs of having a magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, nausea, fatigue, irritability, headaches, backaches, heart arrhythmia, high blood pressure, PMS, osteoporosis, kidney stones, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and constipation. It’s best to start supplementing with magnesium as soon as you start trying to conceive (as opposed to waiting until you are pregnant). The recommended daily dose is 310-400 mg per day for pregnant and nursing women. Here’s how I get more magnesium: (sources 1, 2, 3).
- Magnesium Supplement: Natural Calm: This powder comes in a few different flavors. You can add it to any liquid. The recommended amount is 2 teaspoons (325 mg). Start with less (about 1/2 a teaspoon) and work up to that. It is a natural stool softener and too much, too soon will probably cause some unwanted bathroom problems.
- Magnesium Lotion: Magnesium can be absorbed through the skin via topical application. I use this magnesium lotion. One teaspoon is about 185 mg.
- Epsom Salt Bath: Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. Taking a bath with epsom salts is a great way to get more magnesium. Add 1/2 – 1 cup of espom salts to running water and soak in the tub for about 30 minutes. Read more about espom salt baths here.
Fermented Cod Liver Oil: Fermented cod liver oil is the most important supplement my family takes. It is high in vitamin A & D an omega-3 fatty acids. Read more about it here. You need vitamin D to absorb the magnesium that reduces nausea. The healthy fats also help reduce nausea. The Weston A. Price Foundation recommends 2 teaspoons of fermented cod liver oil a day for pregnant and nursing women.

Raw Milk: Raw milk has been reported to significantly reduce morning sickness during pregnancy. It contains enzymes, probiotics, amino acids, good carbohydrates, phosphate, calcium, good fat, and vitamins A, C, & D. A lot of that nutrition is destroyed during pasteurization. Read more about drinking raw milk while pregnant here.
Oil Pulling: Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy where you swish oil in your mouth for 10-20 minutes then spit it out. The oil draws toxins out of your body. It can help with many ailments and constipation is one of them. I normally oil pull 3-4 times a week. But while pregnant, I have been oil pulling 5 times a week. I use coconut oil. Read more about oil pulling here. Normally, I oil pull first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. However, while pregnant, I found that I needed a few bites in my stomach before I could oil pull. So I would eat a small snack, oil pull, then eat breakfast. Read about how Green Thickies eliminated her morning sickness with oil pulling here.
Pregnancy Tea: I talked about pregnancy tea in this post about my favorite pregnancy things. Pregnancy tea strengthens the uterus and has been used for thousands of years to support pregnant women. Some women say this tea helped reduce nausea. I drink one to two cups a day. I add a little honey and gelatin (find it here and read about it here) to each cup.
Essential Oils: Essential oils can help with normal nausea associated with a healthy pregnancy. I have used ginger essential oil regularly for preventative measures. I dilute 2-3 drops in about a teaspoon of carrier oil and rub topically on my stomach. Any time I needed an extra boost, I used peppermint or Di-Gize essential oils. I only use 100% pure, therapeutic grade essential oils. Find out more here.

Leg Cramps

Leg cramps are definitely something I have had to deal with during pregnancy. They started very early during the first couple months and got worse with time. My cramps were always at night. Studies show that a magnesium deficiency can cause these cramps (source 1, 2). I found that magnesium prevented my leg cramps from occurring. I used the Natural Calm powder and magnesium lotion. Remember that magnesium is a natural stool softener and too much, too soon will probably cause some unwanted bathroom problems. Start with a small amount and work up to the full dose. Here’s my experience:

During the 1st trimester using either the Natural Calm or the lotion (or both) 3-4 times a week was enough to prevent the cramps.
By about the 5th month, I needed to use either the Natural Calm or the lotion (or both) daily.
By about the 7th month, I needed to use both products daily to prevent the cramps.

Constipation

Constipation is definitely one of the less glamorous parts of pregnancy. Here is what I did to keep things moving:

Probiotics: There are many benefits to taking probiotics while pregnant and relieving constipation is one of them. Read about the other benefits here. While pregnant, I am taking2 probiotic supplements a day so I get a wider variety of probiotic strands. I use these:
In addition to probiotic supplements, I eat probiotic-rich fermented foods. I make kefir & kombucha (learn how to make them here and here) and drink at least one glass of one of them a day (sometimes both). I use the kefir in smoothies and drink one several times a week.

Magnesium: Magnesium to the rescue again! Magnesium is a stool softener and natural laxative. Not only does it help with nausea and leg cramps, it helps relieve constipation. I use the Natural Calm powder and magnesium lotion. Remember that magnesium is a natural stool softener and too much, too soon will probably cause some unwanted bathroom problems. Start with a small amount and work up to the full dose.
Essential Oils: Essential oils can help with normal constipation associated with a healthy pregnancy. Ginger essential oil can help and is safe to use while pregnant. I dilute 2-3 drops in about a teaspoon of carrier oil and rub topically on my stomach. Any time I needed an extra boost, I used peppermint or Di-Gize essential oils. I only use 100% pure, therapeutic grade essential oils. Find out more here.
Eat More Good Fat: Our gallbladder stores bile which digests fat. When we don’t get enough fat in our diet, the bile isn’t released; causing the bile to sit in our gallbladder and get too thick to process. Bile stimulates the digestive tract. So when it is unable to be used, the result is constipation. In addition, vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble; meaning your body needs fat in order to absorb those vitamins. Some good fats that help grease things up are coconut oil, fermented cod liver oil, grass-fed butter, avocados, and eggs.
Oil Pulling: Not only does oil pulling help with nausea, it helps improve digestion. Bile stores toxins and hormones your body needs to get rid of. When digestion slows down, your body stores the bile. Oil pulling helps pull the toxins out of your system. Oil Pulling: Not only does oil pulling help with nausea, it helps improve digestion. I use this coconut oil. Read more about oil pulling here.
Watch for Iron in Supplements: Pregnant women need iron. However, synthetic iron found in many supplements can cause constipation. I have opted to get my iron from a natural source. I take desiccated liver pills that are rich in protein, Vitamin A & B, trace elements, and a highly usable form of iron.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums is common during pregnancy and happens to about half of us. Here is what I did above and beyond basic brushing and flossing:

Oil Pulling: Oil pulling is great for oral health. I used to have sensitive teeth. Oil pulling combined with a DIY, nontoxic toothpaste eliminated my tooth troubles. I use coconut oil. Read more about oil pulling here.

Varicose Veins

After my last back surgery, I got some hefty varicose veins. My doctor said it was from having IV drugs for a week combined with all the bed rest. I was able to diminish them greatly with this varicose vein attacking body butter. However, shortly after becoming pregnant, they came back. So I’ve dusted off this recipe and have been using it a lot. I have doubled the amount of helichrysum and cypress in the recipe for now while the pressure is still on my veins. I’m already noticing that my veins are reducing. I have no doubts that after the baby is born and the extra weight is gone, they will reduce even quicker.

Stretch Marks

At 32 weeks, I don’t have any stretch marks yet (knocking on wood as I write this!). While there are genetic factors, there are ways to help prevent stretch marks. The secret is skin elasticity. The more elastic your skin is, the less likely it is that you will have stretch marks. Read more about how I am preventing stretch marks here.

Gelatin is important for joint health (I believe gelatin was a key factor in healing from previous back surgeries & back pain), prevents wrinkles, has lots of protein, important for digestive health, and is great for your skin.
Omega-3 fatty acid is nourishing to the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties which results in more elastic skin. As an added bonus, the omega-3’s are an essential part of brain development for your growing baby. I always take fermented cod liver oil. But while pregnant and breastfeeding, I am also taking krill oil.
- Fermented cod liver oil: I like the cinnamon flavor (find it here). While pregnant and breastfeeding, I am taking 2 teaspoons a day. Read more about fermented cod liver oil here.
- Krill oil: I take this brand. I am taking 3 softgels a day.
I also make a DIY stretch mark cream. I use this cream 1-2 times a day on my stomach, thighs, and booty. find the recipe here.

Sleep

I wish I could say that I had endless amounts of energy during this pregnancy. But I can’t. I have been tired. Very tired. Especially during the first trimester. So I have been focusing on getting as much sleep as I can. And as you mamas know, between having a kicking baby in my stomach, a 2 year old in the room next to me, and a constant need to go to the bathroom, every extra minute of sleep is helpful! Here is what helps me catch some extra zzzz’s at night:

Body Pillow: This contoured body pillow has saved my sleep throughout this pregnancy! In fact, I really wish I had this pillow when I was dealing with my back issues and surgeries. I tell my husband that it’s like sleeping on a fluffy cloud. The hourglass shape supports my stomach to keep it from hanging down. And being able to wrap my legs around the bottom part keeps my hips aligned.
Essential Oils: Essential oils are a life saver when it comes to sleeping! My personal favorite is cedarwood. I dilute a couple drops in a carrier oil and rub it on my feet & stomach at night. I have noticed that when I do this, the oils also soothe the baby and she kicks less (which is an added bonus for more restful sleep!). On nights that I have extra trouble sleeping, I also diffuse essential oils in my bedroom. I only use 100% pure, therapeutic grade essential oils. Find out more here.

Magnesium: Here it is again: magnesium! If you haven’t noticed, I love magnesium. A common side effect of having a magnesium deficiency is insomnia. Here is how I get more magnesium:
- Magnesium Supplement: Natural Calm: This powder comes in a few different flavors. You can add it to any liquid. The recommended amount is 2 teaspoons. Start with less (about 1/2 a teaspoon) and work up to that. It is a natural stool softener and too much, too soon will probably cause some unwanted bathroom problems.
- Magnesium Lotion: Magnesium can be absorbed through the skin via topical application. I use this magnesium lotion.
- Epsom Salt Bath: Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate. Taking a bath with epsom salts is a great way to get more magnesium. Add 1/2 – 1 cup of espom salts to running water and soak in the tub for about 30 minutes. Read more about espom salt baths here.

Heartburn

I have not experienced any pregnancy heartburn yet. I still have 8 weeks and I hear it gets worse later in pregnancy. But I do drink apple cider vinegar every morning, which is known to greatly reduce heartburn. I drink it in this morning detox drink. Of course you can adjust the recipe to your needs.

Dry, Itchy Skin

I put lotion on my legs and it’s like it goes straight to the baby leaving my legs as dry as they were before I put on the lotion! My solution: dry body brushing. Read about it here. I use this brush. Dry body brushing exfoliates, getting rid of the dry, dead, itchy skin. As an added bonus, it can reduce cellulite! I’ve had a little extra cellulite creep in during this last trimester and I’m attacking it with my dry body brush.