Constipation is more likely to manifest or get worse during pregnancy and must be treated. Increase your water intake, drink fresh fruit juices, and eat fl axseed and psyllium husks. Liver herbs are important a simple daily choice is dandelion root, brewed as a coffee, for liver and kidney function. Ten drops of milk thistle tincture is safe and a little stronger, useful for practitioner-indicated situations.

Many herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, so seek professional advice on which ones to avoid. Nettles and chickweed are ideal choices to use. Any pregnant woman who feels she ought to rush to the vitamin and mineral counter at the pharmacy in order to do the best for the development of her baby should stop to consider that, if she has the time, her best source for these nutrients is essentially nature and her plants. The body fi nds natural sources easiest to assimilate, and these should come fi rst, and the synthetic versions second. Iron, calcium, and magnesium levels should be boosted by eating lots

Folic acid and iron are often given to women at the onset of pregnancy or after the fi rst three months. You will fi nd excellent folic acid and iron sources in chlorella and other algae. Folic acid in particular is vital in the fi rst trimester as it is important for healthy bone formation in the fetus. For calming and feeding the nerves, and for relaxing after a tiring day, drink weak chamomile tea each evening. Pregnant women can use a range of safe hormone-balancing herbs

There are many herbs that should be avoided in pregnancy, especially during the fi rst three months. This is the time that the fetus is most vulnerable as, having no placenta, the baby is defenseless against anything toxic. Herbs that are rich in alkaloids, or those used to induce menstruation, are among those to avoid. They include barberry root bark, pokeweed root, blue and black cohosh root, 144 145