Dr. Saunders’ Top 4 Pregnancy Tips

by Dr. Scott Saunders, M.D.

Having attended hundreds of deliveries, I have seen many highs and lows of childbirth.  One girl, who was only 14 years old, seemed to be just about as tall lying down as standing.  I didn’t think she was going to be able to get that big baby out of her little body, but she squatted on the delivery table and pushed her baby out in twenty minutes.  After we cleaned everything up and she was cuddling her baby with a big smile on her face, I asked her, “How did you do that?”  She replied with such wisdom for one so young, “I wanted to hold my baby, so I just thought of which muscles to tighten and which ones to relax to let him out.”

Choose your helper

While modern techniques have dramatically reduced complications, there are still risks with each pregnancy.  One decision that will affect pregnancy-related complications is the choice of a health care provider to assist in the delivery.  Studies from both the US and Europe, comparing doctors and midwives, show a difference in healthy deliveries and babies.

For example, a large study published in 1998 (MacDorman and Singh) examined more than four million low-risk births in the United States. (Complicated pregnancies were eliminated because midwives generally handle only low-risk births.) Compared with physician-attended births, midwives have about one-third fewer newborn deaths, a third fewer low birth weight babies, and almost sixty percent fewer complications, such as C-sections.  It would be wise to consider a nurse-midwife if you have a low-risk pregnancy.

Whichever you choose, be sure your health care provider is aligned with your principles.  Pregnancy and delivery is not predictable, so you may need to be flexible.  Remember, the safety of the mother and baby is your first priority.

Prepare your body

Before you actually get pregnant, your body needs preparation not just to protect, but also to provide nutrition for your developing infant.  When your baby needs nutrients, it will take them from your body, including from the food you are eating.  Thus, your stomach and intestines need to digest and absorb nutrients well.  For this reason, it is important to avoid foods to which you are allergic or sensitive.  I often recommend also staying away from fried foods and sugary foods, since these can cause inflammation in the intestines.

Eat organic

Organic foods are best.  Studies of people who eat organic show significantly lower levels of pesticides in their urine.  The developing fetus is most vulnerable to pesticide exposure, which can cause developmental delays, behavioral disorders and motor dysfunction. Starting to eat organic foods early is important because women can build up pesticides that are passed from mother to infant in the womb, as well as through breast milk. Some exposures can cause delayed effects on the nervous system, even years after the initial exposure.

Eat only whole foods

Whole foods contain the proper nutrients.  Taking a vitamin pill is not the same as eating a whole food, partly because many nutrients work synergistically for a much greater benefit.  These include:

• Whole grains
• Fruit
• Vegetables
• Brown rice
• Nuts and seeds
• Beans, peas, and lentils
• Meat and eggs are a good source of protein and other nutrients, but don’t need to be eaten in large amounts.

The added advantage of eating whole foods is having fewer problems with the bowels during pregnancy; the fiber in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and legumes prevents constipation.

Foods to avoid

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  Alcohol
  There is no safe limit for alcohol in the developing fetus.  It is best to avoid it altogether if you are thinking of getting pregnant. 
• Caffeine
  Some studies indicate there may be a causal relationship between caffeine and miscarriages.  While this may not apply to every pregnancy, it is best to avoid it.  Caffeine decreases blood flow and increases the stress hormone levels in both the mother and baby. 
• Soda or energy drinks
  Both the sugar and stimulants affect the baby’s development.
• Fish with mercury
  Large ocean fish such as swordfish, shark, mackerel or tuna often contain mercury.  There is no safe limit for mercury, so it should be avoided.
• Raw seafood, including lox and shellfish
  These may be contaminated with bacteria such as listeria or algae, which may cause infection and miscarriage. 
• Deli meats and imported soft cheeses
  These contain preservatives and are often contaminated with listeria.
• Raw eggs
  Avoid sauces or dressings made with raw eggs as they may have salmonella contamination.

Supplements to take

The most important part of development is the brain. If the nervous system develops normally, the rest of the body will follow.  Therefore, the best supplements are those that feed the nervous system.

For example, over thirty years ago an association was noted between a lack of folic acid and spina bifida.  More recently, an omega-3 oil DHA was found to be essential for brain development.  How many more are there that we don’t know about?  This is why it is important to start off with a foundation of a good diet.

Most prenatal vitamins contain adequate levels of nutrients.  However, with my research into brain re-generation in stroke victims, I have found a few formulas that can actually provide all the building blocks needed for normal brain development.  Ideally, the prospective mother should start taking these before getting pregnant, because the nervous system is the first to grow, but any time they are started before delivery is an improvement.

Brain Sustain, by Dr. David Perlmutter, MD

–Or–

EmPower Plus, by Truehope

Use either one as directed on the label, which will replace the usual prenatal vitamins.

In addition, I recommend the following:

• Cod Liver Oil – 1 TBS per day (be sure it is mercury-free)
• Vitamin B6 – 100mg per day
• Magnesium – 400mg per day

These last two (vitamin B6 and magnesium) will help prevent nausea and hypertension in the mother, as well as improving fetal development.

Exercise

Many women are told not to exercise to avoid injuries during pregnancy, but this is a mistake.  Exercise keeps the mothers metabolism normal, improves energy production and assures good circulation.  Also, she will make more endorphins, hormones that calm stress, improve adrenal function, support the immune system and decrease delivery pain for both mother and baby.  It is hard to overstate the importance of exercise!

However, keep in mind that the very high levels of hormones during pregnancy do soften the tendons and ligaments, allowing for easier sprains and strains, so don’t overdo it.

The best exercise is the one you like enough so you will be motivated to do it regularly.  You don’t need to run marathons to release endorphins, just enough to break a sweat.  Walking is great, as is swimming, riding bicycles or even lifting weights.  Non-impact exercises such as yoga, tai chi or pilates are also excellent choices.

A great view

Even with all of these to help you, there are no guarantees.  Pregnancy is a risk; it always has been.  It is often compared to standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, breathtaking and awesome, but a long way down!  However, you can minimize the risks and improve both the pregnancy experience and outcome by taking good care of yourself using the best techniques and keeping a good attitude.

Cherish your natural ability to nourish a healthy pregnancy and birth. Have any fears?  We are here to help!  Shoot us a comment below and we’ll do our best to help you overcome the “why, if, when or perhaps” of natural pregnancy.

 

Dr. Scott D. Saunders, M.D. (Ask-an-MD) is a practicing physician, specializing in preventative healthcare, who utilizes eclectic health care for the whole family, including conventional, orthomolecular and natural medicine. He is also the medical director of The Integrative Medical Center of Santa Barbara in Lompoc, CA. He went to UCLA medical school and is board certified in family medicine. View natural remedies with Dr. Saunders at:http://drsaundersmd.com/