How to Naturally Alleviate Common Pregnancy Symptoms

As I head into the second half of this pregnancy, I want to share simple and attainable tips to alleviate common pregnancy (or PMS) symptoms — you’ll want to save this one.

While these tips helped me naturally alleviate common pregnancy symptoms, know that everyone’s experience is different. Most of these symptoms especially the nausea and insomnia were the roughest for me during the first 14 or so weeks, especially as I had no idea how my body would respond or what to expect this first time around.

I will say, that I’m beyond grateful for the fact that it was all manageable even if it meant spending EXTRA time on the couch curled up in bowl or eating ALL the carbs to setting my stomach. But thankful the nausea specifically never made it to the point of vomiting — phew.

Also know that every day is going to be different. There may be days you may feel more energized, vibrant, and like your pre-pregnant self, and other days you may need to rest and do less — and that’s OK. Give yourself some grace and remember that this season of your life is temporary. You will reach a point where the days and weeks feel like they’re flying by.

So let’s dive in, shall we?

Nausea. It’s not just morning sickness, but it can be all day sickness from the shift in hormone levels. For me this was the worst the first 14 or so weeks and began to subside through the early half of my second trimester.

Here’s what has helped: sea bands, lots of ginger in lattes, smoothies, bone broth, kombucha (in moderation), balanced meals, snacking every few hours to avoid a drop in blood sugar, peppermint essential oil, fresh air, and acupuncture.

Insomnia. The first twelve weeks of pregnancy, anxiety levels were extra high and I was often restless at night. Now it's a matter of getting comfortable as baby grows and waking up multiple times to go to the bathroom..

Here's what has helped: magnesium supplements, epsom salt baths, daily movement, lavender essential oil, journaling worries, yoga nidra, and a solid night time ritual that includes unplugging by 8pm and a consistent sleep + wake up schedule, and acupuncture.

Constipation. Digestion slows down during pregnancy, and I can only imagine what it's like to push a baby out, when I occasionally struggle with just pushing out a log.

Here's what has helped: water -- hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Diet rich in fiber (veggies, berries, beans, legumes, dates), magnesium supplements, and probiotics in fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, and supplements, and acupuncture.

Congestion. High levels of pregnancy hormones estrogen + progesterone increase blood flow to the nasal passages, which can cause congestion. Here's what has helped: Nasal strips, humidifier, neti pot, saline spray, steamy showers, anti-inflammatory foods like tumeric + lemon + ginger, spicy food, and peppermint essential oil.

Immune system. Your immune system takes a toll during pregnancy as vital nutrients are now shared with your rapidly developing babe. Not to mention if it’s cold and flu season on top of a pandemic we could all use an extra boost these days!

Here's what has helped: a well balanced diet rich in high quality foods aka eat the rainbow, sleep, movement, stress management (yoga, meditation, breath work, nature, movement, setting boundaries, gratitude, asking for support), and acupuncture.

Sending all the love and positive vibes to all you strong women and mama’s out there!