The natural approach to pregnancy problems

!!!T. J. Clark's Prenatal/Postnatal Multivitamin/Mineral Formula!!!

Pregnant women need to ingest enough vitamins and minerals to ensure their own health, and the health of their developing babies. Deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as iron and folic acid may cause pregnancy complications and birth defects. Doctors may prescribe supplements during pregnancy, but a pregnant woman should not take extra vitamins and minerals without first consulting with her doctor. Avoid supplements that provide "megadoses." Excessive amounts of vitamins and minerals can be toxic and harmful to your and your baby's health. Again, ask your doctor for the dose that is right for you.

To further ensure a safe and happy pregnancy here are a few other suggestions of things that really should be avoided.

• Smoking and alcohol (including beer and wine)

• Caffeine (coffee, black tea, cola, and chocolate). Caffeine acts as a teratogen – a substance that can cause physical defects in the developing fetus. The FDA’s suggested a limit of 500mg of caffeine daily during pregnancy. One cup of regular coffee is 400mg.

• Drugs all orthodox drugs should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. All over-the-counter drugs such as painkillers and hay fever medications as well. Tranquilizers such as Librium and Valium can cause birth defects. Analgesics and Aspirin can prolong pregnancy and childbirth and lead to bleeding in both baby and mother. Antacids like bicarbonate of soda can cause muscle problems in the baby and edema in the mother. Antibiotics may cause abnormalities, Narcotics may cause fetal addictions and sulphur drugs may cause jaundice. Any chemical stimulants and depressants (LSD, psychotropics, phenobarbital, and barbiturates) she be avoided at all cost.

• Steroids and herbs containing steroid-like factors including Agave, Ginseng, Licorice, Ginger, Hops, Sage, Celery, Flax Seed, Soy products, Primrose, Black Cohosh, Sarsaparilla, Damiana, Saw Palmetto, and Dong Quai. Large amounts of estrogen in the body can promote miscarriage.

• Fumes from paints, thinners, solvents, wood preservatives, varnishes, glues, spray adhesives, benzene, dry cleaning fluids, certain plastics, vinyl chloride, rubber tuolene. All petroleum products found in plastics, hand and body products. NEVER heat food in plastic containers.

• Heavy metals: lead, nickel, cadmium, manganese,

• Pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides ( especially those containing Carbaryl)

• Excesses of Vitamins A, C, or D (vitamins found naturally in herbs are safer than vitamin supplementation of pills).

• Sleeping with electric blankets and using magnets. Several experts warn that the invisible electromagnetic field emanating from these may increase the risk of miscarriage and developmental problems.

• Do not take SHARK CARTILAGE during pregnancy. It inhibits the formation of new blood vessels, which is essential during pregnancy.

• Avoid raw or undercooked meats.