Natural Pregnancy Remedies for Preterm Contractions
Can you suggest any natural pregnancy remedies to decrease preterm contractions?
The risk of having uterine contractions too early is that you might experience preterm birth. Although many, many women experience Braxton Hicks contractions without any problems at all! Sometimes, a woman with intense preterm contractions has to be monitored to be certain the contractions are not causing any changes to the cervix (meaning shortening, thinning or opening).
Urinary tract infections or pelvic infections can cause uterine contractions, so rule out these causes with your doctor.
Most contractions are normal, though. During pregnancy, the uterine muscles are getting organized, and this means they can engage in practice contractions from very early on. Such contractions will not change your cervix or threaten your pregnancy.
There are many natural pregnancy remedies you can use to help minimize normal uterine contractions, starting with making sure you drink plenty of water. I recommend women drink about 16 ounces of water all at once and another 16 ounces in an hour. If this calms the uterus, dehydration may be the cause.
If improved hydration is not effective, sometimes a natural pregnancy remedy that can be helpful is taking the herbs Vibernum opulus or Vibernum prunifolium. Their common names are cramp bark and black haw, respectively, and they're often used interchangeably. They can be taken in capsule or tincture form. People allergic to aspirin should be aware that these herbs also contain salicin, the natural precursor of aspirin. (Note: Consult with a professional before taking any medicinal herbs during pregnancy.)
Stress, both physical and emotional, is known to be another contributor to preterm contractions. Cashiers and others who stand for hours at a time, for instance, must be allowed to take frequent breaks to walk and rest with their feet elevated above the heart. Treating the cause of emotional stress can be more challenging and may require making significant changes to alleviate stressful occupational, financial and relationship problems.
Finally, sometimes ibuprofen is used before 34 weeks to minimize preterm contractions. Again, consult with your health care provider before taking any medications during pregnancy.
Urinary tract infections or pelvic infections can cause uterine contractions, so rule out these causes with your doctor.
Most contractions are normal, though. During pregnancy, the uterine muscles are getting organized, and this means they can engage in practice contractions from very early on. Such contractions will not change your cervix or threaten your pregnancy.
There are many natural pregnancy remedies you can use to help minimize normal uterine contractions, starting with making sure you drink plenty of water. I recommend women drink about 16 ounces of water all at once and another 16 ounces in an hour. If this calms the uterus, dehydration may be the cause.
If improved hydration is not effective, sometimes a natural pregnancy remedy that can be helpful is taking the herbs Vibernum opulus or Vibernum prunifolium. Their common names are cramp bark and black haw, respectively, and they're often used interchangeably. They can be taken in capsule or tincture form. People allergic to aspirin should be aware that these herbs also contain salicin, the natural precursor of aspirin. (Note: Consult with a professional before taking any medicinal herbs during pregnancy.)
Stress, both physical and emotional, is known to be another contributor to preterm contractions. Cashiers and others who stand for hours at a time, for instance, must be allowed to take frequent breaks to walk and rest with their feet elevated above the heart. Treating the cause of emotional stress can be more challenging and may require making significant changes to alleviate stressful occupational, financial and relationship problems.
Finally, sometimes ibuprofen is used before 34 weeks to minimize preterm contractions. Again, consult with your health care provider before taking any medications during pregnancy.
Answered by
Dr. Morgan Martin
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