Iron ? is needed during pregnancy. Increase fibre consumption, as iron supplements may cause constipation. A natural, non-toxic source of iron

Large doses taken before delivery may help reduce labour pains.

Blue Cohosh, or false unicorn root is beneficial taken in the last four weeks of pregnancy, as they help prepare the body for an easier birth and aid contractions.

(Caution not to be taken in the first two trimesters)

Burdock root, dandelion, ginger and nettle help to enrich a mother?s milk.

Red Raspberry leaf tea helps the uterus contract more effectively. It also helps to enrich mother?s milk. Drink no more than one (1) cup per day until the last four weeks of pregnancy then you can drink a pint daily.

Avoid the following herbs during pregnancy:

Aloe Vera, angelica, arnica, barberry, black cohosh, blood root, cat?s claw, celandine, dong quai, Oregon grape, penny royal, rue, sage, saw palmento, tansy, and turmeric. Use caution when taking herbs during pregnancy, especially the first twelve weeks.

Recommendations:

Eat a well-balanced nutritious diet and be sure to get moderate exercise, fresh air and plenty of rest.

Do not consume junk food, fried foods, of too much coffee.

Avoid eating rare undercooked meat, poultry or fish. Do not eat grilled meats. Grilled meat has been shown to produce carcinogens in meat.

Do not use any medications while you are pregnant without consulting your health practitioner.

Do not take supplements containing the amino acid phenylalanine. Phenylalanine may alter the brain growth in the foetus. Also avoid food products containing the sweetener aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet), which contains high levels of phenylalanine.

Do not take mineral oil, which blocks the absorption of the fat-soluble vitamins. Consult with your health practitioner about any OTC supplementation / medications.

Do not take any preparations containing shark cartilage during pregnancy. Shark cartilage inhibits the formation of new blood vessels, which is essential during pregnancy.

Do not use an electric blanket, several experts warn that the invisible electromagnetic field emanating from an electric blanket may increase the risk of miscarriage and development problems.

Have warm baths, rather than hot, showers or baths. Anything that increases the core body temperature for any length of time may cause neural tube defects in babies, do not develop a brain and rarely survive. Spina bifida is a defect of the spinal column that can affect the baby to varying degrees, depending on the severity of the condition.

Excessive amount of vitamin A have been linked with cleft palate, heart defects, and other congenital defects. Foods rich in vitamin may also cause problems. Foods containing natural beta-carotene, however are not harmful because the body converts beta-carotene to vitamin A only as needed, and not in amounts that may be toxic for the body.

The best thing a pregnant mother can do for her child is to breastfeed her or at least three months ? and longer if possible. Mother?s milk is the most nutritious food a baby can have and also provides crucial disease fighting agents.