Homeopathic Remedies for Pregnancy and Delivery Support
Also indexed as: Birth (Delivery)
Pregnancy is an absorbing and interesting time for most women, and also involves a lot of
stress. Many emotional, hormonal, and physical changes take place as the baby grows and the
woman prepares for motherhood. Homeopathic remedies can help a woman’s body deal with
various stresses, and help to maintain its balance as the pregnancy proceeds. Care and
guidance from a competent, sympathetic physician or midwife are important during
pregnancy—both for general support and to watch for complications.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?
Arnica: This remedy is often indicated for relief of soreness that comes from
physical exertion and muscle strain. It is also useful for soreness after labor and delivery,
and for hemorrhoids that follow childbirth.
Calcarea phosphorica: This remedy can help to strengthen a woman who tends toward
easy tiredness, poor digestion, cold hands and feet, and poor absorption of nutrients. Some
women who need this remedy find only “junk food” appealing during pregnancy, or
have cravings for smoked and salty food. A history of easy tooth decay and aching bones and
joints can also suggest a need for this remedy. A person who needs Calc phos is often
irritable because of tiredness, and may long for travel or a change of circumstances.
Caulophyllum: This remedy may be helpful to women with weak muscle tone in the
uterus. A history of irregular periods, slow and difficult labor with previous deliveries, or
weakness of the cervix may bring this remedy to mind. The woman may feel erratic pains like
sticking needles, or episodes of contracting pain. She typically feels nervous, shaky, and
trembling (sometimes irritable, as well).
Carbo vegetabilis: This remedy can be helpful to a woman who feels weak and faint
during pregnancy, with poor circulation, a general feeling of coldness, and a craving for
fresh or moving air. She may also have frequent digestive upsets with burning pain and a
tendency to belch. A woman who is deeply tired from overwork, many pregnancies close together,
or a previous illness may regain some strength with Carbo vegetabilis.
Cimicifuga (also called Actaea racemosa): This remedy can be helpful to women who
are nervous and talkative, with a tendency to feel fearful and gloomy during pregnancy. They
may become overagitated and fear a miscarriage — sometimes having pains that feel like
labor pains too early, or pains that shoot from hip to hip and down the thighs.
Ferrum metallicum: A woman who has a sturdy build, but looks very pale and
weary—flushing red from any exertion or emotion—may respond to this remedy.
Ferrum is often helpful in correcting anemic tendencies.
Ferrum phosphoricum: This remedy can be helpful for nervous, sensitive women who
often feel weak or tired, with easy flushing of the face and a tendency toward anemia. A woman
who needs this remedy often has a slender build and may develop frequent neck and shoulder
stiffness.
Nux vomica: This remedy may be useful for indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain, and
constipation during pregnancy. A woman needs this remedy usually is impatient, irritable, and
chilly.
Pulsatilla: This remedy is often helpful at times of strong hormonal changes,
especially to women who are moody and emotional, and want a lot of affection and attention.
They often crave desserts or butter and may overeat, which can lead to indigestion and nausea,
or excessive weight-gain. Pregnant women who need this remedy feel uncomfortable in hot
weather and in stuffy rooms, improving from gentle exercise in open air.
Sepia: Women who are tired, dragged out, and irritable during pregnancy (feeling
overburdened by demands of family members, or with little enthusiasm for the pregnancy) may
benefit from this remedy. Poor circulation, nausea, constipation, a tendency toward accidental
urine loss, and a feeling of sagging or weakness in the pelvic floor, and an energy-boost from
exercise are other indications for Sepia.
Homeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.