Honey during pregnancy: pros and cons

What is toxicosis?

Toxicosis accompanies many pregnant women, especially in the first trimester, and some even longer. This unpleasant diagnosis indicates that poisoning is currently occurring in the body due to the accumulation of toxins.

They are produced for many reasons, but what toxicosis depends on is very difficult to answer specifically:

hormonal change;
psychological blockade;
placental growth;
heredity;
multiple pregnancy;
age over 30 years;
defensive reaction.

This condition is dangerous for pregnant women, as it manifests itself as poor health, lack of appetite, constant nausea, vomiting and dizziness, and possibly even dehydration. Such symptoms negatively affect the fetus and its growth, as it experiences a deficiency of essential substances.

Vomiting in the first trimester

This condition should not be confused with a diagnosis that refers to a disorder in the functioning of the thyroid gland. Thyrotoxicosis is a completely different disease that is not directly related to pregnancy.

To treat toxicosis today, a list of methods is used, many of which appeared relatively recently and are considered modern. It is worth remembering that certain techniques are not equally suitable for everyone; they must be selected individually. Only in this case can you determine how to prevent toxicosis specifically for you.

Healthy drinks

Fluid is very important for any living creature, especially for a pregnant woman. If you prefer water, then choose mineral or filtered. You should drink in small portions, but often.

Remember what helps against nausea during toxicosis:

Teas with lemon balm, chamomile, and rosehip will serve as an effective remedy.
A decoction of dried fruits copes well with nausea. The cooking process and recipe is very simple: you need to boil about 200 g of dried apricots or prunes in one liter of plain water. It should be taken without additives, sugar or other spices.

Medicines

Taking medication can help

When the first signs of toxicosis appear, you need to notify your gynecologist, who will determine the degree of its effect on the body and prescribe the necessary treatment. In especially severe cases, therapy takes place under the supervision of a doctor in a hospital. In this case, medications are administered intravenously, since everything that is taken orally does not stay in the body for long and is excreted through vomit.

Light form

In this case, vomiting occurs up to 5 times a day, while appetite is present, and the general condition does not worsen. With this course, all tests are normal, and treatment takes place at home.

How to escape from mild toxicosis:

Fortification of the body is an important component at the beginning of pregnancy

Vitamins. To ensure that the body does not suffer from a lack of vitamins, which are necessary for both the expectant mother and the child, you need to constantly take multivitamins in courses. They can also make the situation a little easier and reduce the number of gag reflexes.
Cerucal is an antiemetic that is permitted, with clarification, during pregnancy. It will help prevent an unpleasant syndrome without having an adverse effect on the fetus.
Enterosgel is an excellent helper, as its adsorbing properties can remove toxins from the body, reducing nausea.
Sedatives. These include tincture of motherwort or valerian, which will create psychological and emotional calm.
Often the accumulation of toxins in the body occurs due to poor liver function, which cannot cope with its work during pregnancy. In this case, Hofitol is prescribed for toxicosis or Essentiale Forte - drugs that will improve the functioning of the liver.

Effective product with good composition

Moderate and severe form

In this case, the condition of the pregnant woman is much worse than the previous one, vomiting occurs 10 times a day or more, while food is not retained in the body, which complicates the supply of nutrients necessary for the child. During general tests, a pathological condition appears that requires the help of a specialist in an inpatient setting.

Observation by doctors in a hospital will help cope with unpleasant consequences

The essential medicine for toxicosis is an intravenous glucose solution, together with antiemetics and vitamins. This mixture will help avoid dehydration and starvation of the mother and fetus.
Infusion therapy is also required, an average of 3 liters per day, which will save you from dehydration.
Metoclopromide is a medication that helps food digest quickly and pass through the stomach, thereby reducing vomiting.
Medicines for proper liver function are also necessary. Their names are listed above.
Soothing tinctures will help alleviate the condition of a pregnant woman and in severe cases of pathology.
As a last resort, immunocytotherapy is started, when the husband’s lymphocytes are injected under the skin of the pregnant woman. The procedure is carried out in a hospital, after a complete examination of the man. This helps the woman’s body get used to the foreign cells inside itself, after which there should be a significant relief of well-being.
Meclozine is a medicine against motion sickness, it allows you to remove the symptoms of dizziness and nausea, and improve your general condition.
Often during this period there is an attack of heartburn, due to the active growth of the uterus, and constant vomiting, which affects the walls of the stomach. Doctors advise taking phosphalugel for toxicosis, which soothes an irritated stomach.

If there is no improvement with long-term use of medications, your health care provider may advise terminating the pregnancy.

What are the causes of illness

The exact cause of morning sickness has not been officially identified, but the hormonal cocktail bombarding your body, along with increased sensitivity, is most likely to blame. Your body is on high alert, so your sense of smell and sensitivity to odors is greatly enhanced. Levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and hCG begin to rise rapidly in the early stages of pregnancy, and this can have an almost toxic effect on your organ systems. Some believe that if you are pregnant with a girl, it increases your chances of nausea due to even more estrogen in the body. Women who are pregnant with twins or triplets also have higher hormone levels and may experience more severe nausea.

Folk methods of struggle

Many folk remedies for toxicosis have a very effective effect, it is only important to find one that copes with the unpleasant manifestations of the body. Women at the beginning of pregnancy are ready to try each of the proposed options, just to get rid of the effects of toxins.

Nausea usually occurs after sleep, so it is important to eat something before getting out of bed to get your gastrointestinal tract moving. These could be nuts, cookies, candies or croutons for toxicosis.
Lemon water helps a lot, which you can always take with you in a bottle to work or on public transport.
Increased intake of acidic foods – lemon, orange, apple, sauerkraut – can help cope with nausea.
Frequent walking at any stage is beneficial for the expectant mother and child. Fresh air and oxygen saturation are excellent cures for toxicosis.
It is worth increasing the consumption of clean water, which will help remove harmful substances from the body.
Drinks containing mint will have a beneficial effect on the body and well-being. You can brew tea with mint leaves, lemon balm and chamomile flowers. This composition has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Compotes and fruit drinks without sugar are excellent drinks that will nourish the body with vitamins and cope with attacks of nausea.
Ginger root is not a remedy for everyone, but for many its specific taste helps to repel unpleasant sensations. You can eat it in pieces or make tea with it.
Honey water is what saves many women from toxicosis. An important point is the absence of an allergic reaction to honey. You need to dissolve honey in warm water and drink the liquid in small sips.
You can put a drop of peppermint essential oil on your pillow; its scent will help relieve morning sickness.
Lollipops and mints are not a very useful method, but in many cases an effective method. Helps in emergency situations, quickly cope with an attack.

Refreshing lemon water

ADVICE: A folk remedy for toxicosis in the form of herbal medicine helps many people well, but has a number of contraindications, depending on the type of herb. It is necessary to consult with a supervising physician before taking herbal decoctions and teas.

Breakfast should be a necessity

While basking in bed in the morning, don’t bother getting up. Better treat yourself to a small breakfast in bed. So, what helps against toxicosis in the early stages? This could be a crust of black bread, cookies, crackers or other food previously prepared the night before.

Breakfast is a must in the diet; even if you have a complete lack of appetite in the morning, you need to overcome yourself and eat.

Eggs and dairy products are considered the most suitable for such a meal, because they are rich in protein, calcium and other elements that a pregnant woman lacks. For drinks, give preference to fruit tea with added sugar, but in moderation. After all, an excess of glucose in the blood adversely affects the baby’s body.

Ozone therapy during pregnancy

Ozone therapy for toxicosis is a method that has gained success among pregnant women. During this procedure, the body is saturated with a special ozone solution, which has a beneficial effect on blood composition, reduces oxidative processes in the body, and improves the functioning of antioxidants.

The pregnant woman’s condition becomes significantly better, and the unpleasant symptoms recede. Ozone therapy has a beneficial effect on the course of pregnancy.

Is there a danger

An allergic reaction is the main contraindication, reducing the list of those who can take honey during pregnancy. Also, you should not include it in the menu if you have diabetes or obesity. It is also dangerous to exceed the permissible dose in an interesting situation - a maximum of three tablespoons when fighting diseases, two - for preventive purposes.

Pregnancy prohibits the use of honey in a number of folk recipes. In particular, you should not combine the product with radish (as you know, this is an excellent remedy for treating coughs). The vegetable contains essential oils that increase the tone of the uterus, so you should not combine honey with it. Termination of pregnancy in this case is a real threat. And although many women resort to the help of such a medicine, unaware of its “treachery”, and do not experience any problems, it is better not to risk it. You should not allow the combination of sweets with cranberries, as this increases the risk of an allergic reaction.

Physiotherapy

It is interesting, but true, that physiotherapy for toxicosis is an effective remedy that has helped many cope with their illness. This method differs from others in that it does not cause allergic reactions, it affects only the required area, without affecting neighboring areas. Physiotherapy can be combined with other types of treatment, there will be no side effects.

Physiotherapy for pregnant women

Table - Treatment of toxicosis with physiotherapy:

Name of therapy	Description
Galvanization	It is carried out on the nerve endings of the collar zone using galvanic current. 10 procedures are enough to feel improvement.
Electrophoresis	An electric current is applied to the area of the collar or solar plexus, blocking excessive salivation and attacks of nausea. Calcium and vitamin B are used as preparations.
Acupuncture	Using needles on special points will help get rid of the onset of nausea and gag reflexes, as well as speed up blood circulation and the removal of harmful substances from the body.
Thalassotherapy	To relieve symptoms, sea air breathing is often used. Less commonly used are seaweed wraps and dousing with sea water, which help open pores and cleanse the body.
Acupressure	Allows you to relax and take your mind off obsessive symptoms. It especially helps if the signs of toxicosis are caused by psychological problems.
Barotherapy	Impact on blood circulation by low or high atmospheric pressure. Instructions for using the method during pregnancy assume that there are no contraindications.
Electroson	Impulses are inhibited under the influence of electric current, and attacks of toxicosis recede.

Acupuncture

The price for all procedures is completely different from each other. Some services can be obtained through an insurance policy and a referral from a gynecologist, if the clinic has special equipment for this.

For example, galvanization and electrophoresis are widely used procedures and are provided free of charge in most hospitals.

Pressure chamber for barotherapy

Other methods are not so common in public medical institutions, so you should be prepared to pay a certain amount for the required number of sessions.

Positive properties of honey

Is it possible to have honey during pregnancy? The answer to this question will be positive if the expectant mother has no contraindications. Women on the eve of motherhood should not get carried away with medications when treating diseases. Honey can take on the role of a natural medicine, as it has many beneficial properties.

Good immunity is very important during pregnancy, and a sweet product serves as a natural means of strengthening it. It helps in the fight against vitamin deficiency and supplies the body with energy.
Honey is an invaluable assistant for toxicosis, eliminating and alleviating attacks of nausea. It also helps solve other problems that pregnant women often face: constipation, heartburn, bloating. Its regular use stabilizes the gastrointestinal tract.
The hygroscopicity of honey allows it to cope with swelling; the tasty product prevents varicose veins.
Expectant mothers often complain of low blood pressure; in this case, regular addition of sweet “medicine” to the menu is also indicated.
A spoonful of honey in combination with a glass of warm water helps a woman forget about the insomnia that bothers her, find a relaxed state before bed, and quickly immerse herself in the arms of Morpheus.

The carbohydrates of this product are instantly absorbed; significant energy expenditure is not required for its elimination. Honey can be called a wonderful alternative to chocolate and candies.

What can be confused with signs of toxicosis during pregnancy?

Endotoxicosis

Often, a girl who is not sure about her pregnancy may confuse the symptoms of endotoxemia with pregnancy. Endotoxicosis is a pathology of the human body in which there is an accumulation of toxic substances of an endogenous and exogenous nature that cause poisoning. In this case, the symptoms are very similar to toxicosis during pregnancy.

Endotoxicosis - it is important to recognize the symptoms of the disease in time

If signs of intoxication occur, you should immediately contact the clinic for medical help. In laboratory and clinical conditions, the diagnosis will be clarified, after which therapy will be prescribed to cleanse the body of toxins and block the source of poisoning. A surgical method is often used to remove the affected area inside the body.

It is important to know the differences in order to determine in time whether poisoning or toxicosis is currently dominant over a woman?

Symptoms of endotoxemia:

elevated temperature;
persistent nausea;
increased sweating;
weakness and drowsiness;
pain in the internal organs, depending on which organ the intoxication occurs in.

Alcohol toxicosis

Alcohol intoxication syndrome

Toxicosis from alcohol always occurs after drinking a large amount of alcoholic beverages. When more than 0.1 ppm of any alcoholic drink is ingested, general intoxication occurs, which is expressed in special symptoms.

The amount of ethanol in the blood increases progressively; if you become significantly intoxicated, you can feel the first signs of poisoning; they will also be present for several days after drinking the intoxicating liquid.

Symptoms include:

nausea;
vomit;
dizziness;
headache;
confusion;
incoherent speech;
strong thirst.

Don't get carried away with alcohol

In this case, an adsorbent drug, for example Polysorb, helps to remove toxins from the body. Depending on age and weight, take a solution of the drug in accordance with the instructions. It is worth noting that this powder for toxicosis during pregnancy is also widely used. You can learn more about this topic by watching the video in this article.

Special breathing techniques

If you still cannot get rid of the feeling of nausea, you can resort to breathing exercises. When done correctly, it is more than effective in combating these types of problems.

Let's look at what helps against toxicosis during pregnancy:

When waking up, without leaving your bed, take as deep a breath as possible. It is worth literally filling yourself with air, absorbing it in portions and slowly. Then exhale in a similar manner. It is recommended to do such simple manipulations about six times.
Place your hands near your stomach. Take a gradual and even breath, such that you feel the air in your arms. Exhale slowly.
We repeat the second exercise, but ignore the chest part, filling only the stomach with air.
Take a very deep breath. Place your hands on your stomach again, and as you exhale, try to push them away. It should be noted that the inhalation should be long and single, and the exhalation should be short-term, preferably three times and strong. There is a limitation for this exercise - it can only be performed in the first three months of pregnancy.

The rise itself should be smooth, not abrupt. It is better to initially lower your legs, and only then rise completely.

Breathing exercises help remove carbon dioxide from the blood and saturate the body with oxygen. This is a pleasant and correct substitution. Sometimes, when performing this type of gymnastics, dizziness may occur, but this is not a cause for concern. You just have to hold your breath for about 30 seconds, exhale, and everything will return to normal.

Frequently asked questions to the doctor

How to cope with bouts of vomiting?

Hello, my name is Irina. The gestational age is 9 weeks. Lately it has become very difficult to cope with the gag reflex, especially in the morning, on public transport. Is it possible to somehow solve this problem without the intervention of medications? I don't want to go to the hospital! Please advise what to drink for toxicosis from traditional medicine?

Hello Irina. I want to warn you that vomiting more than 9-10 times a day requires treatment in a hospital, under the supervision of a doctor, to avoid dehydration. You can take water with lemon, light snacks of sour fruits, cookies and sweets with you on transport to temporarily delay the attack. Chewing mint gum helps some people.

Is Cerucal allowed?

Hello, my name is Daria. During pregnancy, toxicosis appeared, vomiting up to 6 times a day, several times in the morning. They recommended Cerucal tablets when it’s really bad, but I read in the instructions that they are contraindicated before the 6th month of pregnancy. What can I do, can I take them?

Hello, Daria! I would like to note that many medications, like drugs for toxicosis, have contraindications for pregnant and lactating women in their descriptions. Cerucal is used during pregnancy in the early stages, when the benefits of these tablets outweigh the significance of possible side effects.

In your case, I advise you to take a closer look at other means that are more gentle, based on the amount of vomiting. It will be more useful to contact your doctor for help; he will prescribe the correct treatment that will not harm you and the fetus.

Milk with honey

Is it possible to have milk and honey during pregnancy? Traditional medicine is very approving of such a union. This opinion is shared by many doctors who believe that a warm drink is beneficial for expectant mothers. The product prevents many diseases, fights germs, and strengthens the weakened immunity of a pregnant woman. With its help you can get rid of worries and stress and achieve relaxation. Just do not add honey to hot milk under any circumstances! As is known, at temperatures above 60 degrees, a dangerous toxic substance, hydroxymethyl-furfural, is formed in the fragrant bee product. This poison can accumulate in the liver and soon cause food poisoning.

Milk with honey is an effective recipe against insomnia; its use before bedtime is indicated for disorders of the nervous system. If a pregnant woman suffers from toxicosis or heartburn, she should definitely include this healing drink in her diet. These two components, when mixed, become a tool for the prevention of bronchitis, sore throat, colds, and can serve as a natural medicine that does not harm the baby.

When adding honey, the milk should be warm; it should be stirred until the honey is completely dissolved. In order not to gain extra pounds, it is better not to combine the drink with cakes, sweets, and cookies.