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Properties of peppermint

The medicinal properties of peppermint have been known since ancient times, and the herb has been used in almost all regions of the world. In addition to essential oils – a pleasant and refreshing smell can be felt especially when rubbing the leaves – mint contains, among other things:

tannins,
flavonoids,
organic acids,
phytosterols,
vitamins.

It is also valuable for its mineral salts, especially the oil that the leaves contain. In addition to its use in aromatherapy, it is also used in herbal medicine.

Drinking mint during pregnancy

Many moms-to-be wonder if it’s okay to drink mint while pregnant. Waiting for a baby is a special time when favorite tastes and smells change. Some, especially the intense ones, can irritate. However, if mint does not cause the aforementioned effects or allergy symptoms, it can also be drunk in moderate amounts during pregnancy. Especially since mothers-to-be cannot take certain medications, and mint is a natural substitute. The condition is to consume it in moderation.

An infusion of mint is especially recommended for indigestion, as it stimulates the secretion of gastric juice and acts as a cholagogue. Pregnant women often complain of digestive problems and heartburn. Mint nullifies the bloating, nausea and vomiting so common in pregnancy, which occur especially in the first months. Regularly drinking the herbal drink also relieves symptoms of stress and calms down, which is especially important for mothers-to-be.

Like many other herbs, mint strengthens the body, especially in states of weakened immunity, so it is worth using during the period of increased flu incidence. It also protects against the common cold. However, it is important to remember that it is a medicinal plant, so the dosage should be consulted with the gynecologist in charge of the pregnancy. In pharmacies, many preparations containing mint are available without a prescription, but if you have not used this infusion before, it is worth reading the contraindications to its use.

Peppermint tea during pregnancy – contraindications

It can happen that mint causes unpleasant symptoms, such as abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, especially if drunk in excess. Allergy to this herb is one of the rare ones, but the body changes a lot while waiting for a baby, so even mild symptoms of hypersensitivity can occur at this time with greater intensity. It is important to react appropriately and, if alarming symptoms appear, consult a specialist. Large amounts of mint infusions can irritate the delicate gastric mucosa. In addition, mint should not be used by people suffering from reflux, as well as kidney stones or hiatal hernia.

Also find out:

Abdominal pain in pregnancy – causes, symptoms, treatment

How to prepare an infusion of mint?

Both fresh mint leaves and dried ones have medicinal properties. If the herb grows in your garden, it is a good idea to harvest it after the summer season, leave it in a cool, darkened place and wait for the leaves to dry. Then we have a supply for the entire autumn-winter season. Of course, today you can buy mint in a pot regardless of the season.

There are many ready-made mint teas available on the market, or which are a composition of various herbs, although, of course, the most delicious is a drink made from the fresh plant. One to two glasses of the brew a day should not harm the mother-to-be, but it is worth consulting this dose with your pregnancy doctor. To make the drink, all you need is one teaspoon of dried mint or fresh leaves per glass of boiling water. Before the drink is ready to drink, leave it covered for about 5 minutes and strain it. The effect of mint is also supported by chamomile, which is also known for its healing properties. Using ready-made teas, just follow the directions on the package. For warmer days, on the other hand, lukewarm water with mint leaves and lemon juice will be ideal.

What herbs can’t be drunk during pregnancy?

Moms-to-be should consume all herbs in moderation. On the other hand, there are those that can have a negative impact on both the woman and the child. Some of them can cause bleeding in the first trimesters of pregnancy and increase the risk of miscarriage, such as angelica, common rue and cordial. Others, like black claw and Canada bitterroot, stimulate the uterus, which can also end in premature labor. There are plants whose properties negatively affect the fetus. These may include: ginseng, mistletoe or autumn crocus. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult a specialist when taking herbs, just like medications.

Learn more:

What foods should be excluded from a pregnant woman’s diet?

Is it okay to drink mint while pregnant?

Pregnancy herbal teas, including infusions of mint, chamomile or fennel, help deal with unpleasant gastrointestinal discomforts for the mom-to-be. However, they should be used in moderation and provided they do not cause an allergic reaction. Check the properties of mint and contraindications to its use.

What is an indication of a hard belly during pregnancy?

A hard belly can indeed be a symptom of impending labor. It is then triggered by the so-called. Braxton-Hicks predictive contractions, but this is not the only cause. While expecting a baby, the body of the mother-to-be is constantly changing and symptoms appear that the woman has never experienced before. What can a hard belly in pregnancy indicate and when is it a cause for concern?

Is non-alcoholic beer allowed during pregnancy?

Many moms-to-be wonder if they can drink non-alcoholic beer. It has been known for years that there is no safe limit when it comes to alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and even the smallest amount can cause irreversible changes in the unborn child. What happens if a woman reaches for a 0% beer? Also, can it cause negative consequences for a toddler's development?

How to properly perform exercises during pregnancy on a ball?

Many moms-to-be, especially those expecting their first child, wonder if it is possible to exercise while pregnant. If a woman was active before pregnancy, and the doctor has not decided otherwise, there is no indication that she should give up physical activity. However, it is important to match the exercises to the week of pregnancy, as well as the needs of the mother-to-be. Ball exercises are particularly recommended. How to make them properly?

How will breasts change during pregnancy?

Pregnancy belly is not the only change that occurs in the body of a woman who is in a different state. Her breasts are also changing, their size, as well as the appearance of her nipples and nipples. We explain when the breasts begin to change and what causes these changes. We also give you a hint about the nipples and nipples in pregnancy at each stage.

How long can a natural childbirth and cesarean section last?

The duration of natural childbirth or cesarean section is a very important issue for many moms-to-be. It is worth realizing that childbirth consists of several phases. Their course is individual for each woman See how long labor can last.

Second pregnancy – how is it different from the first?

The period of pregnancy is a special time for many women. If it's their first child, they eagerly await the first signs of the baby's presence. In the second pregnancy it is completely different. A woman knows her body and knows what signals to expect. He is also aware of which symptoms can be considered worrisome and which are perfectly natural during this period.

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It is not only the course of the second pregnancy that is different. What usually differs from the first is the length of labor. You can also feel the baby’s movements earlier. Symptoms heralding impending labor like premonitory contractions may also appear a little earlier. What is the delivery time for first-born mothers versus mothers giving birth for the second time? When is it possible to have a second pregnancy after a C-section?

What are the differences between first and second pregnancies?

In a woman with a second pregnancy, the symptoms are quite different from those of the first. She is aware of what will happen to her body during these nine months, so she does not pay as much attention to many symptoms as she did in her first pregnancy. Although there are reports circulating online that the second pregnancy is lighter, there is no rule for this. The course of each period depends on many factors, especially the health and condition of the body of the mother-to-be.

What is known, however, is that the pregnancy symptoms a woman feels are no longer as persistent as they were with her first pregnancy. It also verifies the baby’s movements more quickly because it knows what symptoms are manifested. It is difficult for primiparous women to distinguish the presence of a toddler from the workings of the intestines. Such differences can only be seen by a mother who has given birth before.

In the second pregnancy, predictive contractions occur a little faster. A woman who is pregnant for the first time may be frightened by them. A second-time parturient will not pay much attention to them, because she knows that they are not a harbinger of labor beginning. This one, in fact, begins when the fetal waters leave or when regular contraction action arrives.

Second pregnancy vs. prenatal testing and delivery

The course of labor in the second pregnancy is also quite different from the first. Its first period in a primiparous woman lasts a very long time, up to 11-16 hours, and it is only the initial contraction activity (the solution is divided into 4 phases of different duration). The course of the first stage of labor is significantly shortened when a woman gives birth to a child for the second time. It usually does not last more than 9 hours. The parturient not only knows her body, but knows what symptoms should oblige her to go to the hospital. She is aware of the birth process and the care offered by the hospital right after the baby is born. Subsequent phases of labor go more smoothly. Mom knows what to do and listens to the midwives’ recommendations.

An important activity before delivery is prenatal testing, which is performed whenever there is a risk of birth defects in the fetus. It increases if a woman has a second pregnancy after the age of 35, so research is very important.

Second pregnancy after cesarean

If the parturient has indications for a cesarean section, she should expect a longer stay in the hospital ward and a slightly longer recovery after delivery. The pregnant woman reports to the ward the day before the scheduled surgery so that laboratory tests can be performed on her. After the birth, she is observed in the recovery room for about two hours. Only then can she be moved to the general room and, if her condition permits, she can slowly begin to get up after a few hours.

Many women after a cesarean section ask when they can have another pregnancy. It certainly should not if the suture formed after surgery has not yet fully healed. There is then a risk of serious health problems and abnormalities in the mother’s pregnancy. The decision about the possibility of having another child should be made by the woman after consultation with her health care provider.

According to doctors, the safest option is to get pregnant only 12 months after the procedure. This is the time when the body regenerates, and the damaged skin coatings will regain their elasticity. However, many gynecologists encourage a safer period – 2 years, especially if a woman would like to try a second child to give birth naturally.

Worth reading: What are the phases of childbirth step by step?