For centuries before the emergence of modern medicine, children were born at home into the hands of midwives and the mothers were assisted throughout pregnancy with widely available herbs and homeopathic remedies.

Though modern medicine has gone on to supplant nearly every natural remedy on earth with a synthetic substitute, the herbal tinctures and formulas traditionally used for pregnancy are still an effective way for mothers to deal with the discomfort and nutritional issues encountered during pregnancy.

"Traditional midwives have worked with herbs for centuries and their accumulated wisdom has been passed down through the ages," says Sudi Storm, a traditional midwife and herbalist from Ashland, Ore. "Today, we know more than ever before about what herbs and homeopathics work for different situations. Ironically, herbs are often better, cheaper and healthier than their modern medicinal counterparts."

According to Storm, there are a number of conditions a mother is likely to experience throughout her pregnancy that can be alleviated with the use of herbal supplements and a focused diet. For example, when a doctor might suggest a mother with heartburn use antacid tablets, an herbalist is likely to suggest a more natural approach.

Content on this site is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition. Reliance on information presented on this site is at your own risk. This site contains the opinions and views of other users. Given the interactive nature of this site, we cannot endorse, guarantee, or be responsible for the accuracy, efficacy, or veracity of any content generated by our users.