1st Trimester Of Pregnancy
NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HOMOEOPATHY 1999 May / Jun VOL VIII NO 3.
Dr (Mrs) Sheila B Rao
All of us have come across young women presenting with symptoms of nausea and vomiting with amenorrhoea of 6-8 weeks duration and a confirmed diagnosis of pregnancy. Elders in the family, due to their distrust of allopathic medicines come to the Homoeopath, and inquire about safe medicines in Homoeopathy, which would relieve her without any side effects.
What does this reveal? A pregnancy is considered a joyous occasion in India. The would-be mother, especially if primi, is pampered. Her desires, wants and emotional needs are all catered to, as it is believed that neglect of these wishes would affect the baby.
Now, coming to the theme of this issue. What is the first trimester of pregnancy? Duration of a human pregnancy is about 40 weeks, or 9 months and 9 days, divided into 3 trimesters. 1st trimester from the date of last menstrual period to completion of 12 weeks; 2nd trimester from 13th to completion of 24 weeks and 3rd trimester form 25th weeks to expected due date. This division is broadly based on the activities and viability of the foetus. In each trimester, the foetus develops differently.
In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, the fertilized ovum travels from the fallopian tube to the uterus and gets firmly implanted in the endometrium. Now it is termed as the embryo. This embryo gets its nourishment from the corpus luteum and grows rapidly. It is during this stage that the cells give rise to the embryonic disc. The cells of the disc differentiate at an early stage and form an outer layer of cells - ectoderm, mesoderm and inner layer - endoderm. These 3 germ layers give rise to all tissues of the developing embryo. Further cell division, growth and differentiation occur giving rise to tissues and organ systems.
Since it is at this stage that the genetic pattern of the child gets implanted, it is here that inherent miasmatic structure is formed. Thus, it is obvious that at this juncture we should expect our anti-miasmatic medicines to act most favourably on the child.
Exposure of the mother at this stage to various viruses, like Measles, German measles, various drugs and pollutants [thalidomide methyl isocyanate in Bhopal gas tragedy], exposure to x-rays and even emotional upheavals can affect the baby adversely. Adverse effects ranging from foetal malformations, congenital defects to even abortion. If everything goes smoothly, in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, we can expect a smooth journey till birth; from the womb to the cradle or else it may very well be a journey from the womb to the tomb.
As Homoeopaths, we have patients in the 1st trimester of pregnancy presenting with various symptoms like Hyperemesis gravidarum, pica, dysuria, constipation and piles. An experienced Homoeopath should understand that pregnancy is a normal state and not a disease condition. Most of the above mentioned symptoms are just temporary and will disappear with change in food habits, walking and generous doses of counseling - by explaining to the patient that these are normal and mother nature, by and large, knows how to manage it, occasionally with a little aid from us in the form of the constitutional remedy.
But in extremely severe cases of hyperemesis gravidarum, besides the constitutional medicines, we can think of: Lobelia-inf, Symphoricarupus-r, Ipecac, Kreosote, Sepia, Phos, Ars and Tabacum.
Then for tendency for habitual abortion: Caulophyllum, Plumbum, Syphilinum, Apis, Baccillinum, Ferr, Lyco, Sil, Thuja.
Kunzli's repertory lists following rubrics under tendency to abortion: Bad news, fright, after injury, 2nd month, 3rd month.
Pathak's repertory includes abortion from mental shock or depression. Baptisia. Preventive for abortion: Ratanhia
From sexual frequency: Cann
From sheer weakness: Merc, Sil
From exertion: Erig, Rhus-tox
There is not much that we as Homoeopaths can do in cases of inevitable abortion, incomplete abortion or ectopic gestation. So when a patient comes with 4-6 weeks amenorrheoa, followed by bleeding PV and severe pain, we must suspect an Ectopic pregnancy or an incomplete abortion, and refer the patient to an obstetrician.
In general, if there are not many acute symptoms, just a few doses of the constitutional medicine, will take the patient through her pregnancy and labour safely.
