Worms During Pregnancy: Parasites And Intestinal Worms During Pregnancy | While Breastfeeding

By Patricia | May 7, 2010

Intestinal Worms And Parasites During Pregnancy

There are a couple of parasites that can commonly be seen within the human intestines. Some of the most common parasites or worms that can infest the intestines of people include roundworms, hookworms, flatworms, threadworms and tapeworms. There could be several causes of intestinal worm infestations and some of the most common ones are poor living conditions, eating contaminated food on a regular basis and lack of strict hygienic measures. It is very important to begin the treatment of intestinal worms at the earliest, i.e., as soon as the symptoms become evident. Some of the most common symptoms of worms in the intestines are nausea, vomiting, the formation of dark circles under the eyes, unexplained weight loss, bad breath, digestive disorders such as constipation or diarrhea, anemia and inflammation in the lungs. Fortunately, it is quite possible to treat or even prevent intestinal worms with the help of medication and by following strict hygienic measures.

However, an infestation of worms during pregnancy is a fairly serious condition and should be brought to the notice of the doctor without any delay.

Parasites and pregnancy

Pregnancy can be one of the most enjoyable and delightful phases of a woman life. However, there are several conditions that could lead to major complications and problems during pregnancy. For example, suffering from a case of gastritis during pregnancy or a virus during pregnancy, could lead to severe complications, especially during childbirth.

Therefore, it is quite natural that worms and pregnancy together could cause a considerable amount of stress and alarm to a woman who is expecting. However, it is not uncommon for women to suffer from bugs like tapeworms, roundworms and pinworms during pregnancy. Other common worms seen during pregnancy are threadworms too.

The presence of parasites during pregnancy can be a major cause of concern, since it can deprive the mother as well as her baby of the essential nutrients. Therefore, worms in pregnancy should be taken care of as soon as the problem is detected. Unfortunately, since the symptoms of worms can be quite similar to the symptoms of early pregnancy, it can be difficult to detect worms in the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, if a woman suspects that she may be suffering from worms in early pregnancy, she could refer to worm pictures during pregnancy, which are easily available through online resources.

Under normal circumstances, there are a lot of medicines and treatment options that can be used on people, for getting rid of worms. However, when women who are pregnant get worms, the use of conventional medicines may do more harm than good. Moreover, the type of treatment administered may vary, based on the type of worms during pregnancy or parasites that a woman has been infected by. It has also been seen that when women who are pregnant have worms, the treatment takes much longer, as compared to others.

Treating intestinal worms during pregnancy

Most normal people use medicines as well as herbal or natural remedies to get rid of intestinal problems. However, apart from medicines, there are certain herbs that are unsuitable for pregnant women too. Therefore, before using any natural remedies too, for worms during pregnancy, it is important to check with a doctor. Given below are some of the most common worms during pregnancy remedies:

  • Garlic: It is quite safe to eat a small amount of garlic during pregnancy. For best results, people should chew on a small piece of raw garlic before and after every meal. Others are generally asked to chew on a piece of garlic, but for pregnant women ¼ clove of garlic is more than enough. This is one of the most effective home remedies for getting rid of worms during pregnancy.
  • Woodworm herb: This is a very useful herb, which can help in the elimination of ringworms or other parasites from the body. However, it is important to consume an infusion of this herb at least twice a day, every day, till the worms are gone completely. However, this remedy may not be suitable for all pregnant women.
  • Carrots: Drinking a glass of fresh carrot juice every single day, is a good way of curing this problem. It is best to drink the juice of carrots first thing in the morning, to maximize its effect. Carrots are high in vitamins and nutrients and are healthy during pregnancy.
  • Pumpkin seeds: Several health experts advise women to have one tablespoon of blended pumpkin seeds everyday, for a fortnight. These seeds contain a substance that can kill intestinal parasites and is especially effective against tapeworms during pregnancy. For best results, most women are advised to consume this remedy twice a day.
  • Pomegranate: Several people are advised to consume pomegranate juice, in order to maintain a healthy stomach. However, pregnant women who are suffering from intestinal parasites or worms, are usually advised to wash the bark, stems and the roots of the pomegranate plant thoroughly and then blend these ingredients into a drink. This drink should be consumed at least twice a day till the body gets rid of the worms.
  • Apple cider vinegar and raw papaya juice: A concoction made from one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, an equal part of raw papaya juice and a glass of water can help get rid of intestinal worms during pregnancy.

Before using any of the home remedies mentioned above, it is imperative to consult a doctor and get a go ahead. Moreover, if the symptoms of worms in the intestines persist even after using home remedies, then it may be necessary to use stronger treatment options, because the longer the intestines remain within the system, the more the baby could suffer from nutrient deprivation.

Worms while breastfeeding

Just like pregnancy, suffering from worms while breastfeeding can be a huge concern. Some of the home remedies that can be used by pregnant women are also fairly safe for use by women who are breastfeeding. However, it is important to consult a doctor for various treatment options, which can help speed up the elimination process.

There are a few parasites that are commonly found in human intestines, like threadworms, tapeworms, flatworms, hookworms and roundworms. These worms could infest the intestines because of different reasons like - lack of hygiene, eating contaminated food, living conditions, and so on. Some common symptoms that point to the presence of intestinal worms are - loss of weight, constipation or diarrhea, the formation of dark circles, bad breath, anemia, vomiting, nausea and inflammation in the lungs and intestines. This problem can be treated by following strict hygienic measures and taking proper medication.

Treatment For Intestinal Worms

However, in case you are pregnant, it is important that you inform your doctor before you start any treatment or try any home remedy. The presence of worms would deprive you and your baby of nutrients and so, it needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Based on the type of worms you have, the treatment may vary. Moreover, the worms may take longer to get rid of, as the use of some medication may not be permitted during pregnancy. In fact, even a home remedy, which is supposed to be safe should be tried only after getting your doctor’s go-ahead. You could check with your doctor, for the following:

  • Garlic is very effective against intestinal worms. Chew a piece of raw garlic before and after every meal.
  • Carrots are a great way of getting rid of intestinal worms. Make it a point to drink a glass of carrot juice everyday, the first thing in the morning.
  • Drink a concoction, made of a tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and raw papaya juice, mixed in a glass of water
  • Have a tablespoon of blended pumpkin seeds everyday, twice a day, for a fortnight. This ingredient has a component that kills the parasites and is especially effective on tapeworms.
  • Wash the stems, root and bark of a pomegranate and blend them to make a drink. Have this drink everyday, twice a day, till your body gets rid of the worms. This remedy would also help you to maintain a healthy stomach.
  • A herb known as woodworm can be very effective, in removing intestinal parasites. Drink an infusion of this herb twice a day, everyday.

During pregnancy, intestinal worms should not be ignored or treated lightly, as they can be very harmful and dangerous. You need to treat this problem as soon as possible, to avoid any harm to your unborn baby. Get your doctor’s approval before trying any home remedies and seek immediate medical attention if the symptoms persist.

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