Epstein Barr virus (mononucleosis or glandular fever) during pregnancy can be a very exhausting time. It can be hard enough just being pregnant without the addition of a virus to add to your worries!
Some studies show that Epstein Barr virus in pregnancy can result in early labor or in the baby having a lower birth weight, length and head circumferance.
Treating Epstein Barr virus during pregnancy and breastfeeding is vital to get the virus under control as soon as possible. Fortunately there is a lot you can do with natural therapies to help your body fight the virus, get you back on your feet and minimize birth complications.
When treating Epstein Barr virus in pregnancy, I recommend my patients take vitamin C, the B complex, zinc and magnesium. These nutrients help the body cope with the stress of pregnancy and improve energy levels. Magnesium supplementation has also been shown to reduce the length and severity of labor which is always a good thing!
If you still experience fatigue despite being on the above nutrients then you could also add the omega 3 oils like those found in fish oils. Omega 3 oils during pregnancy have also been shown to improve the IQ of the child.
Iron is another nutrient that can help combat tiredness. As your blood volume increases during pregnancy, your iron stores can go down. Most doctors will test your iron levels throughout pregnancy and will tell you when you need to supplement. It is preferable to go for a liquid iron or a bioavailable iron supplement which won’t cause constipation like conventional iron tablets do.
Treating Epstein Barr virus in pregnancy and when breastfeeding requires a carefully planned diet. Many of my pregnant patients get good results with their energy levels on the higher protein diet. Focus on good quality protein with plenty of fresh vegetables, salads, low carb fruits, nuts, seeds and cold pressed oils with small amounts of whole grains Also make sure you are drinking at least 2 – 3 litres of water a day to flush out the virus and toxins in your system.
When treating Epstein Barr virus in pregnancy there are a few vitamins and herbs which you need to avoid. It is important that you do not exceed 10,000 IU of vitamin A a day, as it has been linked to birth defects in the child. There are also a few herbs which should be avoided. These include hormonal balancing herbs like dong quai, fennel and anise, alkaloid containing herbs like comfrey and coltsfoot that can accumulate in the liver, and herbs with a purging effect like aloe vera, senna, black walnut and wormwood.
When treating Epstein Barr virus during breast feeding, certain herbs can affect the flow of breastmilk. For example sage and parsley in large amounts can dry up breast milk whilst garlic can flavor the breast milk (this should not be a problem if you eat garlic regularly).
Echinacea appears to be one of the safer herbs to use during pregnancy and breast feeding, but do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Treating Epstein Barr virus during pregnancy and lactation also means avoiding any gastrointestinal or liver cleansing. This is because the toxins released can pass to your baby via the umbilical cord or in breast milk. Gentle liver tonics like lemon juice, beet root, carrot and lots of pure water are fine.
Treating Epstein Barr virus in pregnancy or lactation is essential for the health of the mother and baby. All these natural treatments discussed above are outlined in the e-book “Nature’s Amazing Mononucleosis Cures” by qualified naturopath Elizabeth Noble. Elizabeth has recovered from chronic Epstein Barr virus infection herself, and treated thousands of people through her clinics.