Homeopathic remedies in prenatal care.

The basic concepts of homeopathy are presented, including the vital force, the Law of Similars, the Law of Proving, and the Law of Potentization. The method by which the practitioner applies these laws in a clinical setting in order to choose a homeopathic remedy is described. Careful history taking and observation of the client to ascertain the etiology and location of a complaint, associated sensations, factors that aggravate or ameliorate symptoms, the emotional and mental state, general observations, and strange, rare, and peculiar symptoms are stressed. Specific remedy recommendations for the treatment of leg cramps and other pregnancy-induced discomforts, such as anemia, herpes, nausea and hyperemesis, ptyalism, and pica are included. The use of remedies to turn breech and other malpositioned babies prior to term is presented, as well as discussions on the induction of labor and homeopathic intervention for premature labors. A description of how remedies are administered, handled, and stored is included. Finally, qualifications to practice homeopathy and legal issues for midwives are discussed.