Chia Seeds in Pregnancy and Labor

(From SQUAT: Here is a great article from the SQUAT archives--originally featured in the Fall 2010 Issue of SQUAT, available here. We'll be bringing you "classics" from our archives every now and then to spread the word and give you a taste of the great info found in the magazine. Enjoy!)






Chia Seeds For Pregnancy and Labor
by Katherine Rusch

Chia – Everybody knows those marvelously awful little terra cotta critters, but who knew those guys were the harbingers of health? Well, apparently the people of Mexico have long known what amazing nutritional benefits the Chia seed possesses.

3 tablespoons of Chia seeds delivers 6 grams of protein and a whopping 12 grams of fiber (1). Its calcium content (21% daily value) rivals that of milk (2). It is even more valuable when we consider that it contains boron, an essential mineral for optimally absorbing the calcium. The oils in Chia seeds are 30% omega-3 and 40% omega-6 oils. These oils are especially important to the pregnant woman whose body is hard at work building the tissues of her newborn. Flax is traditionally recommended as a supplement to provide these oils, but Chia has a greater percentage of omegas and does not need to be ground in order to access these oils (3). Chia seeds contain antioxidants that are beneficial to the body and keep the seeds from going rancid, which is a common problem with flax. Also worthy of note is the Chia seed's iron content (12% daily value), magnesium (30% daily value), and potassium (6% daily value).

So obviously, Chia can be an amazing supplement to the pregnant woman's diet. What is also intriguing about these seeds are their potential place as a labor aid. For centuries this tiny little seed was used as a staple food by the indigenous populations of the Southwest and Mexico. Known as the running food, its use as a high energy endurance food has been recorded as far back as the ancient Aztecs. Even today, the Tarahumara Indians, famed long-distance runners of Mexico, attribute their ability to run incredibly long distances nearly effortlessly to the Chia seed. The Chia seed is hydrophilic, meaning it absorbs large amounts of water and forms a gel. The Chia seed can absorb up to 10 times it weight in water! This greatly increases the body's ability to maintain hydration. Also, in the stomach, this gel slows the process by which digestive enzymes break down carbohydrates and convert them into sugar. This results in slowly released energy. Greater energy and hydration? Chia could be the ultimate labor food!

Chia as a Daily Supplement

Chia is most easily incorporated into the diet by simply swallowing a tablespoon of seeds with a full glass of water three times a day.


Chia For Heartburn

Swallow 1 tablespoon of Chia seeds with just enough water to get the seeds down. The seeds will absorb the excess stomach acid. After 5 -10 minutes drink a full glass of water to finish hydrating the seeds.

Labor Endurance Gel

1 tablespoon Chia seeds

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey

dash of salt

1 cup water

Stir together and let sit until gel forms, approximately 10 minutes. Take throughout labor for energy and hydration.

Katherine Rusch is a Traditional Midwife-In-Waiting and Mama to five homeborn babies. She resides in beautiful Oregon and looks forward to working with families in under-served areas of the state.


Sources


1-Values given are for Spectrum Essentials Brand Chia Seed. Values may vary slightly with different varieties.
2-Daily values are based upon the contents of 3 tablespoons of Chia seeds.
3-USDA Nutrient Database