“What Are Some Safe Herbal Remedies During Pregnancy?”

What Are Some Safe Herbal Remedies During Pregnancy?

Most women try to avoid medications during pregnancy. Any medications you take during pregnancy have the potential to affect your unborn baby. This is particularly true of medication you may take during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy or during your first trimester of pregnancy.

Some women prefer taking “natural” or herbal medication to traditional medications during pregnancy. While many herbal formulations are safe, it is important you realize that herbal medicines, like traditional medicines, may still cross the placental barrier and reach your developing baby during pregnancy.

You should never take herbal preparations during pregnancy without first consulting with a qualified health care professional or professional herbalist. They can help you decide what herbs are safe to use during pregnancy.

Keep in mind if you are taking any medications, certain drugs may interact with herbal medications. Thus, you should also check to see whether herbal preparations you plan to take during pregnancy are safe to take with any other drugs including supplements or vitamins you may be taking.

Commonly Prescribed Herbal Formulas During Pregnancy
There are many herbs that herbalists and natural health care providers have used to help relieve the side effects of pregnancy. Some common examples of herbs used safely during pregnancy include:

•  Alfalfa – This herb contains valuable nutrients and vitamins as well as enzymes that can help promote your overall health during pregnancy.
•  Chamomile – This herb may help you sleep better or relax during pregnancy and also helps combat inflammation and nausea during pregnancy.
•  Red Raspberry – This herb contains iron and is helpful for promoting milk production during breastfeeding. It is also helpful for easing the pains of labor, thus many midwives recommend it during the latter stages of pregnancy. 
• Rose Hips – This is a good herb packed with vitamin C and may help women suffering from colds or infections during pregnancy.
•  Ginger – Small amounts of ginger may help alleviate morning sickness during pregnancy.

Herbs To Avoid During Pregnancy
There are certain herbs that are definitely not safe during pregnancy. Some of these are listed below, though this list is by no means inclusive. You should always verify the safety and efficacy of any herbs you plan to use during pregnancy.

Avoid During Pregnancy  

• Aloe Vera – This herb may stimulate contractions and often serves as a purgative.
•  Barberry – This herb may also stimulate uterine contractions.
•  Black Cohosh – May lead to premature labor contractions. Sometimes recommended by midwives as a natural labor inducer, but should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
•  Blue Cohosh – Like black cohosh, may stimulate uterus and should only be sued under guidance of a qualified practitioner. Some studies have linked use of blue cohosh with heart defects in unborn babies.
•  Dong Quai – This herb is a uterine and menstrual stimulate that should be avoided during pregnancy.
•  Goldenseal – This may also stimulate the uterus or cause premature labor contractions.
•  Juniper – Uterine stimulate.

Remember, as with any medication you should consult a qualified health care professional or herbalist before using herbs during pregnancy. This will help ensure your health and that of your baby. Many midwives often use herbs as part of the prenatal care they provide expectant women. You might consult a midwife if you are interested in a natural labor and delivery. Together the two of you can decide what herbs may be safe for you and your baby during pregnancy, labor and delivery.