Pregnancy is an exciting time and you want to take care of yourself the best you possibly can. Using herbs seems like a healthy, natural way to do this, but you must use caution before using any herbal supplements or teas during your pregnancy. Herbs have not undergone the rigorous testing by the FDA like medications have, and very little testing on the effects of herbs on pregnant women or their babies exists. The March of Dimes does not support the use of any herbal supplement by pregnant women or women who might become pregnant without the approval of their health care provider.
Reasons to Avoid Some Herbs
Some herbs may stimulate your uterus, resulting in contractions, miscarriage or other risks that may lead to preterm labor or the loss of your baby. Other herbs cross the placenta and can be toxic to your baby. Because of the ethical nature of the issue, few studies are done on pregnant women and the use of herbs.
Herbal Supplements
Different organizations list different herbs as unsafe or safe to use during pregnancy. Because there is conflicting information, it is important to consult an herbal specialist who has experience with herbs for pregnant women before taking any herbal supplements during your pregnancy.
The American Pregnancy Association lists the following herbs as "likely unsafe" or "unsafe" to use during pregnancy: saw palmetto, goldenseal, dong quai, ephedra, yohimbe, pay d' arco, passion flower, black cohosh, blue cohosh, Roman chamomile and pennyroyal. Other herbs, including dandelion, chamomile, nettles, aloe, ginseng, evening primrose, feverfew, kava kava and senna, may also be unsafe for pregnant women, but more information is needed as of date of publication. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine adds cats claw and fenugreek to the list of herbs to avoid during pregnancy.
Herbs Used in Cooking
Herbs used to flavor foods are usually safe for you to use during your pregnancy because very little is used. Some herbs that you might use for cooking, such as rosemary, garlic, sage, ginger and turmeric, could be considered unsafe if used in large quantities as you would find in herbal supplements, warns the American Pregnancy Association. However, using these herbs in the amounts you would use for cooking is safe.
Herbal Teas
The Mayo Clinic warns pregnant women to avoid using herbal teas, even those that are marketed for pregnant women, unless approved by their health care provider. The American Pregnancy Association lists a few herbal teas that are likely safe to drink during pregnancy but also recommends using caution and checking with your health care provider before consuming any herbal tea. Very little research exists on the effects of herbal teas on pregnant women and their infants.
References
- March of Dimes; Drugs, Herbs and Dietary Supplements; July 2009
- American Pregnancy Association: Natural Herbs and Vitamins During Pregnancy
- MayoClinic.com; Pregnancy Nutrition: Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy; May 2011
- American Pregnancy Association: Drinking Herbal Teas During Pregnancy
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Cat's Claw; December 2006
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Fenugreek; March 2007
