Although herbal supplements might seem like a safe alternative to other medications, this is not always the case during pregnancy. Cranberry has been used as a medicinal aid to treat kidney disease and bladder infections for centuries, but because scientific data on the safety and efficacy of cranberry supplements during pregnancy is lacking, you should consult a knowledgeable health care provider before taking the supplements.
Function
Cranberries are native to North America, and early English settlers used both raw and cooked cranberries to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, loss of appetite and vitamin C deficiency. Grown on a bush with pink flowers, cranberries are high in antioxidants and contain high amounts of vitamin C. Ripe cranberries are used in commercial juices, extracts and supplements.
Benefits
Best known for their treatment and prevention of a urinary tract infection, or UTI, antioxidants found in cranberries might help prevent bacteria from forming in the urinary tract. A 2002 study published in the "Canadian Journal of Urology" examined the effects of cranberry pills on UTIs in 50 non-pregnant women. The research indicates that daily cranberry supplements reduced the number of UTIs and annual antibiotic consumption by 50 percent. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that cranberry juice and cranberry supplements help prevent rather than treat UTIs. Antioxidants in cranberries also might help lower LDL cholesterol, prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of stomach ulcers. More scientific research is needed to validate the efficacy of these claims.
UTIs During Pregnancy
Bacterial changes in the urinary tract during pregnancy increase your risk of UTIs. As the uterus grows, the increased weight can block the urethra and cause infection. An untreated UTI might lead to a kidney infection, which can cause uterine contractions, preterm labor and low birth weight. Symptoms of UTI include burning while urinating, blood in the urine, abdominal cramps, chills, fever and pressure in the bladder. Although cranberry supplements might help prevent and reduce the occurrence of UTIs, you always should consult with your physician before using herbal supplements to treat any medical condition.
Warning
Although the American Pregnancy Association considers cranberry supplements safe to consume during pregnancy, consult with your physician before using any type of supplement while pregnant. Cranberries contain oxalates, a natural compound known to form kidney stones. Avoid cranberry supplements if you have a history of kidney stones or kidney disease. The supplements also might interact with other medications or herbs, including certain blood-thinners. Cranberries and cranberry juice can be consumed without concern during pregnancy.
References
- "Canadian Journal of Urology"; A Randomized Trial to Evaluate Effectiveness and Cost Effectiveness of Naturopathic Cranberry Products as Prophylaxis Against Urinary Tract Infection in Women; Lynn Stothers; June 2002
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Cranberry
- American Pregnancy Association; Urinary Tract During Pregnancy; April 2006
