If you are newly pregnant and worrying about a miscarriage, you are not alone. Miscarriage is a common pregnancy fear, and you are likely wondering what you can do to lower your risk. While most miscarriages are caused by factors you cannot control, watching what herbs and supplements you use while pregnant may help reduce your chances. Goldenseal root is used in alternative medicine for a variety of health complaints, but may pose a danger to your unborn baby. Speak with your doctor about using goldenseal root during pregnancy.
Miscarriage
When a pregnancy is lost before 20 weeks, it is referred to as a miscarriage. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that miscarriage is relatively common, with about 15 percent of all pregnancies ending in miscarriage. The majority of miscarriages occur because of poor fetal growth or fetal abnormalities, but certain substances may also lead to a miscarriage. The symptoms of a miscarriage include spotting or bleeding, abdominal cramping, loss of early pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, and the passage of tissue from the vagina. Call your obstetrician if you are pregnant and experiencing any of these symptoms.
Goldenseal Uses
Goldenseal root has been used for centuries as a remedy for numerous health problems. Native American tribes used goldenseal root for skin problems, gonorrhea and ulcers. In modern times, goldenseal root is used to treat colds and respiratory infections, diarrhea, eye infections and inflammation or infection of the vagina. Goldenseal root is also used as a topical remedy for canker sores and other wounds. If you are pregnant and experiencing any of these conditions, do not use goldenseal root to treat them. Ask your doctor about alternate treatments.
Pregnancy
Goldenseal root is a uterine stimulant, which means it may pose a danger of miscarriage if used during pregnancy. Herbs and supplements that are uterine stimulants have the potential to cause your uterus to contract, a condition that can lead to miscarriage. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that very few studies have been conducted regarding the safety of goldenseal root for any health condition. This makes it even more important for you to avoid it while pregnant, because there is no evidence to show that it is safe.
Additional Dangers
Goldenseal root can also pose dangers to you and your baby that go beyond miscarriage. Goldenseal root contains a chemical called berberine. Berberine can cause jaundice, which is excess bilirubin in the blood of your newborn. Berberine can also cause kernicterus, a serious form of brain damage caused by too much bilirubin in your baby's blood.
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