Herbs and Supplements During Pregnancy
You can find a synthetic substitute for almost every natural supplement. But there are many people who think the natural herbs and vitamins are better, cheaper and healthier. However, for pregnant women, the term "natural" may just mean "dangerous" when it comes to vitamins and minerals.
It is estimated that over 60 million Americans use herbal supplements, and surveys show that most people do not tell their doctors they are taking them.
Kim Folkman, a Registered Dietician at Mckay-Dee Hospital says that herbal supplements are not regulated by the FDA. That means there is no guarantee that they actually contain the amounts listed on the label, or that there are no contaminants in the supplements. And, that goes for herbal teas, as well.
Some herbal teas are considered safe. Folkman says that blackberry, citrus peel, orange peel, rose hip and lemon balm are ok, but that chamomile in certain doses, can be potentially harmful to your baby.
Herbal teas are just the beginning of a long list of items to avoid during pregnancy. One example: ginkgo biloba - a popular supplement used by millions for memory enhancement. Initial studies show that it interferes with the natural blood coagulation process and so would be dangerous for women to use before going into labor.
One website, www.pregnancy.org, lists more than 50 herbs and supplements that should not be used by pregnant women. They include popular herbal supplements like black cohosh, echinacea, and kava kava, as well as common herbs like ginger root and fennel seed.
Folkman points out that it is a common misconception that "natural" means "safe" and that can be particularly dangerous during pregnancy. After all, products like alcohol, heroin and tobacco are also considered "natural," but should always be avoided during pregnancy because of their potential to cause birth defects. She says the best thing to do is: “Do your research, check out the resources that are available on the websites, and talk with your doctor and pharmacists and let them know what you're taking and they can help you decide.”
The following list of herbals is an example of some of the many herbal medicines listed on the market that are proven unsafe in pregnancy:
- Aloe Species or Senna – Examples of laxative agents that could cause stimulation of the uterus causing miscarriage
- Dong Quai – Affects hormonal function and uterine stimulation.
- Licorice – Induces pre term delivery.
- St. John’s Wart – Has never been tested for possible side effects in pregnancy and acts as a mild uterine stimulant in lab animals.
- Peppermint – Common herb that can act as a uterine irritant or stimulant in higher doses.
- Blue Cohosh: Stimulates uterine contractions
Contact your health care provider before using ANY herbs or dietary supplements during your pregnancy.
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