Is It Safe To Take Herbal Supplements During Pregnancy?

An unborn baby gets or shares everything that her mother ingests, be it food, drink or supplements. Dietary supplements are generally advised during pregnancy to fulfill the nutritional needs of the mother and growing baby. However, some herbal supplements may not be safe during pregnancy.

Though made using plant extracts, herbal supplements are nothing but the drugs, so they may impose some risks and side-effects and hence need to be used with caution.

Herbal medicines which are safe:

• Alfalfa: This herb can be given due to its rich content of vitamin A, D, E, and K. Along with providing these nutritional benefits, it also helps in recovery after delivery.
• Rose hips: It has high vitamin C content which is helpful when you can’t tolerate acidic citrus fruits.
• Red raspberry leaves: It supplies iron in the body, reduces morning sickness and lowers the risk of miscarriage.
• Nettle: Nettle tea is consumed for its iron and calcium content.

However, some herbs are not safe during pregnancy which includes;

• Pennyroyal
• Slippery elm
• Ginseng
• Black cohosh
• Green tea.

These herbs in high amount can have stimulating effect on the uterus. Herbal tea of peppermint, chamomile, rose hips, and alfalfa is generally considered as safe but read the labels while taking those during pregnancy. You need to talk to your health care provider while using any herb during pregnancy.

Be knowledgeable about the safety of these herbs by referring resources such as the American Pregnancy Association and FDA which are authentic sources of current information.

Being a natural medicine and benefits they offer, herbs would have worked for you before pregnancy but the same may not come true during pregnancy. So, don’t take any risks during your gestation period of trying any herb by self. . Don’t try to be a tree hugger in your gestation period.

Gestation is the most wonderful and important period of your and your baby’s life. So, consult your health care provider while taking any supplement, drug or herbs during pregnancy.