Prescription ,Over the Counter (OTC) and Complementary Medication /

Herbal Preparations in Pregnancy

01 In Brief

Many women of child-bearing age use herbal preparations on a regular basis and, because they are 'natural', consider them safe. However, all medications should be used with caution in pregnancy, and this includes complementary and herbal medicines. Unfortunately, there are a lack of professional sites that provide specific detail and those that do, err on the side of caution - and with good reason. Below we provide an outline of which herbs are safe to use in pregnancy and which to avoid, as well as useful links and sources of further information on the subject.

02 What Do I Need To Know?

  • The use of herbal remedies in pregnancy is estimated to be around 10 per cent of women and is highest in educated and older women.
  • The most commonly used herbal remedy in pregnancy is ginger, and others that arecoomonly used are ephedra and herbal teas, cranberry extract, raspberry leaf, mint, peppermint and primrose oil. Most remedies are taken to alleviate common symptoms of pregnancy.
  • There is a lack of reliable information available regarding the relative safety of herbal treatments, despite their common use, with almost all professional, qualified online sites erring on the side of caution. 

FROM THE WEBSITE: SOCIETY OF OBSTETRICIANS AND GYNAECOLOGISTS CANADA

  • The following is an extract from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Canada that has published guidelines for us of herbal remedies in pregnancy and breast feeding.

SOGC Womens Health Information: Pregnancy: herbal remedies 

 

  • Herbal Remedies in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Women are told to avoid medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Any medication should only be taken on the advice of your doctor after reviewing any effect it may have on you or your baby.

The same advice applies to herbal remedies. Some herbs can cause miscarriage while others can affect the growth and development of your baby. It is best to avoid herbal remedies in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Younger children should also avoid herbs.

Safe:

  • Raspberry leaf tea is safe and is believed to have positive qualities.

The following herbs may be used in limited amounts: (as herbs, not in products)

  • Ginger
  • Peppermint

Safety has not yet been established, and the following herbs are best avoided:

  • Echinacea
  • Evening Primrose Oil
  • Ginkgo
  • St. John’s Wort
  • Tea Tree Oil

The following herbs can be bad for your health and are to be avoided:

  • Black Cohosh
  • Burdock
  • Calendula
  • Chaste Tree
  • Dong Quai
  • Feverfew
  • Ginseng
  • Hops
  • Juniper
  • Kava
  • Licorice (as a herb)
  • Passionflower
  • Valerian
  • Uva-ursi
  • Wild Yam
  • Blue Cohosh to stimulate labour is dangerous

The biggest challenge for consumers is finding the right information. Consumers should distinguish between testimonial evidence and clinical studies. Certain herbal remedies may relieve some symptoms and some women find that taking herbal supplements is helpful.

03 What Others Say

  • Royal Womens Hospital fact sheet 

http://www.thewomens.org.au/Herbalpreparationsinpregnancy

  • Motherrisk website 

http://www.motherisk.org/women/herbal.jsp


04 I Want To Know More

  • American Pregnancy Association

Natural Herbs and Vitamins During Pregnancy

  • Fact sheet on Echinacea preparation in pregnancy

http://www.otispregnancy.org/files/echinacea.pdf

  • Fact sheet on St Johns Wort in pregnancy

http://www.otispregnancy.org/files/stjohnswort.pdf

The information published here has been reviewed by Flourish Paediatrics and represents the available published literature at the time of review.
The information is not intended to take the place of medical advice.
Please seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
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Last updated: 27/07/2011 by Dr Elizabeth Hallam*/Claire Galea