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Herbs and Your Pregnancy

Apr 14, 2023 | General Topics

herbs and your pregnancyHerbs can have both positive and negative effects on pregnancy, so it is important to use them with caution and only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Some herbs are considered safe during pregnancy, while others may pose a risk to the health of the mother and baby.

Here are some general guidelines for using herbs during pregnancy:

  1. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbs during pregnancy.
  2. Avoid using herbs during the first trimester, as this is when the baby’s major organs develop.
  3. Stick to herbs known to be safe during pregnancy, such as ginger, chamomile, and raspberry leaf.
  4. Avoid using herbs such as pennyroyal, tansy, and wormwood.
  5. Be cautious with herbal supplements, as they may contain herbs that are not safe during pregnancy.
  6. Avoid using herbs in large doses or for prolonged periods of time.

Benefits of using herbs

Chamomile is an excellent antioxidant and can help boost your immune system. Also, it is known to help reduce your stress, improve sleep, and help reduce morning sickness and fatigue. Raspberry leaf is a great source of iron, helps boost your energy levels, helps reduce fatigue, and improves digestion. Ginger root helps reduce nausea, improves digestion, and helps reduce morning sickness and fatigue. Nettle leaf is a great source of iron, magnesium, and calcium; it helps boost your energy levels, reduce fatigue, improve digestion, and help reduce morning sickness.

Herbs to Avoid

Cinnamon, while used on occasion, is considered safe. Taken as a tea, it can induce uterine contractions. Wormseed contains a toxic compound known as ascaridole that induces uterine contractions, and as an oil, it is neurotoxic. For a complete list of herbs to avoid during pregnancy, check out this comprehensive list created by the University of Texas at El Paso: Herbal Safety.

Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about using herbs during pregnancy. If you are interested in learning more about surrogacy options or are interested in becoming a surrogate mother, please contact us at 713-622-1144, and we will be here to help you with any questions.