Herbs/supplements dangerous for pregnant women
WITH the advancement of medicine, a number of pharmaceuticals have been developed to treat the common discomforts of pregnancy and other related conditions while also contributing to nutritional health. However, many expectant mothers still believe that the best solutions can be found in Mother Nature.
And while the benefits of herbs should not be understated, nutritionist Chloë-Faith Perez says expectant mothers should be very careful about what herbs and herbal supplements they consume.
“In the Jamaican culture, ‘bush tea’ is widely used and is seen as the ‘cure-all’ by many. Understandably, more people have been moving away from pharmaceuticals and moving towards the more natural alternatives in an attempt to avoid the side effects and consequences associated with taking drugs long-term, but as we do this, expectant mothers should be careful,” Perez said.
She explained that while there are numerous plants that possess many medicinal properties, it is important that expectant mothers take care when ingesting any herb, especially since there are limited guidelines on their use.
“Whatever you consume also affects the little human in your body, and so since research is limited regarding recommended quantities when with child, pregnant women should remember that while these herbs are beneficial in small quantities they may be very harmful and sometimes even poisonous if consumed in large quantities,” Perez warned.
She underscored that in addition to possible harm to the child, pregnant women should pay special attention to what they consume, as some herbs can cause complications in pregnancy.
“Some herbs have been known to result in early uterine contractions, for example, which could lead to premature birth and even miscarriage. Some herbs also contain steroids that can affect the baby’s development, while others may be of a mild toxic type,” Perez outlined.
Below, she shares a list of supplements that may be harmful when taken during pregnancy, especially when consumption is too frequent and in large quantities. They include:
•Echinacea
•Goldenseal
•Nutmeg (in large amounts)
•Motherwort
•Don Quai
•Saw palmetto (has hormonal activity)
•St John’s wort
•Aloe Vera
•Ginseng
•Cinnamon
•Sage (when used in large doses)
•Roman chamomile (when used in medicinal amounts)
•Turmeric
•Moringa
•Guinea Hen Weed
She notes that the list was generated against the background that many of the herbs or spices are uterine stimulants which may cause contractions of the uterus that can lead to spontaneous abortions and miscarriages.
“There is not enough information available about the safety of using many other herbs. Stay on the safe side and avoid use, or consult a professionally trained herbalist before ingesting herbal teas/supplements while pregnant,” Perez advised.
