Harmful Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy

Although herbs have been very beneficial to us throughout the centuries many can be harmful to pregnant mothers and their growing babies. Many women will assume that because herbs are natural they are safe. On the contrary, some herbs can cause uterine contractions, premature birth, birth defects, and miscarriage. They can be dangerous, not only to the baby, but also to the expectant mother.

A lot of women find that drinking herbal teas during their pregnancy can be useful in relieving discomfort and alleviating symptoms such as nausea and cramping. It is important to learn the exact ingredients contained in teas that you are considering drinking. Because teas are brewed a lot of the herbs found in them can become heavily concentrated. And because the FDA does not regulate the majority of herbs it is imperative that you follow suggested guidelines when using teas or herbs in any other form. Overusing an herb can create serious complications that could possibly even lead to death.

The most important herbs to avoid during pregnancy are those that trigger uterine contractions as these can cause premature labor and miscarriage. Following is a list that is inclusive of, but not limited to, herbs that are not safe to use during pregnancy. It is also important to note that a lot of these herbs should not be used if you are going to breastfeed your baby. Herbs, like many other products, have a tendency to seep into breast milk and can still affect your baby.

Black Cohosh: Other common names for this herb include Snakeroot, Rattleroot, Rattletop, Rattleweed, Bugbane, and Bugwort. Black Cohosh is generally used to treat menopausal symptoms such hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, bloating, cramps, and vaginal dryness. Side effects of this herb include nausea and vomiting, headache, indigestion, and changes in blood pressure. Alterations in blood pressure can be dangerous to the expectant mother and her baby. Black Cohosh has been known to cause premature uterine contractions and can lead to miscarriage. When used in excess it can also cause irregularities in heart rate, liver damage and seizures. Black Cohosh can be especially toxic when used in combination with Blue Cohosh and White Cohosh and should be avoided by those who are sensitive to hormones. There has been at least one documented case of neurological damage, in a post-term baby, after a combination of all three types of Cohosh was used to induce labor.

Pennyroyal: This herb is also known by the names Mosquito Plant, Squaw Balm, Squawmint, and American Pennyroyal. It has been used for disorders of the digestive system, gallbladder, and liver and is also effective when used topically for skin ailments. Pennyroyal has been used as an abortifacient as it stimulates uterine contractions and menstrual flow. It has also been shown to cause birth defects. It is a very strong herb and has some serious side effects when used incorrectly. The use of Pennyroyal Oil has been associated with severe liver and kidney damage. Side effects that should be brought to the attention of your doctor include unusual fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting and abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark colored urine, and clay-colored stools. There have been documented cases of fatalities resulting from the use of large amounts of Pennyroyal Oil to elicit or bring about an abortifacient effect. It is not yet known if this herb seeps into breast milk and should be avoided if you are going to nurse your baby.

Goldenseal: Other names for this herb include Eye Balm, Eye Root, Ground Raspberry, Indian Dye, Jaundice Root, and Turmeric Root. Goldenseal is a very potent herb and should not be used by those with heart disease, diabetes, eye problems, and blood pressure problems. It has been known as a cure-all herb and is most commonly used as a tonic to strengthen the immune system as a whole. Pregnant women should not use Goldenseal as it stimulates uterine contractions and can cause premature labor and miscarriage. Side effects or signs of overdose of this herb include swelling of the mouth, face, lips, and tongue, tightness in the chest or trouble breathing, nausea and vomiting, and unusual tiredness.

St. John's Wort: St. John's Wort is also known by the names Demon Chaser, Amber, and Goatweed. It is most commonly used to treat varying degrees of depression but has not been proven to effectively treat severe depression. It has however been shown to improve anxiety related disorders. St. John's Wort is used to help alleviate symptoms of menopause and is often used in conjunction with Black or Blue Cohosh. It is not known if Goldenseal seeps into breast milk and is not recommended for use by those who are going to nurse their newborns. It does have a tendency to increase blood pressure and should be used with caution by those who suffer from hypertension. Other side effects of this herb include stomach upset, nausea and vomiting, headache, and insomnia.

Aloe Vera: Other names this plant is known by include Bitter Aloe, Elephant's Gall, First-Aid Plant, Cape Aloe, Lily of the Desert, and Burn Plant. Aloe Vera is native to the Mediterranean and has a long history of being used to provide soothing relief from burns and also to stimulate the healing of wounds. It has also become a popular remedy for the treatment of digestive disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and some forms of diabetes. Side effects of Aloe Vera include stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Because it has a laxative type effect when it is consumed it can also cause imbalances in one's electrolytes. The consumption of Aloe Vera juice has been shown to stimulate uterine contractions, cause cramps and premature labor, and even miscarriage. Although it is safer to use Aloe Vera topically, lactating mothers who are going to nurse their newborns should avoid using it in any form.

Sources

Romm, Aviva J., and Ina M. Gaskin. The Natural Pregnancy Book: Herbs, Nutrition, and Other Holistic Choices. Berkeley, California: Celestial Arts, 2003.

Ody, Penelope. Herbs for a Healthy Pregnancy. Columbus, Ohio: McGraw-Hill, 1999.

Intermountain Medical Center - Department of Labor & Delivery

Utah Valley Regional Medical Center - Department of Labor & Delivery