Pregnancy is a time when you are very careful about what you eat and drink, and what medications you take. This is why some people are more interested in "natural" things, or alternative therapies , than Western medicine. But the most important thing we need to remember is that not everything that is "natural" is safe during pregnancy. Like some medications, some alternative therapies can be harmful to the baby in the womb. So, today we will talk about what alternative therapies are suitable for you during pregnancy, and what you should definitely avoid.
Things you can safely try during pregnancy
There are several alternative treatments that have been proven safe and effective for some of the minor discomforts of pregnancy. However, it is essential to talk to your doctor and get his approval before trying any of these.
| Inconvenience | Safe alternative treatments |
|---|---|
| Vomiting and nausea | Acupuncture, acupressure, ginger (250mg tablets four times a day), and vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) (25mg two or three times a day) are considered effective and safe options. |
| Back pain | Massage and chiropractic manipulation by a specialist can provide relief. |
| Breech Baby | Exercise and hypnosis have been shown to be helpful. In addition, moxibustion, a Chinese treatment that involves burning herbs close to the skin, is also being studied. |
| Reduce labor pain | An epidural is the most effective. However, things like soaking in warm water and acupuncture can also be helpful. A small electrical stimulation device called TENS is also effective when used with other painkillers. Relaxation techniques, breathing patterns, psychological support, and self-hypnosis are already widely used. |
Things to definitely avoid during pregnancy
Okay, now let's talk about the most important part. That is, the alternative treatments and herbs that are definitely not worth even touching during pregnancy. Some of these can cause birth defects in the baby, some can cause premature labor, or even miscarriage.
The most important thing is that it is more dangerous to take these herbs as a concentrated capsule , tea, or extract than to add a little to your food as a flavoring.
Oral Supplements to Avoid
The following herbs should never be taken orally during pregnancy. You may not be familiar with their names, but some Ayurvedic products may contain them. Therefore, it is important to ask before taking anything.
| Herbs that may be harmful during pregnancy | |
|---|---|
| Arborvitae | Juniper |
| Beth root | Coffee coffee |
| Black cohosh | Licorice |
| Blue cohosh | Meadow saffron |
| Cascara | Pennyroyal |
| Chaste tree berry | Poke root |
| Chinese angelica (Dong Quai) | Rue |
| Cinchona | Sage |
| Cotton root bark | St. John's wort |
| Feverfew | Senna (Senna leaf) |
| Ginseng | Tansy |
| Goldenseal | White peony |
| Wormwood | Yarrow |
| Yellow dock | |
Additionally, taking too much vitamin A can cause birth defects in the baby. Therefore, never take more vitamin A than your doctor has prescribed.
Aromatherapy Essential Oils to Avoid
Some people use essential oils to help them relax. However, some of these can be dangerous during pregnancy. Avoid inhaling or applying the oils below to your skin.
All of this makes us realize that pregnancy is a more sensitive time than we think. Don't take anything you've heard from a friend, or heard from someone you know, or read on the Internet, for granted. Your safety and that of your unborn child are paramount. Therefore, if you have the slightest doubt about something, don't use it and consult your doctor. That's the best and safest thing to do.
Take-Home Message
- Not everything that is "natural" or "herbal" is safe during pregnancy. Some things can be downright harmful.
- Always consult your doctor before using any alternative treatment, herb, tea, pill, or essential oil.
- Using a very small amount of an herb as a flavoring in food is completely different from taking it as a concentrated supplement. The risk lies in the concentrated stuff.
- If you have even the slightest doubt about something, the safest thing to do is not to use it. Your safety and that of your baby are more important than anything else.
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