Are
herbal products safe to use during pregnancy?
Since
there is very little hard facts supporting the
disuse of herbal medicines during pregnancy and
at the same time no full proof guarantee of its
safety, doctors advise pregnant ladies to steer
clear of herbal products. The following guidelines
will help you decide on whether to stick on or
heed your doctors advice.
• Discuss and inform your doctor on what
you have been using so far: dose, duration, type
and form (i.e. infusion, capsule, tincture etc)
• Avoid using them in the first trimester.
This is the time when baby's organs and tissues
form so exposure to harmful substances may have
devastating outcome
• If any of these products are known to
stimulate the uterus, caution is warranted
• Be sure of the product you are using and
not confuse it with a similar sounding name item
and thereby causing more complications
• Avoid products with many herbs as it can
be confusing to diagnose the cause to a particular
reaction
• Do not blindly follow prescription on
advice of a novice. Make sure the recommendation
is coming from someone with the correct training
and background
• Do not exceed the recommended dose as
you will be placing you and your baby at risk
• Be aware of how these products interact
with any other medications you are taking. Some
combinations are injurious. |
