Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/869597
alterna ves. It's why I began studying them over 30 years ago, and why I con nue to incorporate them as my first "go- to" in my medical prac ce whenever possible. The use of herbs for the treatment of common pregnancy symptoms is very common. Studies and surveys es mate that up to 45% of women use an herbal therapy at some point during pregnancy. For be er or worse, there are a lot of "experts" on the internet "wild-west" giving advice that may not always be accurate, so it's important to get your informa on from reliable sources that you can trust. I hope this ar cle gives you a glimpse into the poten al benefits of herbs in pregnancy. If you're seriously interested in learning more about herbs in pregnancy, my book, The Natural Pregnancy Book is a great resource. Herbs in Pregnancy: Are They Safe? Herbs have been used for the treatment of discomforts and common problems arising during pregnancy and childbirth da ng at least back to ancient Egypt. Li le is known scien fically about the safety of most herbs during pregnancy, as most have not been formally evaluated and ethical considera ons limit human clinical inves ga on during pregnancy. However, much the same can be said for the use of many pharmaceu cals during pregnancy, most of which have not been tested or proven safe in pregnancy. Even medica ons previously thought to be safe in pregnancy, including Tylenol, have now been found to cause poten al problems for baby. And as many as 90% of all pregnant women will be prescribed some medica on during pregnancy! Most of what is currently known about botanical use during pregnancy is based on a significant body of historical, empirical, and observa onal evidence, with some pharmacologic and animal studies. Overall, most herbs have a high safety profile with li le evidence of harm. Pregnant mommas commonly experience minor symptoms and discomforts for which the use of natural remedies may be gentler and safer than over-the-counter (OTC) and prescrip on pharmaceu cals. Few reported adverse events have occurred, and those that have typically involved the consump on of known toxic herbs, adultera ons, or inappropriate use or dosage of botanical therapies. However, lack of proof of harm is not synonymous with proof of safety. Some of the harmful effects of herbs may not be readily apparent, un l a er use has been discon nued, or may only occur with cumula ve use. So, it's important to be smart and safe and use only those herbs in pregnancy with a proven track-record and a good safety profile. Schools of thought differ on whether herbs should be used during pregnancy. Some believe that since most herbs are not proven safe during pregnancy, they should be en rely avoided, while others see certain herbs more as foods that can provide an addi onal source of nutri on during pregnancy, or as tonics which can encourage and support op mal pregnancy health and uterine func on. Perhaps the most reasonable approach to herb safety is a "risk: benefit" one that takes into considera on the safety of the individual herb, the severity of the symptom or condi on and comparing this to the safety of the corresponding conven onal medical approach. Certain signs and symptoms arising during pregnancy always warrant medical a en on, and should not be treated with herbs. These include: • Persistent vaginal bleeding • Ini al outbreak of herpes blisters during the first trimester • Severe pelvic or abdominal pain • Persistent, severe mid-back pain • Edema of the hands and face • Severe headaches, blurry vision, or epigastric pain • Rupture of membranes prior to 37 weeks pregnancy • Regular uterine contrac ons prior to 37 weeks pregnancy • Cessa on of fetal movement Using Herbs During Pregnancy The safest approach to the use of herbs during pregnancy is to avoid herbs during the first trimester unless medically indicated when there is not a more effec ve or safer medical op on (i.e., nausea and vomi ng of pregnancy- NVP, threatened miscarriage) and a er this to use herbs that are known either scien fically or historically to be safe during pregnancy. Page 38 | Abby's Magazine - www.AbbysHealthAndNutrition.com