Pregnancy and alternative therapies: Just like some medicines, various alternative treatments might not be safe for pregnant women.
Before trying any alternative remedy, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Here are some alternative therapies that are considered safe for pregnant women:
- Nausea: Acupuncture, acupressure, ginger root (250mg capsules, four times a day), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, 25mg two or three times a day) are effective and safe for pregnant women.
- Backache: Chiropractic manipulation and massage may provide relief.
- Turning a breech baby: Exercise and hypnosis have proven to be beneficial. There are ongoing trials to explore moxibustion, a traditional Chinese treatment involving burning an herb close to the skin, which is said to help turn a breech baby.
- Pain relief in labor: While epidurals are the most effective, other methods like immersion in a warm bath and acupuncture can also be helpful. A high-tech nerve stimulator called TENS may be effective when used with other pain control treatments. Additionally, relaxation techniques, patterned breathing, emotional support, and self-hypnosis are widely used alternative therapies during labor.
Alternative therapies that are not safe during pregnancy
Some alternative therapies are not considered safe during pregnancy and can potentially harm a developing baby, especially when used in concentrated forms rather than as a spice in cooking.Believers link some of these substances to causing birth defects or potentially initiating early labor.
It is advised to avoid the following oral supplements during pregnancy:
- Arborvitae
- Beth root
- Black cohosh
- Blue cohosh
- Cascara
- Chaste tree berry
- Chinese angelica (Dong Quai)
- Cinchona
- Cotton root bark
- Feverfew
- Ginseng
- Goldenseal
- Juniper
- Kava kava
- Licorice
- Meadow saffron
- Pennyroyal
- Poke root
- Rue
- Sage
- St John’s wort
- Senna
- Tansy
- White peony
- Wormwood
- Yarrow
- Yellow dock
It’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before considering any alternative therapies during pregnancy to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
Excessive vitamin A intake can lead to birth defects. It’s important to be cautious about the following aromatherapy essential oils during pregnancy:
- Calamus
- Mugwort
- Pennyroyal
- Sage
- Wintergreen
- Basil
- Hyssop
- Myrrh
- Marjoram
- Thyme
If you have any doubts or questions regarding the safety of a particular alternative therapy, always consult your healthcare provider before using it. Their guidance can help ensure the well-being of both the expectant mother and the baby.
