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Stress and pregnancy
I am pregnant and feeling really stressed, can I take some herbs to relax me?
Many herbs are contraindicated in pregnancy, especially when taken internally as some may cause uterine contractions or cause a miscarriage due to their astringent effects. It is generally recommended not to use any herbs during pregnancy, especially in the first two trimesters. There are a few exceptions to this rule such as using the herbs slippery elm and ginger for symptoms of morning sickness such as nausea.
In the third trimester of pregnancy herbs which naturally prepare the woman for childbirth and breastfeeding may be introduced such as Raspberry leaf, Alfalfa, Aniseed, Fennel, Blessed Thistle, Chasteberry, Dandelion, Milk Thistle, Jasmine, Lemongrass, Beth Root, Squaw Vine and Nettle.
In pregnancy it is best to err on the side of caution in regard to taking herbal medicine due to limited amounts of research, safety data, information and clinical studies gathered on herbs for use in pregnancy. For this reason many herbs do not currently have established safety data concerning their use. Please consider making an appointment with a Health care professional who can properly advise you in regards to healthy ways to reduce stress, supplementation, diet and lifestyle and pregnancy.
Lifestyle factors to reduce stress
- Take a walk, do some pregnancy yoga, meditation and breathing exercises to help you to relax
- Take a soothing warm bath or do the things that help you to feel calm
- Talk to your partner, friends or family about birthing, parenting or the reason for the stress
Natural therapies to reduce stress
- Vibrational essences such as the Bach Flower range of essences such as Rescue Remedy may be of benefit to help ease nervous tension
- B Vitamins and Magnesium help to calm the nerves and reduce nervous tension
- Use herbal teas as a way of improve health and taking herbs, some examples are Chamomile, Peppermint, Nettle and Oats
- Take a good pregnancy herbal which contains Folic acid, Iodine, Fish oil, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, B Vitamins to improve nutritional status and feed the nervous system
For further inforamation see the Ask a Naturopath webpage in concerning stress