Herbs for a healthy pregnancy

Consuming herbs can be a great way to support a healthy pregnancy. Many of our 'tonic' herbs, such as the ones I list below, are gentle in action, high in nutrition and work well to promote overall health and wellbeing. We use them frequently at the birth center to help our mommas have the healthiest pregnancy possible.

GINGER ROOT

A warming herb known for helping with pain, morning sickness, gas and constipation. While ginger can’t prevent or cure gestational diabetes, research does show that ginger supplementation can help regulate blood sugar and may result in improved insulin levels. Can also be taken as a tea to help with colds, flus, sore throats and congestion. Ginger is considered a very safe spice to consume during pregnancy. But with anything,too much can cause side effects like diarrhea, heartburn and reflux. It’s recommended that ginger consumption stay below 1,000 mg/day during pregnancy to avoid any negative effects.

HAWTHORN BERRY

This gentle tonic herb is very good for the cardiovascular system. During pregnancy your blood volume doubles and your cardiovascular system has to work harder. For some this might create higher blood pressures, varicose veins and other circulatory issues. Hawthorn, taken over time can help relax blood vessels, improve blood flow and potentially lower blood pressure. This is a great herb for first time mothers, those who contract Covid during pregnancy (esp. long covid) and those with elevated blood pressures who are at higher risk of pre-eclampsia.

RED RASPBERRY LEAF

Considered the "herb supreme" for pregnancy, raspberry leaf tones and nourishes the uterine muscles over time. It is usually drunk as a tea and used regularly to help with uterine tone and help reduce the length of labor.

While I think it is a great herb for most mothers, I particular love it for those experiencing a first pregnancy or hoping to have a vaginal birth after cesarean (vbac).

It is rich in vitamins and minerals. It is especially high in naturally chelated iron, which the body can easily assimilate, since herbs are recognized in the body as food.

If you still have an abundance left after you have your baby, you can use the rest to enrich and increase the flow of breastmilk, help restore the system after childbirth and increase iron levels.

Raspberry Leaf is generally safe for the majority of women. But, to be on the safe side many prefer to begin using the herb in the second trimester, only drinking one cup of tea a day, gradually increasing to a quart of tea during your last few months.

Some women will notice an increase in a braxton hicks like contractions, this is normal. If however, they increase to a point where they are more regular or painful, please discontinue it’s use and call your Midwife.

NETTLE LEAF

An extremely nutritious and valued herb that is good for supporting the kidneys and vein health. It can be taken internally as a strong daily nutritive tea. For achy varicose veins, I recommend 2 Tbsp of nettle leaf steeped 30min in 1 cup of boiling water.

Strain and drink the liquid. Drink 2 cups daily . Being rich in minerals it can help prevent leg cramps, water retention and also encourages abundant breast milk. If taken in freeze-dried capsules, it is an effective, nontoxic aid for those who suffer from allergies during pregnancy. Nettles taste a bit like spinach so some prefer to mix it with other herbs in tea (like pregnancy tea) for taste, or it can be added to rice or soups.

ROSEHIPS

The dried fruit of roses has been used in traditional medicine for a long time. Studies have shown they have potential health benefits as an anti-inflammatory, anti diabetic, anti cancer cell, and are high in antioxidants. Which may help during pregnancy to regulate blood sugar (reducing diabetes), reduce pain and help fight off colds and viruses better. Rosehips are a good source of phytochemicals, such as vitamin C and E, phenolics, carotenoids, organic acids, and essential fatty acids (Barros et al. 2011). Rosehip tea is a tasty way to ingest this nutritive herb. To get the best benefit, you want to add a teaspoon of herb per cup and pour hot (but not boiling) water over the herbs, steep for 6-8minutes. Strain and enjoy.

ALFALFA & Liquid Chlorophyll

Alfalfa, is a plant that has been grown as feed for livestock for hundreds of years due to its high nutrient content. Alfalfa is also commonly used in combination with other supplements to improve iron deficiency anemia and increase vitamin k in preparation for birth. Today, most commercial liquid chlorophyll is derived from alfalfa. The chlorophyll molecule is very similar to hemoglobin and taking it may improve red blood cell health. I recommend it to help with the negative effects of anemia, such as energy and constipation. The leaf works well as an addition to your pregnancy tea recipe or taken in capsules. You can also find many liquid chlorophyll products in your local health food store. Do not take if you are prone to blood clotting or have an autoimmune disease like lupus.

MARSHMALLOW ROOT

This root is what conventional marshmallows used to be made from. It was used as a treat and traditional medicine for sore throats and healing wounds, dating all the way back to ancient Egypt. It has anti-inflammatory properties, is soothing and helps heal epithelial surfaces like the skin, lining of the digestive tract and respiratory tract. I use it for heartburn, GERD, dry coughs, sore throat, hemorrhoids or anal fissures that have a hard time healing. Today this root is no longer in store bought marshmallows. It is most often today consumed as an infusion, taken in capsules or made into a homemade sweet treat. Though it hasn’t been demonstrated clinically, there is speculation it could affect drug absorption. If you take medication, it’s best to take more than 2 hrs from the time you took your medication.

CHAMOMILE FLOWER

An especially good herb for stress, relaxation, sleep and digestive problems. A cup after dinner time is a great way to nourish your body. The longer you steep it, the more bitter it will get. Bitter chamomile is a great digestive, but if you don't like it, simply shorten your steep time to 5 minutes. Do not take if allergic to ragweed.

MILK THISTLE

During pregnancy our liver and kidneys can be taxed due to an increase in blood volume and hormones. Milk thistle is a very safe herb for most. It does not have a harsh detoxifying action like many liver support herbs. Rather it nourishes and supports the liver, helping with things like hyperemesis, migraines, itchy skin rashes and acne due to excess hormones.