| In an effort to do what is best for their developing | | | | Herbal supplements, unlike prescription medications, |
| baby, many pregnant women choose to eat natural | | | | are not regulated by the FDA. The strength and |
| foods during pregnancy. They might also choose to | | | | quality of the ingredients can vary in different brands |
| use herbal remedies for colds, aches or other | | | | of the same product. Essentially, you don't really |
| maladies, figuring that herbal choices are healthier. In | | | | know what you are putting into your body when you |
| many cases, they are... but some herbs are very | | | | use these supplements. Some herbs even cause |
| potent and should be completely avoided during | | | | miscarriage, birth defects or uterine contractions; it is |
| pregnancy. This guide will help you make smart food | | | | important to differentiate between the terms |
| and herb choices while you are expecting. | | | | "natural" and "healthy". The following list contains |
| Green leafy vegetables and other deeply-colored | | | | several herbs that should be avoided during |
| vegetables are packed full of vitamins and minerals | | | | pregnancy:o Ephedrao Passion flowero Roman |
| that are vital to your baby's growth and | | | | chamomileo Blue or black cohosho Yohimbeo Dong |
| development. Growing the vegetables yourself is | | | | Quaio Saw palmettoo Pennyroyalo Pay D'Arcoo |
| ideal, as you can be sure that no pesticides or | | | | Goldensealo Barberryo Basil Oil |
| herbicides are used, but this just isn't possible for | | | | This is certainly not an exhaustive list; you must |
| most women. Choosing an organic grower is | | | | work with your health care provider to determine |
| important in ensuring the safety of your child. Still, | | | | which herbs may be safe for you to use and which |
| vegetables must be washed carefully before use to | | | | you must avoid. |
| remove any toxoplasmosis bacteria from their | | | | The level of safety of any given herb when used by |
| surface. | | | | a pregnant woman depends on a number of factors. |
| Fish is another food item that may be a | | | | For example, red raspberry leaf may be |
| double-edged sword. While most of us think of fish | | | | recommended to some women in the second or |
| as a health food because of its low fat content and | | | | third trimesters to help tone the uterus and ease |
| good fat content, many types of fish also contain | | | | nausea. However, it is a controversial herb that may |
| mercury. Fish develop build ups of mercury in their | | | | also be thought to cause miscarriage in early |
| flesh from the food that they eat. The levels of | | | | pregnancy, or premature uterine contractions. |
| mercury are often high enough to be considered | | | | Since these herbs can be found in many different |
| potentially dangerous to pregnant women, as it can | | | | teas, topical creams, supplements and foods, it is an |
| cause birth defects such as mental retardation. To be | | | | absolute must that you are aware of what it is that |
| safe, limit your fish intake to one portion monthly, or | | | | you are putting into your mouth and what the |
| avoid it completely. | | | | consequences could be. Ask your doctor or midwife |
| Other foods that should be avoided during pregnancy | | | | for guidance. They know your special circumstances |
| include:o Raw fish or meato Unpasteurized dairy and | | | | and medical history and will help you to choose |
| milk productso Deli meatso Raw eggs or shellfisho | | | | natural foods and supplements to nourish you and |
| Soft cheeses and pateo Caffeine (can be taken in | | | | your baby without posing any undue risks. |
| limited amounts; ask your doctor)o Alcohol | | | | |