Once you fall pregnant, you’re bombarded with all sorts of information. Eat this, don’t eat that. Do this exercise, don’t you do that activity. Take your supplements, but don’t take too much. It can get overwhelming.
Eating and exercising habits are more individual-based, but when it comes to supplements – they can be important. Just as important as taking them though, is avoiding certain supplements while pregnant. Read on to learn about some of the ones to steer clear of.
Vitamin E
This vitamin is generally recommended to most people to maintain health, but not necessarily pregnant women. There’s evidence that links it to a higher rate of premature rupturing of the amniotic sack.
Goldenseal
You may not have heard of goldenseal, but it’s commonly used to treat diarrhea and respiratory problems. When used during pregnancy though, it can worsen jaundice. That’s because it contains a substance called berberine, which has been linked to brain damage.
Vitamin A
If you’re avoiding certain supplements while pregnant, it’s important to understand that some can be taken in very low levels rather than fully avoided. Vitamin A falls under that category. Too much of it can lead to liver damage and congenital birth defects.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a plant used in natural remedies and comes from the buttercup family of plants. Its purpose is to mostly control hot flushes and cramping. It’s best avoided when pregnant though, as it can cause uterine contractions. These contractions could then induce an early labor.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is most popular in Chinese medicine, but it has made its way across the world with the rise of natural remedies. It’s used to treat things such as menstrual cramps and high blood pressure. Similar to black cohosh, if it’s taken during pregnancy, it can cause uterine contractions which could lead to early labor or miscarriage.
In Conclusion
When you’re carrying a child, you want to do everything in your power to keep that baby healthy. Avoiding certain supplements while pregnant can give you the best chance at that.
