Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Synopsis of Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
During pregnancy, the body’s nutritional and hormonal demands increase dramatically to support the growth and development of the baby, as well as the health of the mother. Herbs and supplements can play a complementary role alongside prenatal care to optimize wellness, reduce discomfort, and address common pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, cramping, and anxiety. However, safety is paramount—only herbs and nutrients with a well-documented history of safe use in pregnancy should be considered, and all supplements should be discussed with a healthcare provider to avoid potential risks to mother and baby.
Types of Support:
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Nutritional support: Vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats for fetal development
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Digestive support: Remedies for nausea, constipation, and indigestion
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Nervous system support: Calming herbs for emotional balance
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Uterine tone and preparation: Herbs used traditionally in later pregnancy to support labor
Common Needs During Pregnancy:
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Folic acid and B vitamins for neural tube development
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Iron to support increased blood volume
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Calcium and magnesium for bone and muscle health
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Omega-3s (especially DHA) for fetal brain and eye development
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Vitamin D for immunity and mood balance
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Gentle herbal support for nausea, digestion, or sleep
When to Be Cautious:
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In the first trimester when miscarriage risk is highest
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With any herb that stimulates uterine contractions or alters hormones
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When taking multiple supplements—some may interact
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With high-dose fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
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If the mother has preexisting conditions like hypertension or gestational diabetes
Natural remedies for Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
Ginger: A time-tested remedy for pregnancy-related nausea and morning sickness. Safe when taken in moderate amounts as tea, capsules, or fresh slices.
Magnesium: Supports muscle relaxation, reduces leg cramps, and helps with sleep and blood sugar regulation. Often taken as magnesium glycinate or citrate.
Vitamin B6: Shown to significantly reduce nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy. Often combined with magnesium or ginger for enhanced effect.
Red raspberry leaf (late pregnancy only): Traditionally used in the third trimester to tone the uterus and prepare for labor. Not recommended in early pregnancy.
Chamomile (in moderation): A mild calming herb that helps with anxiety, sleep, and digestion. Best used in tea form and avoided in high doses.
Folic acid (as methylfolate): Essential for preventing neural tube defects and supporting DNA synthesis. Ideally started before conception and continued through pregnancy.
Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA): Critical for fetal brain and retinal development. Also supports maternal mood and reduces the risk of preterm birth.
Iron-rich foods and supplements: Prevent and treat pregnancy-related anemia. Best absorbed with vitamin C and taken apart from calcium.
Hydration and herbal teas: Nettle and oatstraw infusions (with medical approval) provide gentle mineral support and hydration throughout pregnancy.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Pregnancy (herbs and supplements for)
alfalfa
algal oil
asparagus
beet
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
boron
bovine
bovine liver
branched-chain amino acids
calcium
chamomile
choline
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
cordyceps
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
dong quai root
fenugreek
folate
ginger
iron
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
lactobacillus casei
magnesium
spruce
omega-3 fatty acids
pollen
quail egg
sardines
almond fruit
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
vitamin D
watermelon
wild yam
zinc
folic acid
bee pollen
root tuber
shepherd's purse
3-Ketosteroid
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine
Asparagus
Alpha-Ketoglutarate
algal oil
Asoka
Animal Tissue
Alfalfa
Ambergris
Arachidonic Acid
Asparagus racemosus
Almond
Algal Oil
Alchemilla
Aletris
Alfalfa Protein
Arame
Avian (unspecified)
Algae protein
Ashoka
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Betaine
Butter
Bifidobacterium infantis
Bicarbonate
Bifidobacterium (mixed)
Beef liver
Bovine (unspecified)
Beet Molasses
Bicarbonate (unspecified)
Butter oil
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
banana
Bifidobacteria
Branched Chain Amino Acids
Beef liver
Bird's nest
Chinese Yam
Cohosh
Chloride
Calories
Choline
Cobalt
Calcium Folinate
Cereal (unspecified)
Carbohydrate (mixed)
Carbohydrate (unspecified)
Chinese Motherwort
Collagen (mixed)
Cane Molasses
Cholesterol
Cystine
Carbohydrate
Chicken
Docosahexaenoic Acid
DHA
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
Date
Egg
Egg
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Folinic Acid
Folic Acid
Fish roe
Fish
False Unicorn Root
Fish protein
False Unicorn
Fish (including shell)
Fish (including shell)
Folate
Glutamine
Glycoprotein isolate
Galactooligosaccharides
Glycine
Garden Cress
Glycine
Gland (mixed)
HMB Hydroxymethylbutyrate
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
Iron
Iron
Insulin-Like Growth Factor
Lactobacillus reuteri
Liver
Large-Leaved Linden
Laminaria
Liver
Labisia pumila
Milk fat
Molluscs
Montanoa tomentosa
Milk
Mammary
Magnesium Alpha-Ketoglutarate
Modified milk ingredients (unspecified)
Mammary
Macaenes
Omega-3 fatty acids
Oyster
Oyster
Ox
oyster
Ovary
Proprietary Blend (Amino Acid/Protein)
Panax Pseudoginseng
Potassium
Persimmon
Panax Notoginseng
Progesterone
Pyridoxine alpha-ketoglutarate
peanut
Pituitary
Roe
Roe
Relaxin
Skim Milk
Salt (sea)
Shellfish
Saturated fatty acid
Schizochytrium
Saturated and Trans Fat
Stone Root
Saturated Fatty Acid (unspecified)
Servicetree
Squaw Vine
tripeptide (unspecified)
Uterus
Uterus
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
Vitamin B12 (unspecified)
Vitamin B9 (folinic acid)
Vitamin B9 (Calcium Folinate)
Vitamin B12 (mixed)
Vitamin B9 (calcium methyltetrahydrofolate)
Vitamin B12 (cyanacobalamin)
Vitamin B12 (various)
Vitamin B6 (pridoxal 5-phosphate)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5 phosphate)
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 (Folate)
Vitamin K (menaquinone)
Vitamin B9 (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate)
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Vitamin B9 (unspecified)
Vitamin B9 (calcium methylfolate)
Vitamin B12 (adenosylcobalamin)
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B9 (folinic acid)
Vitamin B9 (folic acid/folate)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine HCl)
Vitamin B9 (methyltetrahydrofolate)
Vitamin B9 (Mixed)
Vitamin D3
Vitamin B9 (methylfolate)
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin Phosphate)
Vitex (unspecified)
Watermelon
Wheat
Wild Yam
Wheat germ
Zinc Picolinate
