Utilization of Alternative Therapies in Pregnancy: A Brief Review of the Literature Part I

Natural Techniques For Symptoms of Pregnancy

According to the Cleveland Clinic, there is a wide range of natural techniques to relieve various symptoms of pregnancy. Some of these treatments, such as massage, patterned breathing, and oral supplements and herbs, are safe and can help, while others have the potential for harm to the developing fetus. Alternative therapies should always be discussed with your healthcare provider.

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Alternative therapies are defined as those treatments for common issues in pregnancy that do not involve traditional medications. Examples of these include massage, meditation, and natural products to alleviate symptoms such as nausea or backache. During pregnancy, your health is crucial, not only for yourself but also for the developing fetus. Appropriately, many parents worry about the potential side effects of medication use during pregnancy. The majority of healthcare providers will only prescribe medications that are safe in pregnancy. Some individuals may prefer to utilize “all-natural” products for minor issues during their pregnancies. Although many parents may consider these products “safer”, it is strongly recommended that you discuss your choices with your care provider. Certain types of alternative therapies are not regarded as safe and could potentially have concerning side effects.

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Unfortunately, there are not many research studies on the topic of alternative therapies during pregnancy. Naturally expectant parents are not keen on participating in experiments involving their growing fetus. Additionally, manufacturers of vitamin and herbal supplements are not legally required to conduct testing on their products. Unfortunately, even when studies are properly performed, the results may appear confusing, as numerous factors can influence the development of a fetus.

The critical question for most pregnant individuals is: What alternative supplements are actually safe during pregnancy? It is also essential to consult with your healthcare providers before using any alternative therapies. Regarding safety during pregnancy, these alternative therapies are considered safe in pregnancy:

1. Relaxation techniques

2. Patterned breathing, e.g., Lamaze techniques

3. Emotional support

4. Self-hypnosis

5. Acupuncture or acupressure

6. Massage

7. Aromatherapy

8. Chiropractic from providers who specialize in working with pregnant patients.

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Another important pregnancy consideration is what alternative therapies should be avoided. The following substances have the potential to harm a developing fetus when used in concentrated formulations, rather than as a spice in cooking. Some of these are thought to cause birth defects, and some may provoke early labor:

1. Arbor vitae

2. Beth Root

3. Black cohosh

4. Blue cohosh

5. Cascara

6. Chaste tree berry

7. Chinese angelica (dong quai)

8. Cinchona

9. Cotton root bark

10. Feverfew

11. Ginseng

12. Golden seal

13. Juniper

14. Kava kava

15. Licorice

16. Meadow saffron

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17. Pennyroyal

18. Poke root

19. Rue

20. Sage

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21. Saint John’s wort

22. Senna

23. Tansy

24. White peony

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25. Wormwood

26. Yarrow

27. Yellow dock

Substantial doses of Vitamin A can cause birth defects. It is wise to avoid aromatherapy essential oils such as:

1. Calamus

2. Mugwort

3. Pennyroyal

4. Sage

5. Wintergreen

6. Basil

7. Hyssop

8. Myrrh

9. Marjoram

10. Thyme

Remember that you can still use some of the herbs and spices on the list for cooking. To cause any harm, you would need to consume a much larger amount of the substance than you would use in cooking. However, it is always prudent to ask your healthcare provider if you plan to use any of the substances on the list.

If you do happen to use something on the harmful list, the chances are greater that the fetus will not be affected than that it will. Always contact your healthcare provider if you have any questions 1

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1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/9595-pregnancy-using-alternative-therapies

https://www.midwivesontrial.com

© 2025 Martha Merrill-Hall JD MS CNM