Herbs for Pregnancy & Birth

by Rosetta Thuresson, Dip. H, www.mamarosesnaturals.com

Herbs help us to connect with the natural world, and what a more wonderful time than when expecting a baby. Late pregnancy tonics have been historically used to relax, tone, and prepare the uterus and the body for labor. There are several herbs that are commonly used for the purpose of easing labor, with the hope of a less prolonged or painful birth experience, as well as a rapid recovery. When possible it is a good practice to use herbs before becoming pregnant to familiarize the body with them, and to continue their use regularly throughout pregnancy. There are several nutritive herbs that have been used by midwives and birth workers for centuries to assist the body, mind, and spirit through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

Taking herbs can be a lot like exercising, the right amount under good conditions can be extremely healthful and rewarding, however under the wrong conditions can be detrimental. There are many herbs that should be completely avoided during pregnancy. Other herbs that can be used extremely effectively for promoting a positive birth experience can have contraindications during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. Some birth tonic herbs are not safe to use in early pregnancy because they are known to stimulate the uterine muscles, potentially leading to miscarriage. While pregnant or breastfeeding, it is important to use only herbs that are safe while the baby is in fragile developmental stages.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) contains high amounts of protein, vitamins A, D, E, B6, B12, and K, calcium, iron, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, carotenes, other trace minerals and digestive enzymes. Alfalfa can help prevent hemorrhaging, anemia and other vitamin deficiencies. It also contains c hlorophyll, referred to as the 'blood' of plants, which has been found to have amazing results for anemia, or after hemorrhaging during childbirth. It is also an easily digestible source of vitamins and minerals that support the bloodstream, bowels, kidneys and liver.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) should not be used during pregnancy, however some herbalist believe that goldenseal is one of the most useful and safe oxytocic herbs to use to stimulate the uterus into contraction. Goldenseal is a powerful antibacterial and immune system supporter, and can be very useful for preventing and recovering from infection. Goldenseal encourages autoimmune function and the stimulation of involuntary muscles, making it extremely helpful for regulating contractions, as well as for controlling hemorrhaging. It is because of this bitter herbs’ incredible ability to stimulate the uterus that goldenseal should not be used during pregnancy until labor has begun.

Meadowsweet (Filiipendula ulmaria) is wonderful for symptoms of morning sickness, as well as other digestive discomfort throughout pregnancy, from first trimester nausea to late term heartburn. Meadowsweet protects and soothes membranes of the digestive tract, reduces acidity, eases nausea, indigestion, heartburn, colic, ulcers, and diarrhea, inflammation, infection, headaches, pains, fluid retention and kidney problems. It has a high nutrient content, and helps induce restful sleep.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is also called, ‘The healing herb for mothers.’ It is known to strengthen the heart, and promote courage and calm feelings. It also is known to reduce stress, relieve heart palpitations, and may help mild hypertension. Motherwort is a uterine stimulant in high doses and should not be used at the beginning of pregnancy, but can be used during the later stages of pregnancy and childbirth under the guidance of a health care provider. It may also help shock resulting from blood loss and a drop in blood pressure. It is important to note that large or prolonged doses may increase bleeding.

Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the greatest nutritive herbs to use throughout pregnancy, as it contains highly usable vitamins and minerals (particularly iron), promotes healthy kidney functioning, prevents varicosities, nourishes the blood, strengthens blood vessels, and helps prevent anemia. Nettle is useful in toning and nourishing the uterine muscles during pregnancy, and in reducing the likelihood of hemorrhaging at the time of birth. It also helps the body recover from birth, and can increase the flow of breastmilk. Nettles is wonderful to drink regularly in a nutritive herbal tea throughout pregnancy and postpartum care, especially when combined with herbs such as red raspberry leaf and alfalfa.

Partridge Berry (Mitchella repens) also known as squaw vine, is one of the best uterine and nervous system tonics to use in late pregnancy for helping prepare the body for childbirth. Partridge berry and other uterine tonic herbs as partus preparators; partus meaning “labor”, preparators meaning “preparatory.” Partridge berry is known to help relieve the pain and duration of labor, encouraging a safe and healthy birth. Blue cohosh and black cohosh are often used together for similar effects, however they contain a number of potent chemicals known to have an effect on cardiac muscle activity, possibly linking to potential stress to the baby or birth defects, so partridge berry would be the preferred choice for a labor preparation herb. Each of these herbs are aggressive uterine stimulants, and should not be used in early pregnancy as they can cause miscarriage.

Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) has a long and reputable history for its beneficial use during the childbearing year. The leaves of the red raspberry plant are a rich source of nutrients, such as iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamins B, C, and E. Red raspberry leaf is a digestive aid, helping nausea and morning sickness. It assists the body in preparing for childbirth by nourishing the muscles while relaxing and strengthening the uterus, and can help ease labor pain and prevent hemorrhaging. Red raspberry leaf is a perfect remedy for pregnancy, birth, and postnatal recovery. It can also help to tone the uterus after birth, increase milk flow when breastfeeding, and ease symptoms of postpartum depression. Red raspberry leaf is like magic for Mamas!

St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum) should not be used as an internal remedy during pregnancy, however it is frequently used for pain relief during labor. St. Johns Wort has a sedative and pain reducing effect, helping to control spasms in the back, sides, and uterus, and relieve irritability, anxiety and tension. An external massage using oils of St. John’s Wort, arnica, and evening primrose can be helpful, as these herbs are wonderful for inflammation, un-open wounds, bruises, achy muscles, sore back and ligaments, varicose veins, and sciatica. When used vaginally during birth, a massage or warm compress using the herbs of St. Johns Wort, comfrey or plantain can encourage pliability of the perineum.

Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a wonderful natural pain-killer when used during labor. It helps spasms, nervous tension, seizures, hysteria, and may also help stabilize blood pressure. It can be used as a nervine during childbirth for nervousness and back-labor once labor is progressed. Skullcap can have a sedative effect, allowing tension and pain to ease and disperse. Skullcap can be used and repeated as needed during labor, however be careful of the strong sedative effect.

Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is one of the best herbs to use for nausea, especially when food can’t be kept down. It lines mucous membranes, and helps indigestion, heartburn, stomachaches, and diarrhea. Not only does slippery elm sooth and settle the stomach when ingested, it is full of nutrients including vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Slippery elm can be used as a tea or tincture, or eaten straight as a food to sooth the body and provide valuable nutrients when no other food can be tolerated.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) is a highly nutritive herb, and is known for its ability to balance hormones. It can be used in late pregnancy for an irritable uterus and abdomen, which can often cause insomnia and anxiety. Wild yam is valuable for helping to reduce stomach, ovarian, and uterine pains and spasms, while helping to relieve discomfort, nausea and vomiting. Wild yam root can be decocted in a tea with other nutritive herbs, such as red raspberry or nettles. The tincture can be taken as needed at a dose of ¼ teaspoon up to 6 times per day.