Is It Safe to Use Stinging Nettle While Pregnant?
Stinging nettle is a plant that is sometimes used as a
dietary supplement taken for a variety of different uses, such as for treating
allergies or
arthritis. At this time, it is not known if it is safe for pregnant women to take this supplement. Stinging nettle has not been adequately studied in any pregnant women or even pregnant animals. There is simply not enough information available to know if stinging nettle is safe (or unsafe) for pregnant women.
Stinging nettle is sometimes listed among herbs that are beneficial for pregnant women, since it contains several different vitamins and minerals. However, there is some concern that stinging nettle could stimulate uterine
contractions, possibly leading to miscarriage (if taken early in pregnancy) or premature labor (if taken later in pregnancy). If you would like to increase your vitamin and mineral intake during pregnancy, a
prenatal vitamin would be a simpler (and likely safer) alternative.
It should never be assumed that natural products are automatically safe for pregnant women. This is a mistake many pregnant women make. Pregnancy often limits the prescription and non-prescription drugs that are available for a woman to take. As a result, pregnant women often seek safe alternatives, sometimes assuming that herbal supplements are always safe. This is simply not the case. Herbal supplements can be marketed in the United States without any evidence that they are safe (or even effective) for anyone, including pregnant women.
