Her body has changed to accommodate the needs of the child growing inside of her womb. She's eating for two (or more) and all of the things that go with that. And I've yet to meet a pregnant woman who could find a comfortable position after a few months!

There's good reason that obstetric care is an absolute must, even in the worst of times. So how can herbal medicine help? What should you know about using herbs during pregnancy, and most importantly, what herbs are contraindicated? Read on!

In this article, I'll discuss some herbal options along with any available scientific bases. The references I'm using, as before, are Cat Ellis's Prepper's Natural Medicine, The Green Pharmacy by James Duke, and Brigitte Mars' Natural First Aid Handbook. 

But first, to keep the FDA happy, the Disclaimer: We no doctors here! We no give medical advice! Reader do own research and make own choices! If you're in distress you go nearest ER! Always consult a doctor before using any remedy, especially during pregnancy!

Nutritional herbs during pregnancy

Ellis points out, among other things, the necessity of good nutrition at all stages of pregnancy. Pretty much the entire scientific community, from Medline to Johns Hopkins, agrees with this. Remember: the pregnant woman is eating for two or more. In order to maintain her own health and the health of the developing child(ren), the importance of a healthy diet cannot be overemphasized. And not that processed crap, either! Fresh, whole foods from all of the basic food groups are necessary here. Mayo Clinic gives pregnancy dietary guidelines here, along with a variety of nutrient sources.

Ellis gives great recipes on pages 191-193 that include red raspberry leaves, nettle, and oat tops or oat straw. The yellow dock recipe contains molasses and, not surprisingly, yellow dock.