It is safe to use herbs during pregnancy, in fact through the whole duration of the pregnancy. The only thing is that you should know which herbs are useful and which ones to avoid. You also need to know which herb to use at the various stages of the pregnancy.

One of the best herbs to take when you are pregnant is raspberry leaf. It is a very nourishing herb that supports the uterus. It helps provide relief for morning sickness. For every trimester, of the pregnancy, one tea cup full a day is recommended.

Herbs for morning sickness

There are other herbs that can be used to treat morning sickness. Morning sickness is caused by many factors including low levels of blood sugar, hormonal changes, and low blood pressure.

Ginger can be used to provide relief effectively for morning sickness. The following herbs can also be used: Irish moss, peppermint, and hops.

Herbs to avoid during pregnancy

There are certain herbs that should be avoided during pregnancy because they can stimulate contractions of the uterus leading to miscarriage. They are barberry, autumn crocus, golden seal, juniper, mandrake, male fern, poke root, pennyroyal, rue, sage, tansy, southernwood, wormwood, and thuja.

Herbs for labor

Raspberry leaf tea
This has been traditionally drunk during the third term of pregnancy as preparation for delivery.

Blue cohosh

Although this herb is believed to have some antispasmodic effect especially on the reproductive system of women, blue cohosh is not to be taken before the commencement of labor.

It is usually taken during labor to help ease the pain associated with the later moments of labor. It also provides great relief immediately afterwards and helps in passing of the placenta.

Squaw Vine and Black Cohosh

Squaw Vine is taken in the last month of pregnancy in order to have an easy labor and delivery. Black Cohosh can be used to induce labor, but it should not be used during labor itself; neither should it be used when breast feeding.

Black haw

This is used to treat pains in false labor, pain, and post partum bleeding. Black haw is a uterine sedative, which works on the nervous system.