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Natural remedies for pregnancy and labor: are they beneficial?

By Natalie Burgess

Raspberry Leaf (Rubas ideaus) Tea

Raspberry Leaf tea has been used for many years by pregnant women, and advocated by natural birth practitioners as a uterine tonic. 

An Australian study was conducted at Westmead Hospital Jan1998-July1998 (Raspberry leaf and its effect on labour: safety and efficacy. Parsons M, Simpson M, Ponton T) to determine the safety and efficacy of raspberry leaf tea in the pregnant and laboring woman.  The findings of the study indicated that there where no adverse effects with the use of the herb, for mother or baby.  The use of raspberry leaf seemed to indicate a decrease in pre term and post term gestation, with mothers who ingested raspberry leaf in their pregnancy appeared to have shortened labors (when compared to mothers who did not).  The study also discovered that women who ingested raspberry leaf during pregnancy where less likely to require artificial rupture of membranes, and had reduced c/s and instrumental deliveries.

So how does Raspberry Leaf work?

Raspberry Leaf (for the pregnant woman) acts a uterine tonic, relaxing the smooth muscle of the uterus when it is contracting, therefore facilitating optimal work of the uterine muscle to assist with the birth of the baby and delivery of the placenta (and reducing post partum haemorrhage). (Burn JH & Withell ER (1941) A principle in raspberry leaves which relaxes uterine muscle)

Raspberry Leaf is available as a loose leaf tea, tea bags and also in tablet form.

Blue and Black Cohosh

Black cohosh was originally used by Native American medicine in the treatment of women’s health issues.  Black cohosh is not to be mistaken with the blue cohosh herb, which is used in the treatment of a variety of different health issues, and has a greater potential for toxicity and unwelcome side effects.

Black cohosh extract is primarily used by natural health practitioners for alleviation of menopausal symptoms.  Black cohosh is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the potential of the herb to stimulate uterine contraction.

Blue cohosh has historically been used by women of various Native American tribes to ease the pain and duration of childbirth.  Blue cohosh has oxytocic (stimulatory) properties.  Due to the effect of promoting uterine activity this herb is contraindicated until the ninth month of pregnancy. 

It is strongly recommended that the ingestion of any herbal preparations during pregnancy ought to be with direct consultation with a trained and accredited natural health practitioner, with experience in the use of herbs for pregnancy and childbirth.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil contains ingredients that your body can use to produce a hormone called prostaglandin, the hormone associated with the ripening of the cervix.  There is no current evidence that supports the safety and efficacy of the use of evening primrose oil (orally or internally) during pregnancy. 

A study conducted in USA concluded that evening primrose oil taken orally, from the 37^th week of pregnancy, did not result in a shortened gestation period.  Additionally the study indicated that the use of oral evening primrose oil may be associated with an increase in the incidence of prolonged rupture of membranes, oxytocin administration (during labor), and vacuum extraction.

(Oral evening primrose oil: its effect on length of pregnancy and selected intrapartum outcomes in low-risk nulliparous women. Dove D, Johnson P)

This article is based on current research available. It is strongly recommended that the ingestion of any herbal preparations during pregnancy ought to be with direct consultation with a trained and accredited natural health practitioner, with experience in the use of herbs for pregnancy and childbirth.

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