Alternative Therapies and Pregnancy

Medically Reviewed by Traci C. Johnson, MD on August 09, 2021
2 min read

As with certain medications, there are many alternative therapies deemed unsafe for pregnant women.

Before taking an alternative remedy, be sure to talk with your health care provider.

The following alternative treatments can safely be used during pregnancy:

  • Nausea:Acupuncture, acupressure, ginger root (250mg capsules 4 times a day), and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine, 25mg two or three times a day) work well and are considered safe for pregnant women.
  • Backache:Chiropractic manipulation and massage may help.
  • Turning a breech baby:Exercise and hypnosis have proven beneficial. Trials are underway to investigate moxibustion, a traditional Chinese treatment that burns an herb close to the skin and is stated to be beneficial in turning a breech baby.
  • Pain relief in labor: Epidurals are most effective, but other methods like immersion in a warm bath and acupuncture can be effective. A high-tech nerve stimulator called TENS may also be effective if used in conjunction with other pain control treatments. Relaxation techniques, patterned breathing, emotional support, and self-hypnosis are already widely used alternative therapies in labor.

Some alternative treatments are not recommended during pregnancy. The following substances have the potential to harm a developing baby when used in a concentrated formulation (not as a spice in cooking). Some are thought to cause birth defects, and some to encourage early labor.

Avoid these oral supplements:

  • Arborvitae
  • Beth root
  • Black cohosh
  • Blue cohosh
  • Cascara
  • Chaste tree berry
  • Chinese angelica (Dong Quai)
  • Cinchona
  • Cotton root bark
  • Feverfew
  • Ginseng
  • Goldenseal
  • Juniper
  • Kava kava
  • Licorice
  • Meadow saffron
  • Pennyroyal
  • Poke root
  • Rue
  • Sage
  • St John's wort
  • Senna
  • Tansy
  • White peony
  • Wormwood
  • Yarrow
  • Yellow dock

Large doses of vitamin A can cause birth defects.

Avoid these aromatherapy essential oils:

  • Calamus
  • Mugwort
  • Pennyroyal
  • Sage
  • Wintergreen
  • Basil
  • Hyssop
  • Myrrh
  • Marjoram
  • Thyme

If you have a question about the safety of an alternative therapy, always ask your health care provider before using it.