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Special Dietary Guidelines for Teenage Pregnancy

There are Recommended Dietary Allowances, or RDAs, for teenagers and for women nursing a baby. But should there be special nutritional guidelines for teenage mothers who are nursing? Some preliminary research suggests it might be a good idea.

Pediatrician Kathleen Motil, who is with the US Agricultural Research Service's Children's Nutrition Research Center in Houston, Texas, compared the milk production of 22 mothers--half teens, half adults. The nutrient compositions were similar, but the teens produced 37 to 54 percent less milk than adults. Motil's findings were published last summer in the Journal of Adolescent Health.

Motil said the differences between adult and teen milk production remained statistically significant, even after she adjusted the data for differences in feeding time and daily nursing frequency. Why should the milk volume be different? Motil has a theory.

"Our preliminary observations suggest that teenage mothers are facing a dual metabolic challenge," said Motil. "It may be they are still growing, themselves, which may cause an extra nutritional demand."

Motil and her colleagues wanted to find out more about teen nutrition during lactation. They measured body composition, dietary intakes, and milk production. The participants: 24 teenage mothers, half of whom breast-fed their infants. Eleven additional teens who had never been pregnant served as a control group. Barbara Kertz, patient service coordinator at the nutrition research center, organized the study.

Preliminary findings suggest that teenagers who nurse their infants continue to add muscle mass to their bodies, indicating ongoing growth.

"We found that nursing teens consumed more energy (calories), protein, and vitamin B6 than teen mothers who bottle-fed or teens who never had children," says Kertz. "They were taking in 23 percent more calories and vitamin B6 and 40 percent more protein." The teens' intake returned to regular levels after weaning. This research team also included nutritionist Corinne Montandon, who helped the girls keep a food journal to track the amounts and kinds of foods they ate. Montandon reviewed the journals for accuracy and sometimes provided a little advice. She cautioned one mother, for example, against trying to crash diet her way back to a pre-pregnancy figure.

Encouraging Breast-Feeding After Pregnancy

Knowing about teenagers' nutritional demands during breast-feeding fits into a bigger plan of encouraging all mothers to breast-feed--regardless of age. In fact, USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has started a nationwide campaign to encourage breast-feeding.

The number of U.S. teenagers becoming pregnant has been declining, but many groups estimate half a million girls under 20 do give birth annually. For those who choose to raise their infants, breast-feeding can offer advantages such as protection against a broad range of infections and enhanced bonding.

Teenagers are less likely to chose breast-feeding than adults, however. During an FNS focus group on breast-feeding, women of all ages cited embarrassment and lack of family support as barriers to breast-feeding.

But teens face special problems, according to a survey by Alain Joffe, M.D., of the Department of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. Joffe has studied breast-feeding among 250 inner city teens in Baltimore, Maryland. Susan Radius, a sociologist at nearby Towson University, was a co-author.

The researchers found teenage mothers who returned to high school had a hard time working nursing into their schedule.

Joffe said in his survey the best indicator of whether a teen would breast-feed successfully was having a breast-feeding mentor. That person could be her mother, aunt, or other older friend who had breast-fed successfully and could provide advice.

He added that for teens to accept breast-feeding they must know the benefits and feel confident about ways of dealing with obstacles. Some high schools, for example, allow new mothers special time to breast-feed.

Breast-feeding advice and public acceptance seem a long way from research. But these outside factors can have very real effects on the science. If fact, the researchers have to account for the extent of their teenage subjects' breast-feeding knowledge. That's why Kertz, a lactation consultant, met with the girls in their study from delivery onward, to provide breast-feeding basics.

Still, the researchers at the Houston center don't know exactly how the teens handled their breast-feeding before their study began. Theresa O. Scholl, who is with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, read Motil's paper on breast milk production. Scholl's career has focused on the effects of teen pregnancy and lactation on the health of girls and their infants.

"The differences between the growing teens and adult women in this study are huge. It's really impressive," says Scholl. "It might be good to do a follow-up study of the infants from birth to the first 6 months. That way, you could find out if the teen mothers were offering to nurse less often from the start and if that contributed to a reduction in milk flow."

Kertz agrees that the study's findings, like all scientific research, open the door to new questions.

"Breast-feeding is an issue of supply and demand," she says. "The more a mother breast-feeds, the more milk she'll have and the longer she'll be able to nurse. Most of the girls weaned their infants at 3 to 4 months. Was this an arbitrary decision to stop nursing, or did the young mothers lack the nutrients to continue?"

There are bigger questions, however--the most basic one being how real is the competition between growing teens and their infants for nutrients? Another is: Do the girls really continue to grow during their childbearing and nursing? Medical textbooks once said no; now the question is being revisited.

Scholl points to her studies of pregnant teens that measured growth of the lower leg only, rather than from head to foot. Lordosis, a natural bending of the spine during pregnancy, can cause errors in a head-to-foot measurement. These studies suggested strongly that growth continues during pregnancy.

Does it follow that continued growth in teens could affect breast milk volume? Scholl points out that, during pregnancy at least, nature often favors the mother during nutrient stress. Studies on famine and infant birth weight have suggested this natural advantage may have contributed to the survival of the human species.

"Nature wouldn't allow the mother to deplete all her resources," says Scholl. "If it did, she couldn't live to bear more offspring. Moreover, if the mother died, what would happen to her baby?"

More research will need to be done to say with certainty that teen growth causes nutrient competition that results in lower birth weights in newborns and less milk during lactation. But Scholl's work on teen births and Motil's work on teen nursing lend support to the theory that the body puts some of its nutrients on reserve to benefit the teenage mother.

If this proves to be true, physicians will want to be sure that teenage mothers are getting the extra nutrition they and their infants need to ensure breast-feeding success.--ByJill Lee, Agricultural Research Service Information Staff, 6303 Ivy Lane, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770, phone (301) 344-2781.

Kathleen Motil is at the USDA-ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 1100 Bates St., Houston, TX 77030; phone (713) 798-7180, fax (713) 798-7187.

Healthy Pregnancy And Nutrition

By the US Depart. of Health and Human Services. Use your browsers "back" button to navigate this pregnancy and nutrition menu.

Why is a healthy diet important during pregnancy?

When you become pregnant, what you eat isn't only important for your own health, but for the health of your baby. Healthy foods are the building blocks for your growing baby since pregnancy is a complex time of developing new tissues and organs. Throughout pregnancy, try to make most of your food choices healthy ones. Eating too many foods that are high in fat during pregnancy leads to too much weight gain for you without meeting your increased need for nutrients.

How should my diet change now that I am pregnant?

If you are eating a well-balanced diet before you become pregnant, you may only need to make a few changes to meet the nutritional needs of pregnancy. According to the American Dietetic Association, pregnant women should increase their usual servings of a variety of foods from the four basic food groups (up to a total of 2,500 to 2,700 calories daily) to include:

Fruits and Vegetables - Seven or more servings of fruits and vegetables combined (three servings of fruit and four of vegetables) daily for vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables with vitamin C help you and your baby to have healthy gums and other tissues, and help your body to heal wounds and to absorb iron. Examples of fruits and vegetables with vitamin C include strawberries, melons, oranges, papaya, tomatoes, peppers, greens, cabbage, and broccoli. A variety of fruits and vegetables also add fiber and other minerals to your diet, and give you energy. Plus, dark green vegetables also have vitamin A, iron, and folic acid.

One Serving Size Fruit = 1 medium apple, 1 medium banana, 1/2; cup of chopped fruit, 3/4; cup of fruit juice

One Serving Size Vegetable = 1 cup raw leafy vegetables, 1/2; cup of other vegetables (raw or cooked), 3/4; cup vegetable juice

Whole-grains or Enriched Breads/Cereals - Nine or more servings daily for energy. These contain iron, B vitamins, some protein, and other minerals. Try to eat whole grains, like whole-wheat breads and cereals because they have more vitamins and fiber. Many whole-grain products are also fortified with folic acid.

One Serving Size = 1 slice bread, 1ž2 cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta, 1 cup ready-to-eat cereal

Dairy Products - Four or more servings of low-fat or non-fat milk, yogurt, or other dairy products such as cheese for calcium. You and your baby need calcium for strong bones and teeth. Dairy products also have vitamin A and D, protein, and B vitamins. Vitamin A helps growth, resistance to infection, and vision. Pregnant women need 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium each day. If you are 18 or younger, you need 1,300 mg of calcium each day. Try to have low-fat or non-fat milk and milk products to lower your fat intake. Other sources of calcium include dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas, nuts and seeds, salmon and sardines (with bones), and tofu. If you are lactose intolerant or can't digest dairy products, you can still get this extra calcium. There are several low-lactose or reduced-lactose products available. In some cases, your doctor might even prescribe a calcium supplement.

One Serving Size = 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1 1/2; oz. natural cheese, 2 oz. processed cheese

Proteins - Two or more servings of cooked lean meat, poultry without the skin or fish. Don't eat uncooked or undercooked meats or fish. These can make you sick. Eggs, nuts, dried beans, and peas also are good forms of protein. Most women in this country have no problem getting at least this amount of protein each day. Protein builds muscle, tissue, enzymes, hormones, and antibodies for you and your baby. These foods also have B vitamins and iron, which is important for your red blood cells. Your need for protein in the first trimester is small, but grows in your second and third trimesters when your baby is growing the fastest, and your body is working to meet the needs of your growing baby.

One Serving Size = 2-3 oz. of cooked lean meat, poultry, or fish

1 oz. meat also = 1ž2 cup cooked dried beans, 1 egg, 1ž2 cup tofu, 1/3 cup nuts, 2 T. peanut butter
Should I limit how much fish I eat when I'm pregnant?

Some fish have mercury, which, in high doses, can hurt your baby's growing brain and nervous system. There are some fish you should NOT eat if you are pregnant. Here are some guidelines:

  • Do not eat any shark, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish (also called golden or white snapper) because these fish have high levels of mercury.
  • Many of us enjoy tuna. But, to be safe, don't eat more than six ounces of “white” or “albacore” tuna or tuna steak each week.
  • If you can, buy “light” tuna. But don't eat more than 12 ounces of light tuna or other cooked fish each week.

Fish low in mercury include shrimp, salmon, pollock, and catfish.

What other nutrients do I need for a healthy pregnancy?

Folic acid: Folic acid, or folate, is the most vital nutrient pregnant women need. Folic acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects (defects of the spine, brain, or their coverings) and other birth defects like cleft lip and congenital heart disease. Because one half of all pregnancies are unplanned, be sure to consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid every day before getting pregnant and in the first three months of pregnancy. At your first prenatal visit, your doctor can prescribe a prenatal vitamin for you that has this amount of folic acid. You also can buy folic acid pills at the drug store or grocery store. Folate is found in dark-green leafy vegetables (like spinach or kale), beans and citrus fruits, and in fortified whole-grain cereals and breads. To consume enough folic acid, it is best to take a daily vitamin that contains it because it is hard to know if you are getting the right amount from food alone.

Iron: Iron is needed to keep your blood healthy for you and your baby. Iron also helps build bones and teeth. A shortage of iron can cause a condition called anemia. A symptom of anemia is feeling very tired. Your doctor can check for signs of anemia through the routine blood tests that are taken in different stages of your pregnancy. It is recommended that all pregnant women take a low-dose iron supplement, beginning at the first prenatal visit. This amount of iron is usually in the prenatal vitamin your doctor can prescribe for you. If your doctor finds that you have anemia, he or she will give you a higher dose of iron supplements to take once or twice a day. You can help prevent anemia by eating more iron-rich foods like lean red meat, fish, poultry, dried fruits, whole-grain breads, and iron-fortified cereals.

Water: Clean water plays a key role in your diet during pregnancy. It carries the nutrients from the foods you eat to your baby, and also helps prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, excessive swelling, and urinary tract or bladder infections. Drinking enough water, especially in your last trimester, prevents you from becoming dehydrated. Not getting enough water can then lead you to have contractions and premature, or early labor. Pregnant women should drink at least six eight ounce glasses of water per day, and another glass for each hour of activity. You can drink juices for fluid, but they also have a lot of calories and can cause you to gain extra weight. Coffee, soft drinks, and teas that have caffeine actually reduce the amount of fluid in your body, so they cannot count towards the total amount of water fluid you need.

Should I take a multivitamin during my pregnancy?

Each woman's nutritional needs are different depending on her health history and other individual factors. During pregnancy, most women take a multivitamin in addition to eating a healthy diet to ensure they get enough nutrients. Discuss taking a multivitamin with your doctor.

How much weight should I gain during pregnancy?

All weight gain during pregnancy should be gradual, with most of the weight gained in the last trimester. You should gain about two to four pounds during the first three months of pregnancy. Then you should gain three to four pounds per month for the rest of your pregnancy. The average total weight gain should be about 25 to 30 pounds. But the amount you gain might be slightly less or more, depending on your weight before you became pregnant and your height.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

  • If you were underweight before becoming pregnant, you should gain between 28 and 40 pounds.
  • If you were overweight before becoming pregnant, you should gain between 15 and 25 pounds.

Check with your doctor to find out how much weight gain during pregnancy is healthy for you.

Recent research shows that women who gain more than the recommended amount during pregnancy and who fail to lose this weight within six months after giving birth are at much higher risk of being obese nearly 10 years later. Total weight gained during pregnancy includes six to eight pounds for the weight of the baby. The remaining weight consists of a higher fluid volume, larger breasts, larger uterus, amniotic fluid, and the placenta. Make sure to visit your doctor throughout your pregnancy so he or she can check on your weight gain.

Is it hard to lose weight after pregnancy?

It can be hard to lose weight after you have your baby if you gained too much weight during pregnancy. During pregnancy, fat deposits may increase by more than one-third of the total amount you had before becoming pregnant. If weight gain during pregnancy is normal, most women lose this extra weight in the birth process and in the weeks and months after birth. Breastfeeding also can help to deplete the fat gained during pregnancy by helping the body to expend at least 500 more calories each day. For more information on diet and nutrition while breastfeeding go to:www.4woman.gov/Breastfeeding

Should I avoid drinking alcohol while I am pregnant?

There is no time during pregnancy when it is safe for you to drink alcohol. When you are pregnant and you drink beer, wine, hard liquor, or other alcoholic beverages, alcohol gets into your blood. The alcohol in your blood goes to your baby through the umbilical cord. When the alcohol enters the baby's body, it can slow down the baby's growth, affect the baby's brain, and cause birth defects. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a group of birth defects caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Children with FAS have many physical, mental and behavioral problems and may be mentally retarded. They are small, underweight babies. As they get older, they often have trouble with learning, attention, memory, and problem solving. They may have poor coordination, be impulsive, and have speech and hearing problems. The effects of FAS last a lifetime. If you are pregnant and have been drinking alcohol, stop drinking now to protect your baby. If you need help to stop drinking, talk with your doctor or nurse. For more information on FAQ, go to: www.4woman.gov/faq/fas

Should I avoid caffeine while I am pregnant?

Caffeine is a stimulant found in colas, coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa, and some over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Consumed in large quantities, caffeine may cause irritability, nervousness and insomnia as well as low birth-weight babies. Caffeine is also a diuretic and can dehydrate your body of valuable Water. Some studies do indicate that caffeine intake pregnancy can harm the fetus. Until more is known, caffeine should be avoided. Caffeine is an ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Talk with your doctor before taking any drugs or medicines while pregnant.

Why do pregnant women crave certain foods?

The "pickles and ice cream" choices and other appetite cravings of pregnant women may be reflections of the changes in nutritional needs. The fetus needs nourishment and the mother's body begins to absorb and metabolize nutrients differently. These changes help ensure normal development of the baby and fill the demands of lactation, or breastfeeding, after the baby is born.

Do I really need to "eat for two?"

While you are pregnant, you will need additional nutrients to keep you and your baby healthy. However, that does not mean you need to eat twice as much. An increase of only 300 calories per day is recommended. For example, a baked potato has 120 calories, so getting those extra 300 calories should not be that hard.

Make sure not to restrict your diet during pregnancy because you might not be getting the right amounts of protein, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary to properly nourish your unborn baby. Low-calorie intake can cause a pregnant mother's stored fat to break down, leading to the production of substances called ketones. Ketones, which can be found in the mother's blood and urine, are a sign of starvation or a starvation-like state. Constant production of ketones can result in a mentally retarded child.

What about diabetes and nutrition during pregnancy?

If you already have diabetes and would like to get pregnant, your chances of having a healthy baby are good. But, it's important to plan your pregnancy and follow these steps:

  • Bring your diabetes under control before you get pregnant. Try to get your blood sugar under control three to six months before you get pregnant.
  • Keep your blood sugar under control during your pregnancy. Keep food, exercise, and insulin in balance. Talk with your doctor or a registered dietician to help you follow a special meal plan. Remember, as your baby grows, your body changes, which will affect your sugar levels. If your blood sugar rises too high, the increased sugar crossing into the placenta can result in a large, over developed fetus with birth defects or an infant with blood sugar level problems.

Gestational diabetes is a form of diabetes that begins during pregnancy and usually goes away after the birth of the baby. If you have gestational diabetes, this means that you have a high amount of sugar in your blood. This form of diabetes can be controlled through diet, medication, and exercise, but if left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause health problems for both you and your baby. If you develop gestational diabetes, you should talk with your doctor or a registered dietician who can help you with special meal plans to control your blood sugar.

Why do I get morning sickness and nausea, and what can I do about it?

Morning sickness and nausea are common problems for pregnant women. Most nausea occurs during the early part of pregnancy and, in most cases, will subside once you enter the second trimester. For some women, morning sickness and nausea might last longer than the early stages of pregnancy or even throughout the entire nine months.

The changes in your body might cause you to become nauseous or sick when you smell or eat certain things, when you are tired or stressed, or for no apparent reason at all. Nausea in early pregnancy is a condition that often can be managed by changing when and what you eat. You can try:

  • Eating smaller meals each day, such as six to eight small meals instead of three larger ones
  • Avoiding being without food for long periods of time
  • Drinking fluids between, but not with meals
  • Avoiding foods that are greasy, fried, or highly spiced
  • Avoiding foul and unpleasant odors
  • Resting when you are tired

Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is rare, but if it occurs, it may cause you to become dehydrated. If you feel that your nausea or vomiting is keeping you from eating right or gaining enough weight, talk with your doctor.

For More Information…

You can find out more information about pregnancy and nutrition by contacting the National Women's Health Information Center or the following organizations:

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource Center
Phone Number: (202) 863-2518
Web Site: http://www.acog.org

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Food and Nutrition Service

Phone Number: (703) 305-2286
Web Site: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/

National Maternal and Child Health Clearinghouse
Phone Number: (703) 356-1964
Web Site: http://www.nmchc.org

All material contained in the FAQs is free of copyright restrictions, and may be copied, reproduced, or duplicated without permission of the Office on Women's Health in the Department of Health and Human Services; citation of the source is appreciated.

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Herbal Supplements & Pregnancy: Safety Concerns for Health Care Providers

by Dr. Donald Mattison

Today more than 60 million Americans are medicating themselves with herbal supplements. This amounts to $3 to 4 billion a year in out-of-pocket expense. By assuming that "natural" remedies are safe, your patients are probably not fully discussing the issue with you, if at all. Research shows that many do not see the need to inform their physicians of their use of alternative medicine including herbal supplements.

This is a serious issue, since "natural" does not always mean "safe," says Dr. Jan Friedman. In the case of herbal supplements, "natural" really means "unregulated" (Jan Friedman FDA testimony ). As medical director of the March of Dimes, I have grave concerns about the safety of herbal products with regard to the health of fetuses and infants.

Few studies have been conducted testing herbal preparations in pregnancy. Some of these products, including sassafras, borage and comfrey have ingredients suspected of causing hepatic failure and have carcinogenic potential. Some, such as St. John"s Wort have been shown to decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills or to interfere with medication such as HIV drugs. Other herbs may pose a special risk to pregnant women and their fetuses.

A national survey by National Public Radio, the Kaiser Family Foundation and Harvard's Kennedy School of government finds that half of all Americans believe that dietary supplements other than standard minerals and vitamins are generally good for their health and well-being. There are about 400 herbs used widely and distributed as capsules, extract, tablets and teas. While many of these dietary supplements are safe, there are some very hazardous ones. In fact, over the last twenty years, at least 100 people have died due to the effects of these supposedly "safe" substances.

Since herbal products are considered dietary supplements by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they are not regulated by that agency as are traditional drugs. The manufacturers of these products are not required to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of their products before they reach the market. In addition, they do not have to adhere to any of the standard quality controls used for drugs. As a result, the composition of herbal products may vary greatly from one batch to another. Some herbal products have been contaminated with lead or other substances that could pose a risk in pregnancy. Under its current regulatory authority, the FDA can remove an herbal supplement from the market only after it has been shown to be unsafe.

In May 2000, researchers at the University of Arkansas published their study results concerning ephedra supplements sold as a decongestant, energy booster or diet aid. They found significant differences between what the label said and the actual contents in half the samples examined. Discrepancy between label and contents in some cases was as much as 20 percent. One product contained no ephedra alkaloids and at least one sample contained potentially dangerous amounts of ephedra with 154 percent of what the label listed. Dr. William J. Gurley, the lead researcher, said that poor quality may contribute to problems associated with safety and efficacy of herbal supplements. Ephedra has been linked to hundreds of adverse reactions and several deaths, as further revealed in a study by Drs. Christine Haller and Neal Benowtiz from the University of California in San Francisco that reviewed 140 reports of adverse events submitted to the FDA.

The National Institute of Health"s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is currently studying the safety and effectiveness of a number of herbal remedies. The results of these studies should help clarify who can benefit from these products.

But until then, there is special concern for patients about the safety of herbal products used during pregnancy and lactation. Many herbal supplements stimulate uterine contractions, which may increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Some of these include: blue cohosh (used to treat menstrual cramps), juniper (used for heartburn), pennyroyal or rosemary (used for digestive problems), sage (used for stomach upset), and thuja (used for respiratory infections). One laboratory suggests that raspberry tea, commonly used to treat morning sickness, may also cause uterine contractions, so pregnant women should also avoid this remedy. Only one of these herbal substances, ginger, actually has been studied in pregnant women and appears to be helpful . The March of Dimes has always advised pregnant women to consult their health care provider before taking any herbal supplement, prescription or over-the counter medication.

In March, 2000, the March of Dimes urged the FDA not to allow the makers of herbal products and other dietary supplements to promote these products as remedies for pregnancy-related conditions, such as morning sickness and leg swelling.

In testimony provided at the FDA hearing, the March of Dimes noted that in a small but significant percentage of pregnant women, conditions such as nausea and vomiting or leg edema are symptoms of disease processes that can seriously endanger the mothers and fetuses. Women cannot be expected to know when their symptoms have crossed the line from normal discomfort to disease state. Self-medication that alleviates symptoms could give a woman a false sense of security and delay her from seeking an appropriate diagnosis and treatment from her physician.

The hearing was called by the FDA after it decided to reconsider its January 6, 2000 ruling to classify morning sickness and leg swelling in pregnancy as "common conditions associated with natural states or processes." This classification would permit the makers of herbal products to market their products as treatment for these conditions.

As medical director of the March of Dimes, I have grave concerns about the safety of herbal products with regard to the health of fetuses and infants. There has not been enough animal or human testing to demonstrate whether these products cause birth defects or represent other serious hazards to mothers and their babies. They are best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

When a pregnant woman is suffering from pregnancy-related discomforts or other ills, she should not assume that it is safe to take an herbal remedy. She should discuss her symptoms with her health care provider who can recommend the safest possible treatment.

Health care providers need to initiate a dialogue with their patients about herbal supplements to obtain a complete health history and to take advantage of the opportunity to make patients aware that all that is "natural" may not be safe.

Herbs Contraindicated in Pregnancy

* Aloe

* Autumn crocus

* Black Cohosh root

* Buckthorn bark

* Buckthorn berry

* Cascara Sagrada bark

* Chaste Tree fruit

* Cinchona bark

* Cinnamon bark

* Coltsfoot leaf

* Comfrey herb and leaf

* Comfrey root

* Echinacea Purpurea herb (injectable)

* Angelica root, Gentian root, and Fennel seed*FC

* Anise oil, Fennel oil, and Caraway oil*FC

* Anise oil, Fennel oil, Licorice root, and Thyme*FC

* Anise seed, Fennel seed and Caraway seed*FC

* Anise seed, Ivy leaf, Fennel seed and Licorice root*FC

* Anise seed, Marshmallow root, Eucalyptus oil, and Licorice root (above 100 mg glycyrrhizin)*FC

* Anise seed, Marshmallow root, Iceland Moss, and Licorice root (above 100 mg glycyrrhizin)*FC

* Caraway oil and Fennel oil*FC

* Caraway oil, Fennel oil, and Chamomile flower*FC

* Caraway seed and Fennel seed*FC

* Caraway seed, Fennel seed, and Chamomile flower*FC

* Ivy leaf, Licorice root, and Thyme (above 100 mg glycyrrhizin)*FC

* Licorice root, Peppermint leaf and German Chamomile flower*FC

* Licorice root, Primrose root, Marshmallow root, and Anise seed*FC

* Marshmallow root, Fennel seed, Iceland Moss, and Thyme*FC

* Marshmallow root, Primrose root, Licorice root, and Thyme oil (above 100 mg glycyrrhizin)*FC

* Peppermint leaf and Fennel seed*FC

* Peppermint leaf, Caraway seed, and Fennel seed*FC

* Peppermint leaf, Caraway seed, Fennel seed, and Chamomile flower*FC

* Peppermint leaf, Fennel seed and Chamomile flower*FC

* Peppermint oil and Fennel oil*FC

* Peppermint oil, Caraway oil, and Fennel oil*FC

* Peppermint oil, Caraway oil, Fennel oil, and Chamomile flower*FC

* Peppermint oil, Fennel oil, and Chamomile flower*FC

* Senna leaf, Peppermint oil, and Caraway oil*FC

* Fennel oil

* Fennel seed

* Indian snakeroot

* Juniper berry

* Kava Kava

* Licorice root

* Mayapple root and resin

* Parsley herb and root

* Petasites root

* Rhubarb root

* Sage leaf

* Senna leaf

* Uva Ursi leafHerbs

Contraindicated in Lactation

* Aloe

* Buckthorn bark

* Buckthorn berry

* Cascara Sagrada bark

* Coltsfoot leaf

* Senna leaf, Peppermint oil, and Caraway oil*FC

* Kava Kava

* Petasites root

* Indian snakeroot

* Rhubarb root

* Senna leaf

* Uva Ursi

*F.C. = Fixed Combinations

The Complete German Commission E Monographs, Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines, Blumenthal, Busse, Goldberg, Gruenwald, Hall, Klein, Riggins and Rister, The American Botanical Council, Austin, Texas, Published in cooperation with Integrative Medicine Communications, Boston, Massachusetts, 1998.

Pregnancy - Herbal Supplement References

Marty AT. Herbal medicines. JAMA. 1999281:1852-3.

Eisenberg DM, DavisRB, Ettner Sl,et al. "Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States", 1990-1997:results of a follow-up national survey. JAMA. 1998;280:1569-1575.

Shaw D, Leon C, Murray V. Volans g. patients use of complementary medicine (letter). Lancet. 1998;352:408.

Food and Drug Administration. "Meeting on Safety Issues Associated with Dietary Supplement Use During Pregnancy."

Ellenhorn MJ, Schonwald S, Ordog G, Wasserberger J. Ellenhorn"s Medical Toxicology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, Md: Williams and Wilkins;1997.

Haller CA, Benowitz NL. Adverse cardiovascular and central nervous system events associated with dietary supplements containing ephedra akaloids. NEJM.2000;343:1833-38.

"The Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994" (DSHEA)

Gurley BJ, Gardiner SF, Hubbard MA. "Content versus label claimsin ephedra-containing dietary supplements". Am J Health syst Pharm 2000;57963-9.

Haller CA, Benowitz NL. "Adverse cardiovascular and central nervous system events associated with dietary supplements containing ephedra akaloids". NEJM.2000;343:1833-38.

Foster S and Tyler VE. Tyler"s Honest Herbal: A sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies, 4th ed. The Harworth Herbal Press, Inc Binghamton, NY 2000.

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