Herbs for Pregnancy
- Lily of the Herbs
- 18 hours ago
- 9 min read
Pregnancy is not a single moment. It begins before conception and continues well beyond Understanding your menstrual cycle and trusting your body's natural processes can support you during pregnancy. Learning about your cycle and the use of herbs can empower you to alleviate symptoms with herbs and foods. While there may be fear around using herbs during pregnancy, this blog aims to empower you by highlighting various plants as allies.
Herbs have been invaluable throughout every phase of my pregnancy and menstrual cycle, and I have passionately supported others during their births and postpartum periods. The herbs I recommend are based on my personal experiences, insights from friends and clients, and extensive readings. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the seasonal growth around me. Feel free to adapt these suggestions based on your climate and location.
Preconception
"Each bleed is preparing you for birth"
The initial phase focuses on regulating your cycle, supporting ovulation, building nutrients, and calming the nervous system. Your journey toward conception may start years before actually conceiving.
Menstruation can be one of the more difficult parts of the month for many women, experiencing cramping and discomfort. There is a very strong downwards energy that needs to occur at this phase, and we can support blood flow and circulation with warming and grounding herbs for the uterus to shed its lining completely. You need to allow yourself to rest and release and this can be a time for introspection.
Herbs to support the menstrual cycle:
Mugwort, brings on a bleed and is grounding and warming.
Wild yam, an analgesic, may alleviate cramping and pain.
Ginger, a warming root, relieving pain and bloating as a gentle circulatory stimulant.
The follicular phase begins after menstruation and estrogen is the dominant hormone as the uterine lining begins to replenish. With a renewed sense of freshness and energy, this is a time to nourish and rejuvenate the body. Making overnight infusions can be a way to nourish yourself during this phase, you can read more about them from American herbalist, Susan Weed here.
Herbs to infuse overnight to build iron & minerals to support the follicular phase:
Nettle, high in iron and silica to replenish and gently cleanse the blood.
Milky oats, building and toning for the nervous system
Red clover, promoting estrogen production and hormone regulation.
Ovulation may occur on days 8-17, depending on the woman and length of her cycle. For a healthy egg to be released one needs to support the development of the egg. Blood sugar regulation is key, so make sure you are eating regularly and managing stress levels.
Herbs to support ovulation:
Chaste tree (vitex), helps to regulate cycle length, promote egg growth and mood.
Peony & licorice, to regulate blood sugar and support egg maturation and release.
Blue lotus, an aphrodisiac which regulates mood and boosts a sense of fertility and yin fluids.
Once the luteal phase begins we can feel a drop in energy and the need to go inwards. Progesterone is the regulating hormone during this phase and to promote optimal levels we need to reduce cortisol and adrenaline.
Ways to regulate the nervous system during the luteal phase and reduce PMS:
Passionflower is a cooling nervine which supports restful sleep and regulation throughout the day. During pregnancy the basal temperature is higher and so herbs which are cooling can help to alleviate night sweats.
Scullcap is a very gentle nervine suitable for all constitutions and can relieve anxiety.
Shatavari is a nourishing root, known as the adaptogen for females which can help to manage stress.
Heart & emotional support:
Hawthorn, a heart healer. For anyone wishing to conceive and struggling with fertility or even meeting the right partner, hawthorn can be a beautiful ally to support the journey of acceptance, forgiveness for past hurt and opening to the possibilities of the future.
Vervain, another herb which is supportive on an emotional level to find and open to love and self acceptance with a regulated nervous system.
First Trimester Fertilization of an egg, to growing your baby and a placenta...
This first stage of pregnancy can be extremely uncomfortable for some women, depending on your body and how it responds to the surging hormones. hCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin hormone) rises and many women experience nausea and fatigue. Your body is also growing a whole new organ, the placenta, which will provide all nutrients and oxygen to your child, this requires a huge amount of energy and resources, and so it is not uncommon to feel exhausted.
For nausea during the first trimester:
Ginger, as a tea or even in gummy form, always have it nearby when the waves of nausea hit.
Peppermint, stimulating and antispasmodic, many women find even the scent can be relieving when feeling aversions to smells and overwhelm to your environment.
For many women nausea can build throughout the day and is not always highest in the morning, chewing on fresh dandelion leaves which are incredibly bitter and can help with a metallic taste in the mouth or burping and indigestion.
Insulin sensitivity can start to fluctuate and blood sugar, when it drops during early pregnancy this can create nausea and shakiness or dizziness:
Jujube otherwise known as Chinese Date is sweet and moist and helps to replenish yin and blood sugar.
Goji berries
Dates are high in iron and can help to regulate blood sugar.
Ensure to eat adequate protein, throughout the day to reduce nausea. Hard boiled eggs are usually tolerated or yogurt.
During the first trimester, restless sleep and anxious thoughts may arise, your body is extra sensitive to external stimulus so the gentler the herb the better. These two old favorites shouldn't be overlooked as they are incredibly supportive.
chamomile
lemon balm
Hydration is essential, blood and water volume increases and you will need to drink 3x more than usual:
Water with lemon, salt, and honey
Rosehip and rosella tea.
Folate is an essential nutrient required for baby's development in the first trimester, doctors will recommend supplementation, or you can :
Increase intake of leafy greens
Drink nettle and oatstraw infusions
Second Trimester
During the second three months, the placenta is fully developed and nausea may reduce. There is rapid growth and changes occurring, so while you may experience more energy, there is an increased metabolic demand on the body, you may find that your appetite returns or increases. Consuming an adequate amount of protein is very important at this time, as is iron levels. Blood volume increases, and so your iron levels will be diluted, combined with an increased requirement, so regular supplementation and herbal support may be required.
Common patterns during the second trimester and ways to support with herbals:
Frequent urination, it is important to reduce diuretics.
Yeast infections, probiotics, yogurt
Insomnia, chamomile, lavender
Restless legs, nettle + raspberry leaf infusions, magnesium rub
General support:
Avoid excess coffee and tea ( the tannins reduce iron absorption)
Increase omega-3 (1 tsp soaked chia daily)
Support iron + digestion with yellow dock syrup
Third Trimester
During the last three months there will be more physical pressure on the body, to stretch and grow in ways it has never moved before. Due to the expansion and growth occurring, this can create discomfort with digestion, sleep and urination. Digestion really slows down due to the progesterone, so constipation may become an issue. Receiving regular bodywork and keeping active with walking, gentle yoga and exercise will help you integrate the changes and feel empowered in the natural ability of your body to move and adapt.
Common symptoms:
Hemorrhoids from constipation, you can make yourself a sitz bath or even a suppository, here is a good recipe( Supportive herbs: plantain, witch hazel, yarrow)
Stretch marks on growing belly, Gotu kola cream, aloe vera, or calendula oil. Daily oil rubs on the belly help the fascia and skin to stretch.
Constipation due to slowed peristalsis and relaxin can be eased with demulcent herbs like psyllium, marshmallow and soaked chia, or stimulated with dandelion root tea.
Heartburn due to reduce space and relaxed digestion can be relieved with smaller meals, apple cider vinegar before eating, and herbal bitter greens.
UTIs from increased urination are common can support cornsilk, elderflower, probiotics, reduce sugar, dandelion leaf tea
Preparing for labor (from -34 weeks):
raspberry leaf infusions daily to tone the uterus and potentially ease labor.
Birth
This is one of the most unpredictable and mysterious moments in a pregnancy, every birth is unique and the herbal support you reach for will be different for every woman, and every birth. Learning as much as you can about your own birth is a powerful way of preparing yourself for giving birth, and a way to remember that it this is a passage which you have embarked upon in your life before. Having a supportive midwife and birth team can be hugely supportive and you can coach them on herbs which you might like to have available. Use herbs with care and clear understanding.
Traditional supports:
During labour:
If you are experiencing pain, mugwort can help to relieve.
Excessive bleeding or hemorrhaging, yarrow
Wound healing from tearing during birth:
Your midwife will stitch up 1st or 2nd degree tears, and it will be important to rest as much as possible to allow them to heal. However you can steep some astringent herbs
like yarrow, witch hazel and calendula and then use the infused water as a sitz bath. Alternatively soak a pad in this tea and put it in the freezer to wear to soothe.
Postpartum
The first 40 days after birth are for rest and repair. A time to bond with a new human being and to rebuild your body after birth. Milk production is one of the primary roles that your body will be performing and consumes up to 25% of your energy, so herbs can help to top up essentials minerals and promote flow.
Physical recovery:
bleeding, shepherd’s purse, yarrow
Milk production:
fennel
fenugreek
milk thistle
Nervous system & emotional support:
lemon balm
peppermint
hawthorn flower
chamomile
oatstraw
Miscarriage & Loss
Every pregnancy results in a birth, at whichever stage it occurs. A miscarriage can be a big event. Supporting both the physical and emotional body's process to feel any pain or grief is important, and may take time. Women in today's society may feel shame, or like their body has let them down. This may also mean they do not allow the proper space to feel or be honoured in this space, so it can be helpful to let people you feel close to know what you are experiencing and how they can help you by bringing a meal or a listening ear. Trusting in the timing and the intelligence of the womb is an important part of this process. You will want to replenish lost blood and fluids lost through miscarriage with warm cooked, easily digestible foods.
Your hormones and mood may feel volatile or changeable as you integrate the big change, patience and nervous system regulation are vital.
Physical:
For pain and cramping during a miscarriage, mugwort can be an ally to help to ease and allow release.
For extended bleeding or a miscarriage that continues, yarrow can be called upon.
Emotional:
Rose & hawthorn are two heart herbs to use to soften and support the vulnerable heart through this rite of passage.
Post-miscarriage depression:
If mood is low and the drop of hormones is being felt, St John’s Wort will help boost serotonin in the blood stream. Warm body oil infused in the flower will replenish blood and mood.
Passionflower is cooling and soothing. Post miscarriage many women may experience migraines and hormonal headaches, this can be your body's way of coping with the hormonal shift, and passionflower can help you to relax and rest and rejuvenate.
Contraindications & Cautions
Use care when working with herbs in pregnancy, it is always important to start low and slow, generally avoid tinctures due to the alcohol content, oxymels are great alternatives.
Avoid strong laxatives (senna, aloe)
Avoid strong alkaloid or hormonal herbs (kava, valerian, St John’s Wort)
Avoid emmenagogues until late pregnancy:
blue cohosh
high doses parsley
pennyroyal
tansy
motherwort
wormwood
Reading List Books which have been inspirational and teachers for me are the three below. I remember reading Spiritual Midwifery when I was 20 years old and knowing then that I wanted to birth and raise a child. Hygiea was another inspiring connection to a herbalist already passed away, I felt the magic of the cyclical nature of women and how the different seasons open us up to doorways of new perception. Susan Weed is a sometimes controversial and wild women, she is a fierce herbalist and has some far out views on herbalism.
This website offers educational information to support your understanding of herbal medicine and health. It’s not a substitute for medical advice or care.
Always check in with a qualified health practitioner or a herbalist and naturopath before taking any of these herbs. Some require specific dosages and should be taken with caution.
The content here is not intended for diagnosis or treatment.
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