Homeopathic Medicines In Pregnancy: Safety And Effectiveness

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The popularity of homeopathic medicines in pregnancy is not recent. In fact, it has been a favored alternative to allopathic medicines for centuries since the latter is suspected of having teratogenicⁱSubstances that can cause birth defects or abnormalities in a growing embryo. effects. Although homeopathy may not replace allopathy completely, it may be recommended in some instances.

Read this post to learn about the uses of homeopathic medicines for some common pregnancy-related complaints.

Are Homeopathic Medicines Safe During Pregnancy?

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Homeopathic medicines are usually safe for pregnant women (1). They are generally derived from natural sources such as plants and minerals and diluted several times. Also, homeopathic medicines are non-addictive and contain negligible amounts of artificial substances.

They can help provide relief from common problems such as morning sickness, constipation, insomnia, back pain, and heartburnⁱA burning sensation in the chest when food and stomach acid reflux back into the esophagus. during pregnancy (2). However, you should not self-prescribe the medications but see a qualified homeopath.

Use Of Homeopathy During Pregnancy

According to the British Homeopathic Association and The College Of Practical Homeopathy (based in London), homeopathy can be a useful herbal treatment in the following ways (3) (4).

The medications mentioned in this section are general recommendations for informational purposes only. For personalized prescriptions, consult a certified homeopath.

Homeopathic remedies for first-trimester complaints

1. Morning sickness

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This common problem is associated with nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. The general prescriptions include:

• Arsenic album for excessive vomiting.
• Cocculus indica for nausea soon after getting off the bed.
• Ipecac for nausea or vomiting when eating or smelling food.
• Pulsatilla for vomiting, heartburn, acidic or bitter belching, or nausea after having food.
• Sepia when strong smells of food trigger nausea. When morning sickness is accompanied by lower abdominal pain during pregnancy, sepia is recommended.

2. Constipation

Another early symptom of pregnancy, this might continue throughout your pregnancy. Homeopathic treatment recommendations include:

• Lycopodium if passing hard stools.
• Nux vomica, opium, or alumina for frequent constipation, a futile urge to pass stool, and a dull headache.
• Nux vomica and sulfur for constipation that leads to hemorrhoidsⁱSwelling of the veins in the lower rectum or anus. .
• Sepia for pain as a result of hard stools.
• Bryonia is recommended with a feeling of dryness in the rectum.
• Causticum is useful during painful defecation

3. Breast tenderness

This may happen due to hormonal changes and may usually lead to the tenderness of breasts. Wearing a supportive bra may be helpful.

• Pulsatilla might soothe breast soreness and discomfort.
• Phytolacca when breast feels hard, swollen and tender
• Cancer carb is recommended when there is breast tenderness in obese females.

Homeopathic remedies for second-trimester complaints

4. Backache

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Backache develops as the growing uterus puts pressure on the joints of the lower back and pelvis. General homeopathic recommendations include:

Bella Donna for relieving pain comes fast and resolves soon but touch aggravates the pain.

• Kali carbonicum for relieving a weak and tired back.
• Natrum muriaticum for moderate back pain.
• Rhus toxicodendron when your back hurts from a strain or injury.
• Sepia when your back feels tired with an aching dragging pain in the lower back.

5. Varicose veins:

These enlarged and swollen veins develop when the uterus squeezes over the large vein passing through the leg. They become painful, itchy, and uncomfortable.

• Pulsatilla may help the discomfort in the rectum (where varicose veins lead to piles).
• Carbo vegetabilis for piles that causes burning pain before a bowel movement.
• Hamamelis may help soothe swollen, inflamed, and painful veins that get worse if you exert pressure.
• Zincum metallic resolves large varicose veins develop causing pain and soreness that are worsened from touch.

Homeopathic remedies for third-trimester complaints

6. Heartburn

Also known as gastroesophageal reflux, heartburn occurs when stomach acids flow up to the esophagus and mouth. Homeopathy medicines for this problem include:

• Apis mellifica if you belch every time you eat or drink.
• Capsicum when there is a severe burning sensation behind the breastbone.
• Carbo vegetabilis if you experience heaviness, belching, and fullness even after consuming a small quantity of food.
• Lycopodium may help when you feel bloated after having food.
• Sulfur if heartburn worsens mid-morning and when dairy products aggravate the symptoms.
• Arsenic Album relieves burning pains but warm drinks make the patient feel better.

Quick fact

Homeopathic medicines like Ulmus Fulva and Filipendula may also help manage heartburn and indigestion symptoms (8).

7. Itching

Itching or pruritus is common in the third trimester and happens when the skin stretches and tightens. It is likely to occur on the breasts, nipples, tummy, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hands, and feet.

• Dolichos may be helpful when there is itching all over the body and worsens at night.
• Sepia when itching is severe due to exposure to air.
• Mercurius vivus on itchy pustular eruptionsⁱSmall, swollen, pus-filled blister-like sores on the skin's surface. filled with pus or fluid.
• Tabacum if you experience unbearable itching.

8. Urinary problems

Urinary problems, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs), are common throughout pregnancy and are frequent in the final stages. Homeopathic and non-invasive recommendations include:

• Cantharis if you experience a constant burning sensation in the bladder and discomfort while urinating.
• Phosphoricum acidum in the case of cloudy urine and a burning sensation.
• Nux vomica if you have difficulty in passing urine or irritation and itching in the bladder.

9. Homeopathy for labor

Homeopathic experts recommend some medications to help with labor. Their efficacy needs further research (5) (6). Common recommendations include:

• Aconite to quicken labor when you have extreme pain associated with fear and anxiety.
• Arnica for preventing bruises and controlling bleeding in normal labor.
• Chamomilla for relieving unbearable and violent labor pain.
• Cocculus for relieving exhaustion associated with dizziness during pregnancy and mild headache.
• Kali carbonicum for severe pain in the back, which radiates down to the buttocks and thighs.
• Kali phosphoricum is given in-between contractions to relieve exhaustion.
• Pulsatilla is given when the woman turns weepy or clingy during labor. It may also help restore hormonal levels after birth.
• Sepia for severe pains and irritability postpartum.
• Sulfur when contractions turn weak or stop, and when the woman feels restless and irritable
• Caulophylum when there are weak contractions with no dilatation.
• Gelsemium when cauliphylum fails.
• Pulsatilla is given when the patient feels emotional and highly sensitive to psi (ref American medical college of homeopathy).

Sharing her experience with Caulophyllum thalictroides, Marillyn Beard, a mother of 5 says, “I started taking this remedy about a week before my due date and Tobias was born exactly the due date I predicted (he’s the only one I knew for sure when I conceived!). The labor was fast and fairly easy. I was surprised by how quickly it was happening and how smoothly it flowed. Tobi was born in less than 2 hours (i)!”

Quick fact

Calcarea Phosphorica can help strengthen a pregnant woman who tends to experience fatigue, bone and joint aches, digestive issues, nutrient malabsoprtion, and cold hands or feet (9).

10. Homeopathy after delivery

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Whether it is a vaginal delivery or C-section delivery, homeopathic medicines are recommended to relieve postpartum pains and speed the healing process. Listed below are some homeopathic medicines used for the purpose (3).

• Arnica for soreness and bruising that happens with episiotomyⁱA minor procedure to widen the vaginal opening during childbirth. or stitches from a vaginal tear.
• Hypericum for pain after an epidural, an episiotomy, or a forceps/vacuum-assisted delivery.
• Kali phosphorium for relief from mental exhaustion associated with tiredness and headache after childbirth.
• Staphysagria for pains that develop with deep incisions. It also offers relief from the pain and sensitivity of the genital organs.

Medicines should be strictly consumed as per the guidelines of homeopathic consultants only, as self-medication can be harmful.

Recollecting her experience when taking Arnica for pains after childbirth, Beard says, “I was shocked to find myself feeling great very quickly. I noticed if I missed a dose within the time frame, I started to feel sore, but as soon as I took my dose… my pains and aches magically went away! It was amazing!” However, note that these are her personal experiences, and you need to talk to your doctor before taking any such medicines.

Are There Any Risks Of Using Homeopathy During Pregnancy?

The risks or side effects of homeopathic medicines are thought to be marginal

. However, more research is needed to establish their safety and efficacy during pregnancy.

Although homeopathic medicines are regulated by the US FDA, they are not subjected to the same testing protocols as allopathic medicines. Consulting a healthcare provider ensures that homeopathic treatments will not interact with other medications and are suitable for your health needs. Pregnant women especially should seek guidance from professionals knowledgeable in both homeopathic and conventional treatments.

Is There Any Homeopathic Medicine For Normal Delivery?

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If the labor is normal and progressing with no complications, arnica could help to prevent any further maternal health complications and is believed to lessen the pains after birth. There is no substantial evidence to prove the efficacy of homeopathic medicines for normal delivery. Only a qualified homeopath could give the best advice based on your health condition.

Infographic: Some More Homeopathic Medicines During Pregnancy

Pregnant women often encounter problems, such as anemia and anxiety, especially towards the end of gestation. Homeopathic medicines may help address these problems when taken under medical supervision. The infographic below lists such medications.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Homeopathic Medicines In Pregnancy: Safety And Effectiveness

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Umera Zakiahmed SaiyedBHMS

Dr. Umera Zakiahmed Saiyed is a homoeopathic consultant and runs her own clinic Noor. She pursued her BHMS from Yerela Medical College in Kharghar, Mumbai and worked as an assistant doctor under a gynaecologist in Surat, Gujarat.

Read full bio of Dr. Umera Zakiahmed Saiyed

Rebecca MalachiBSc

Rebecca is a pregnancy writer and editor with a passion for delivering research-based and engaging content in areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, and post-pregnancy. She did her graduation in Biotechnology and Genetics from Loyola Academy, Osmania University and obtained a certification in ‘Nutrition and Lifestyle in Pregnancy’ from Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU).

Read full bio of Rebecca Malachi

Swati PatwalM.Sc. (Food & Nutrition), MBA

Swati Patwal is a clinical nutritionist, a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and a toddler mom with more than a decade of experience in diverse fields of nutrition. She started her career as a CSR project coordinator for a healthy eating and active lifestyle project catering to school children.

Read full bio of Swati Patwal

Reshmi DasMSc

Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a clinical coordinator, medical content writer and medical conference coordinator. Her continuous interest in medical journals and writing makes her write well-researched articles for MomJunction.

Read full bio of Reshmi Das