Can I Drink Aloe Vera While Pregnant?

Aloe vera is a plant that is commonly used for its adverse benefits including its ability to help digestion and soothe skin conditions.

However, when it comes to drinking it in pregnancy, it’s important to exercise a bit caution and talk with your healthcare provider first.

While some forms of aloe vera products, specifically the gel, is considered safe for external application and may help eliminate skin issues or sunburns, there are some concerns about drinking the juice or taking the supplements during pregnancy.

This purgative plant contains compounds called anthraquinones, which have very powerful laxative effects and may cause you to have gastric discomfort or diarrhea when consumed in significant amounts.

Additionally, aloe vera can provoke uterine contractions, which is also a popular concern in pregnancies as it could lead to premature labor or miscarriage.

That said, it is generally recommended to avoid consuming aloe vera products, especially the juice drink or supplements while pregnant.

If you have some particular concerns or questions, it’s advisable to talk to your doctor as he or she can provide you with guidelines that focus on your personal health circumstances.

What does aloe vera do to a pregnant woman?

Aloe vera can have several effects on pregnant women both positive and potentially negative depending on how it is used and the individual’s specific circumstances.

Here are some possible effects of this herb during pregnancy;

#1 Skin care

The gel is known to soothe and moisturize skin when applied topically. This can be helpful in managing common skin issues like sunburn, itching or dryness that are usually experienced by pregnant moms because of the hormonal changes.

#2 Digestive effects

This cactus-like plant contains aloin which can have laxative effects when taken in significant quantities.

These laxative effects could lead to stomach discomfort, dehydration and diarrhea. For these potential digestive side effects, pregnant women should avoid drinking the juice or taking the supplements.

#3 Uterine stimulation

There are concerns that aloe vera may stimulate uterine contractions that might potentially lead to premature labor or miscarriage.

While there is limited scientific evidence to back this claim, it’s a reason why pregnant women are often advised to stay off consuming the products orally, just to err on the side of catution.

Can I use aloe vera gel on my belly during pregnancy?

Aloe vera gel is generally considered safe for use externally by pregnant women. Many women use it to soothe and hydrate their skin, especially when dealing with issues like dryness, itching or minor skin irritations.

However it’s important to keep these few tips in mind:

• Choose pure and natural product: Make sure the gel you use is pure and free from chemicals, fragrances or preservatives. Some commercial products may contain these added ingredients that could potentially irritate the skin.
• Perform a patch test: before applying it to a larger area of your pregnant belly, do a patch test on a small section to ensure you don’t have any adverse reaction or allergies.
• Use it for the intended purpose only: The aloe vera gel is primarily used for its soothing and hydrating properties. It can be helpful for relieving itchy, dry skins but it is not a remedy for treating stretch marks, which are common during pregnancy due to the skin stretching. There is limited evidence to support its effectiveness for preventing stretch marks.
• If you apply for relatively long period and not seeing positive results the discontinue use and chat with your healthcare expert.

Can aloe vera cause miscarriage in early pregnancy?

There is limited evidence to suggest that aloe vera can cause miscarriage in early pregnancy.

However, it’s important to avoid use internally because it harbors some compounds known as anthraquinones which can potentially stimulate uterine contractions and in extreme cases, lead to preterm labor or miscarriage.

While evidence on this effect is still limited, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid using aloe vera products internally, especially during pregnancy.

What herbs are not safe during pregnancy

While on this journey, it’s important to exercise caution when using herbs and natural remedies. Though these could be natural, they may have adverse effects on the little one or you, the mom.

It’s always best to talk with your OB-GYN before using any herbal remedy while expecting. The safety of herbs varies widely depending on factors like the dosage, form and specific health needs.

Here are some that are considered potentially unsafe or have limited safety in pregnancies;

• Aloe vera
• Black cohosh
• Blue cohosh
• Parsley seed
• Saw palmetto
• Pennyroyal
• Tansy
• Ephedra
• Dong Quai

FAQs – Can Pregnant Women Drink Aloe Vera?

Conclusion

As a certified midwife, I would advise that you exercise strict caution when planning to drink aloe vera while pregnant.

As discussed, it contains compounds that can have laxative effects and stimulate mind-blowing uterine contractions which could be so risky to the baby bump and even you, the mom.

Given the limited scientific research n its safety in pregnancies, kindly err on the side of caution and halt its use internally. External use can be fine as its not likely to cause any significant problem to the baby.

Pregnancy is a delicate period, and the well-being of you and the little one is of paramount importance. If there’s any issue, being health-wise, emotion-wise, talk with your doctor.

He knows the best for you and his guidance can perfectly ensure the safest journey through this special time.

References:

BMC Complementary (Documentation on safety of most frequently used herbs during pregnancy) & The University Of Texas At El Paso (Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy)