Some herbs are also beneficial for moms-to-be, according to Tania Hollander, a holistic health counselor who works with pregnant women in Rhinebeck, New York City and via telephone.
“Nettles are considered a tonic herb. They’re high in minerals, vitamins A, C, D, calcium and iron,” she said, noting that you can often drink herbs in a tea. “Red raspberry can help reduce the chance of miscarriage and alleviate morning sickness and help with milk production.”
Nettles and red raspberry are herbs that can be purchased in health food stores. You can buy them in bulk and make a tea out of them or you can buy a box of tea that contains them.
What to avoid
Experts say you should avoid alcohol and caffeine when pregnant. If you can’t forgo your morning cup of coffee, one cup a day is generally safe. But Jaffe warns, “A mug is not a cup. It’s at least two cups.”
“I cut back to one cup and that was a major cut for me,” said Kerry Brady, a first-time mom from Stormville. “I also avoided chocolate because it contains caffeine too.”
Many women have to give up other favorites as well. “I had to avoid my beloved sushi,” said Gina D’Angelo-Mullen from Hyde Park, noting that her doctor advised her not to eat raw fish. “I had to have cooked shrimp tempura rolls instead.”
“Eating raw or undercooked flesh of any kind raises the risk of ingesting bacteria or a parasite,” Jaffe said. “You should also avoid eating gigantic chunks of soft cheeses like blue cheese and Brie due to the bacteria risk. But if you have one piece of Brie on a cracker you don’t have to panic.”
Hollander advises clients to avoid processed foods, ones with artificial colors and sweeteners, hydrogenated oils and preservatives. “It’s best to have as much fresh food as possible,” she said.
While taking supplements is beneficial to you and your baby, there are some you shouldn’t overdo. “You have to cautious,” Hollander warned. “Some, like vitamin A, can become toxic. Be sure to ask your health-care practitioner how much to take based on your blood work.”
In fact, studies show too much vitamin A from supplements has been linked to cleft palate and other congenital defects.
Certain herbs can also be dangerous, especially for women who have a history of miscarriages, Hollander said.
“Be careful with parsley early in pregnancy. It could affect holding the pregnancy,” said Hollander, noting that you should also steer clear of licorice and sage because they have steroid-like properties. Sage can also decrease lactation, she said.
“During the first trimester, avoid basil, sage and rosemary, which could encourage miscarriage. Be cautious and use culinary herbs sparingly throughout your entire pregnancy,” she said, noting that in general small amounts of these herbs are OK. “But when you’re dealing with pregnancy it’s always better to be cautious and avoid completely if there is any doubt. If you’re unsure, consult with a doctor or a practitioner who is familiar with them.”
