Popular Supplements to Avoid in Pregnancy

Many popular dietary supplements can pose safety concerns during pregnancy. Here are a few ingredients to keep an eye on.

Ashwagandha remains one of the top-selling herbal products on the market. It’s used for many conditions, but particularly anxiety, stress, and insomnia – all of which may crop up during pregnancy. It’s generally well-tolerated when used appropriately by most adults, but it’s likely unsafe when used during pregnancy – there’s some evidence that taking ashwagandha might lead to miscarriage.

Also watch out for turmeric – some patients might consider trying it to help reduce joint pain and swelling. It’s likely safe when consumed in foods as a spice or flavoring during pregnancy, but make sure patients understand it’s not safe to take in medicinal amounts. It might stimulate the uterus, putting the pregnancy at risk. 

Lastly, talk to patients about melatonin. While fatigue and tiredness are common during pregnancy, insomnia also affects many patients. This might prompt some to turn to melatonin, thinking it’s a safe, natural option compared to other OTC sleep aids. But like many drugs, there isn’t enough reliable information to know if it is safe, so it’s best to be cautious and avoid use. Plus, it’s worth noting for patients trying to conceive, regularly taking high doses of melatonin might have effects similar to some oral contraceptives, making it more difficult to become pregnant.

Always check the safety section of our monographs for the latest information on use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. And take advantage of our Pregnancy & Lactation Checker to quickly scan safety ratings.