When needing some kind of medicine or product related to beauty, many people prefer those more natural, plant-based options.
In general, we think that they do not pose health risks. However, it is not quite like that.
Without guidance, they can do harm, even if they are completely natural. In fact, pregnant women are the most susceptible to suffer from unwanted effects.
Based on this, a publication in the medical journal Obstetrics & Gynecology analyzed a series of 74 studies to find out what the effects of herbal medicinal products have on pregnant women, both for the mother and the baby.
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In general, it was possible to see that even made only with herbs and plants, these products can bring some complications for pregnant women.
It is important to pay attention to the fact that not everyone who uses it will have the same risks, as there are other factors that predispose to side effects.
For example, more sensitivity to substances or other diseases that the pregnant woman already had could be factors capable of interfering in the action and increasing the adverse effects of the products.
Study data
Considering all 74 studies reviewed, the scientists looked for aspects in common between the products that the pregnant women used and adverse effects that they presented.
For example, women who used almond oil for their skin were found to be twice as likely to start labor prematurely.
In another case, it was possible to see that women who consumed a type of licorice candy (widely used to relieve heartburn ) were also more likely to have a premature birth .
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This does not necessarily mean that the cause of early childbirth was almond oil or licorice jam, but it is assumed that there may be a relationship.
In addition, it is worth remembering that natural medicinal products can cause some side effect, such as headache and nausea.
According to the authors, the idea is not to make people stop consuming this category of products directly, but that, especially pregnant women, pay attention to the uses and talk to the doctor always.
During pregnancy, it is common for changes in the woman’s body to lead her to seek beauty products and natural medicines for greater comfort. However, every product must be indicated by the doctor.
