Red Clover During Pregnancy, A Good Or Bad Idea?

Red clover is heralded as a cure for many female troubles, but is it safe to take red clover during pregnancy?

The very compounds that make it a boon for menopausal women, are what may transform it into a danger for pregnant women.

Red clover has an abundant supply of isoflavones, which are a group of phytoestrogens that include genistein daidzein, formononetin and biochanin-a, compounds which are great for menopausal women because they sustain hormone levels without any harsh side effects.

So far clinical trials have proven what herbalists have long believed, that these compounds help menopausal women to preserve proper bone density and alleviate hot flushes and night sweats.

New research seems to also demonstrate that the isoflavones found in red clover have a protective effect on cardiovascular health which continues even for the duration of menopause.

When it comes to pregnancy, however, it is another matter.

Red clover has a whole host of effects on the human body, and it's difficult to say exactly the effects it has on pregnancy, because they have not yet been fully established.

More research is needed, as with just about every aspect of red clover.  What is known for certain about red clover and using red clover during pregnancy is this:

Use Of Red Clover During Pregnancy

The isoflavone compounds found in red clover are such an asset for menopausal women because they help to maintain hormone levels, do so by increasing the production of estrogen in the body.

Estrogen is a female hormone that essentially sees to it that a woman's body functions correctly including ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth and lactation.

Because red clover can affect these activities, there is the chance that it could cause complications during conception, pregnancy and childbirth.

In truth there aren't any studies which have assessed red clover's safety as a fertility herb.

But the evidence is there to support the theory that it may positively affect the hormonal imbalances related to menopause.

Side Effects

If used in conjunction with the advice of a doctor or herbalist by women who is not pregnant, red clover has few side effects.

Some general complaints, however, are:  headaches, nausea, digestive disturbances and skin rashes.

There is also likelihood that red clover may hamper a woman's fertility.  Combined with the chance that use of this herb may lead to miscarriage, it is very apparent why women should stay away from red clover during pregnancy.

Dosage Guidelines

Once again, it is stressed that there is no safe dose of red clover for pregnant women; so to ensure a healthy, happy baby, you should not take this product at all throughout your pregnancy.

It is important to avoid tinctures made from red clover when pregnant, because these are ethanol-based extracts and they can cause fetal alcohol syndrome because of their high level of alcohol.

Potential Risks

No studies have evaluated the safety of taking red clover during pregnancy so most of its risks aren't known for certain yet.

But using red clover at this time may have some very serious consequences.  It could stimulate contractions of the uterus, leading to miscarriage or preterm birth.

Another thing which may happen is that the herb could damage a baby's developing endocrine system, thus causing the reproductive organs to be deformed. And its estrogenic effects may cause difficulties with breastfeeding.

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