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Are complementary therapies safe during pregnancy?

In general, you should avoid taking any unnecessary medicines or treatments when you're pregnant. There are very few high-quality studies into the effectiveness of complementary or "alternative" treatments, and anything you take into your body can affect your unborn baby.

What are complementary therapies?

Complementary medicines and treatments include a wide range of treatments that are not usually used by most doctors in the UK. These treatments are sometimes described as alternative medicine. However, "complementary" is a better description, as they should be used alongside, but never replace, the treatment offered by your doctor.

Few complementary or alternative medicines are known to be safe during pregnancy. And some herbal remedies, such as blue cohosh, can actually be harmful to your baby.

But there is some evidence to support the use of acupressure and ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (morning sickness). Although it usually resolves by week 16 to 20 of your pregnancy.

Get medical advice

If you're considering using a complementary therapy, it's important to tell your GP or midwife about what treatment you're considering. If you then decide to use a complementary therapy, you should always consult a qualified practitioner.

You can get more information about qualified or registered practitioners from the organisations below:

Homeopaths do not have to be registered with a regulatory body.

Complementary and alternative medicine should not replace conventional antenatal care. It's important to attend regular antenatal check-ups throughout your pregnancy.

Further information

Page last reviewed: 12 July 2021
Next review due: 12 July 2024