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Questions and Answer

Q. I just read on another web site that Echinacea (herbal remedy) should only be taken in light dosages and only during the third trimester?

Now, I have taken some during a cold during the first trimester ( I am now at the end of the fourth month and so far everything seems fine) after a pharmacist assured me that it would be fine. I took about 3 pills per day for about 4-5 days. What are the possible dangers that this herbal essence could have for the fetus?

I would appreciate your advice.

Kind regards,
Simone

A. Simone,

The Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun Weed, states using with caution if you are in a weak condition.

Ilana Stein has been working professionally with pregnant women since 1983 as a childbirth educator, labor assistant and breastfeeding consultant. She was originally certified by the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth (The Bradley Method), The Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE), and Doulas of North America (DONA). She teachs the ALACE Labor Assistant training workshop nationwide. She has spoken at conferences and at the New York University Graduate Program in Midwifery about labor support. She is a Positive Pregnancy and Parenting Fitness (PPPF) instructor and La Leche League Leader. She is also a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor at the local YMCA. She volunteers as the coordinator of the annual New York Area YM-YWCA Women’s Wellness Weekend.