Pregnancy and Ephedra

The Food and Drug Administration banned all supplements that contained Ephedra, because this drug is not considered safe for anyone, especially pregnant women. Nevertheless, Ephedra is still being used in food and in traditional Chinese medicines. Talk with your healthcare provider immediately, if you are taking Ephedra and you become pregnant so that he or she can do some tests to ensure the safety of the baby.

An Observation of Ephedra and Pregnancy

Ephedra, also known as ma huang, is not considered safe for anyone especially women who are pregnant. It is a herbal supplement that is used mostly for weight loss.

The Safety of Ephedra During Pregnancy

After several reports of dangerous side effects and deaths due to Ephedra, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigated Ephedra, and has banned it and all of the supplements that contained Ephedra within the United States, because of these health concerns. Nevertheless, this drug is still used in food and in traditional Chinese medicine.

During pregnancy, negative side effects, such as high blood pressure or hypertension, an irregular heart rhythm, also known as arrhythmia, strokes, seizures, and heart attacks are caused by Ephedra and can be very devastating, if you are taking this drug. Moreover, pregnancy is not a time to diet or to take weight loss supplements like Ephedra; instead, it is a time to increase your nutritional needs

Connect with other expecting mothers and discuss pregnancy issues associated with ephedra on our weight loss forum. You should also talk with your healthcare provider immediately if you have taken Ephedra before you knew that you were pregnant. Your healthcare provider can recommend additional tests or monitoring to ensure that all is well, and that your pregnancy is not being put at risk.