Will valerian help during pregnancy and is it worth taking it at all?

07/30/2018 Category: Medicines and vitamins Author: Elena Mann

Valerian is popularly known as a safe and effective remedy in the treatment of nervous disorders. However, most drugs based on it are not recommended during pregnancy. Let's find out how justified the use of this wonderful plant is by expectant mothers. As well as features of use and analogues of the drug.

• Medicinal properties of the drug
  Release form
• Photo gallery: release forms of the drug Valerian officinalis

• Indications for use for expectant mothers

  Which form of Valerian should a pregnant woman prefer?

Can pregnant women take valerian?

Valerian is included in many drugs, dietary supplements and homeopathic remedies. Some of them are contraindicated during pregnancy, while others are acceptable. Despite the fact that over the past few decades, more than 200 scientific and clinical studies have been conducted in European countries alone, which have studied the effectiveness and safety of valerian, its effect on pregnancy and fetal development still remains unclear. In this regard, the instructions for use of many medications indicate that it is better to avoid their use during pregnancy.

Extract from the instructions for use of the drug Valerian Forte

There is no evidence that valerian is safe for the expectant mother and child. At the same time, it is not a teratogenic drug that can cause congenital malformations in the fetus. Today there is no reason to believe that taking valerian during pregnancy can affect the development of the fetus, just as there is no reason to believe that the drug is completely safe.

According to the guidelines of the World Health Organization, the use of valerian is permitted only with a doctor's prescription and under his supervision.

Valerian is available in different dosage forms. Valerian drops are contraindicated for pregnant women due to the 70% ethyl alcohol content in the tincture. The use of valerian extract in tablets or a decoction of rhizomes and roots is permitted in some cases. When prescribing valerian, the doctor must consider how much the woman needs this drug and whether its benefits will outweigh the possible risks to the fetus.

On a note

In Australia, valerian extract is classified as a safety category A drug and is approved for use during pregnancy. According to a statistical analysis by Bos R. et al., conducted in 1998, the number of children born with developmental anomalies and cases of spontaneous abortion after using valerian does not differ from that of women who did not take valerian.

Results

• The expectant mother may have problems falling asleep, as well as anxiety. Valerian can eliminate these problems effectively and naturally.
• Despite its relative safety, valerian has contraindications and is not always prescribed during pregnancy, since there is no reliable evidence as to whether it causes harm to the baby or not. Accordingly, it is better to limit its consumption or refuse to take it completely, if possible.
• You can also opt for relaxing herbal baths instead of taking pills for anxiety and insomnia during pregnancy.

In what cases is valerian prescribed during pregnancy?

The alcohol contained in valerian tincture also has a calming effect, but it also has its own contraindications

Valerian has a mild sedative and hypnotic effect. It is used for nervous tension, insomnia and other sleep disorders. Valerian also helps to weaken spasms of smooth muscle organs, so during pregnancy it can be prescribed for increased uterine tone. Since one of its causes is emotional stress, this also justifies the use of valerian.

Sometimes in the first trimester of pregnancy, valerian is prescribed if there is a threat of miscarriage. However, it is used only as an additional agent in complex therapy. In the third trimester, symptoms of late gestosis may become an indication for use.

Valerian also has mild antispasmodic, choleretic and hypotensive properties. Therefore, both in early and late stages of pregnancy, it can be prescribed for tachycardia, angina pectoris, hypertension, coronary circulatory disorders, cholecystitis, and functional disorders in the digestive system.

For complex diseases, valerian is used only in complex therapy, but during pregnancy this drug is rarely prescribed. More often, women ask the doctor to prescribe valerian when they are tormented by anxiety and worry, which while expecting a child is completely normal and does not require the use of medications.

On a note

On forums, pregnant women often write that doctors prescribe valerian for low placentation. This often leads to the misconception that valerian increases the volume of the placenta. In fact, doctors give it in complex therapy as a mild sedative. The appropriateness of its purpose in this case is determined individually.

Indications for use

Valerian during pregnancy is indicated for emotional disorders: increased irritability, tearfulness, a tendency to hysterical reactions, feelings of fear and anxiety. Also, taking the drug will help with heartburn caused by nervous tension, sleep disorders after mental overstimulation, tachycardia and increased uterine tone due to emotional reasons.

Doctors often prescribe valerian in combination with other drugs to eliminate the symptoms of toxicosis and gestosis.

As part of complex therapy, valerian tablets are used in the treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system and gastrointestinal tract. Indications may include cholecystitis, gastritis, tachycardia, angina pectoris and some other pathologies.

Product effectiveness

Valerian tends to accumulate in the body, so it does not have a quick, but stable effect. As a rule, it appears after 2 weeks of regular use, when a sufficient amount of active substances accumulates in the body. You should not expect results from a one-time dose of valerian; in emergency cases it is ineffective.

It is also useful to read: How valerian affects cats and why they like it so much

Although valerian is often taken during times of stress or when unable to sleep, its effectiveness in these cases is due more to the placebo effect. Studies have shown that one dose of the drug does not cause objective improvements in emotional state or sleep quality.

Valerian is not a highly effective remedy. Due to the low biological activity of the components, it is ineffective in the treatment of severe disorders of the nervous system when drug treatment is necessary. The antispasmodic and hypotensive effects of valerian are also weak, so it is not used as a high-quality main drug.

Most often, valerian is prescribed when a mild sedative or hypnotic is needed. Very often in such cases you can do without special medications. During pregnancy, you need to carefully evaluate the advisability of using valerian, because its safety during this period has not been confirmed.

How much valerian can pregnant women use?

According to the instructions, you need to take two tablets three times a day. The tablets should be taken after meals, not chewed and washed down with plenty of water.

During pregnancy, you can prepare a decoction. You need to take valerian rhizomes (15-20 g or 2-3 tablespoons), add a glass of water and boil in a water bath for about 15 minutes.

Then cool to room temperature for 45 minutes and strain. Squeeze out the remaining raw materials, bring the volume of infusion to 200 ml. You need to consume the decoction half an hour before meals, after shaking the infusion, a tablespoon three times a day.

In case of increased excitability, you should take a third of a glass of the decoction three times a day. So, during pregnancy you can drink valerian, but it is better to control your emotions and try to protect yourself from everything that can spoil your mood.

How to take the drug correctly at different times

The dosage of the drug and the duration of treatment with valerian during pregnancy should be determined by a doctor. They may vary depending on the disease and severity of symptoms, as well as other factors that only a doctor can evaluate. However, it is not a decisive factor at what stage of pregnancy a woman is.

All nuances of taking valerian during pregnancy must be agreed upon with a doctor, who will take into account all the individual characteristics of the patient.

Usually doctors prescribe 1-2 tablets of valerian extract or 1 tablespoon of decoction 2-3 times a day. Since valerian is included in different drugs, and the amount of active ingredients in them may differ significantly, the dosage may also vary.

On a note

You can prepare a decoction of valerian at home. To do this, you can use either independently prepared rhizomes and roots (valerian herb is not used for medicinal purposes), or raw materials in filter bags, which are easy to find in any pharmacy. To prepare the decoction, you need to pour 20 grams (2.5 tbsp) of dry valerian roots with 200 ml of hot water and heat in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. After about an hour, when the broth has cooled, it needs to be strained. At first the product will have a slight yellow tint, and as it sits the color will become darker.

You can also prepare an infusion from valerian rhizomes. To do this, pour a tablespoon of crushed rhizomes into a glass of boiled water and leave for 12 hours. The decoction and infusion can be stored for 2-3 days, preferably in the refrigerator.

The course of treatment with valerian can last from one week to a month, after which it is recommended to take a break. It is necessary not because valerian is addictive, but because the active ingredients of the drug accumulate in the body and an overdose can occur with prolonged use. It is important to remember that an overdose can occur if the prescribed dose is exceeded one-time or daily. At the same time, increasing the single dose does not affect the effectiveness of the drug. Therefore, in case of stress or insomnia, there is no point in taking the medicine again.

Features of application

The method of use and dosage for pregnant women should be determined only by the attending physician, since each medical history is individual. The official summary recommends different dosage regimens depending on the type of drug . Tablets can be taken up to three times a day, one or two. There is an option to take it only at night, etc. A decoction of Valerian powder should be taken in a tablespoon up to 3-4 times a day. Alcohol tincture 20–30 drops up to 3–4 times a day.

The Committee on Herbal Products of the European Agency states that the therapeutic dose of Valerian should be between 300 mg and 1 g per dose. A dose of less than 100 mg demonstrates a placebo effect.

The maximum daily dose is determined by the doctor based on the clinical picture. Valerian has the ability to accumulate in the body, so there will not be an immediate effect from taking it. As a rule, doctors suggest a treatment duration of 2–4 weeks. If there are indications, the course is resumed after a short break.

Which products with valerian can be taken during pregnancy and which cannot?

Valerian is included in various preparations, including dietary supplements and homeopathic remedies. Their use must be coordinated with the gynecologist who is monitoring the pregnancy, even if the drug is considered relatively safe and is not contraindicated during pregnancy.

Known valerian-based products and the possibility of their use during pregnancy:

• Dietary supplement Evening tablets. In addition to valerian extract, it contains mint and hop heads. Dietary supplements are produced by various pharmaceutical companies. The instructions for use of some products indicate that they are contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy, while others are permitted as prescribed by a doctor. When using pills, you need to take into account that mint contains a lot of estrogens, which can stimulate labor. Hops during pregnancy are contraindicated as they can affect hormonal levels;
• Dietary supplement Valerian P. It contains valerian extract, vitamin C and auxiliary components. The use of the drug during pregnancy is permissible from the second trimester as prescribed by a doctor.
• The drug Valerian Forte from Arterium. The tablets contain valerian extract and 40% ethanol. It is not recommended to take the drug during pregnancy due to the lack of data on its safety;
• The drug Novo-Passit. Available in the form of syrup and tablets. The syrup contains ethanol, so it is not used during pregnancy. The tablets contain valerian, lemon balm, hops, elderberry, passionflower, St. John's wort, hawthorn and guaifenesin. The drug is contraindicated in the first trimester; in later stages, use is permissible if indicated and as prescribed by a doctor. The components of Novo-Passit may interact with other drugs, enhancing or weakening their effect. How the drug affects fetal development is unknown;
• Persen from Sandoz. The composition includes valerian extract, peppermint and lemon balm leaf extract and additional ingredients. The drug is not recommended during pregnancy due to lack of safety data.

It is also useful to read: Side effects of valerian and contraindications to its use

Sometimes valerian preparations are recommended for pregnant women to be replaced with glycine or motherwort. The drug Glycine is produced by various pharmaceutical companies. It is prescribed for decreased mental capacity and psycho-emotional stress. Its use is also possible only as prescribed by a doctor.

Motherwort is used as a mild sedative, as well as for uterine hypertonicity, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, hypertension and vegetative-vascular dystonia. The effect of the drug on pregnancy and the fetus has also not been studied.

Only a doctor can decide whether to use motherwort instead of valerian.

Another alternative is homeopathic remedies. They contain practically no active ingredients and their effectiveness is equal to that of a placebo. The likelihood of affecting pregnancy or causing side effects is extremely low.

During pregnancy, the use of medications should be treated very carefully. Only a doctor can determine the appropriateness of prescribing the drug.

What can replace valerian?

There are cases when a woman has an individual intolerance to valerian extract. And then the need arises to search for an analogue. Since during pregnancy most of the pharmacological drugs of the sedative spectrum are prohibited , herbal folk remedies are most often recommended: chamomile tea, infusions of motherwort, lemon balm, peony, etc. As well as drugs based on them - Novo-passit, Glycine, Persen, etc. But The appointment must be made by a doctor.

How can valerian be dangerous during pregnancy?

Valerian has an inhibitory effect on the central nervous system. How it affects fetal development and whether it can cause developmental disorders is not known. Due to the lack of scientific data, it cannot be considered safe. Although valerian is not considered a teratogenic drug and some drugs based on it are allowed during pregnancy, it is advisable to refrain from using it in the early stages. In the first trimester, all organs and systems of the fetus are formed, and any negative external influence, including taking certain medications, can provoke the appearance of pathologies. It is not known whether valerian will have such a negative effect.

It is unacceptable to conduct experimental studies on pregnant women, and there is no actual confirmed data on the use of valerian in pregnant women.

According to doctors, in some cases, especially with long-term use, valerian can cause the opposite effect. Instead of having an inhibitory effect on the nervous system, it can have an exciting effect. The result may be nervousness, insomnia, rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. Also, instead of an antispasmodic effect, valerian can provoke uterine hypertonicity, which threatens miscarriage or premature birth. The highest risk is observed with long-term use of valerian when planning pregnancy or in the first trimester.

Other side effects of valerian are also not always desirable during pregnancy:

• Drowsiness, lethargy, apathy, fatigue;
• Nervous overexcitation, insomnia;
• Cardiopalmus;
• Uterine tone;
• High blood pressure;
• Headache;
• Dizziness, loss of consciousness;
• Trembling in hands.

The risk of side effects increases in case of overdose. Therefore, the medicine is not recommended to be taken in large doses or for a long time. Symptoms of overdose may include heartburn, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. If you are allergic to the medicine, skin rashes and itching may also occur. In these cases, you should stop taking valerian and contact your doctor.

Contraindications and side effects

Among the prohibitions for use, in addition to the first trimester of pregnancy, hypersensitivity is indicated. In most cases, Valerian is well tolerated by patients, but occasionally episodes of allergic reactions occur. Headache, depression, drowsiness, and decreased performance are also likely. If taken for a long time - constipation. As studies note, these signs occur rarely and are mild in nature. It must be taken into account that during pregnancy the body reacts unpredictably even to the usual medication.

Interaction with other drugs

Valerian can enhance the effect of sleeping pills, sedatives, analgesics, antispasmodics and prolong the therapeutic effect. It is allowed to combine the drug with cardiotonic and antihypertensive drugs.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose are characterized by increased side effects of Valerian.

Precautionary measures

Like any other medicine, valerian has a number of contraindications, in the presence of which the drug should not be taken.

So, valerian is contraindicated for:

• Allergies;
• Hypotension;
• Atherosclerosis;
• Heart attack and stroke;
• Inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and intestines.

Valerian should not be taken if you have hypotension, as it lowers blood pressure. The drug can also affect blood clotting, which, in combination with other factors, can lead to the formation of blood clots and blockage of blood vessels.

During pregnancy, no doctor can say with one hundred percent certainty that the drug is safe. If a pregnant woman has clear indications for the use of valerian, treatment should only take place under the supervision of a doctor. Often women are unable to notice for themselves that certain symptoms are caused by the medication and not by physiological changes as a result of pregnancy.

It is impossible to use a larger dosage than prescribed or prolong the course of treatment, as this may cause an overdose. In addition, a single dose of a large dose of the drug will not provide a more pronounced effect, but can cause harm to the woman and the fetus.

It is also worth considering that various drugs are produced based on valerian, including complex ones. They may contain different amounts of active ingredients and additional components. Contraindications may also differ, therefore, in order to avoid negative consequences, it is better to carefully read the instructions before starting use.

Such dietary supplements are definitely contraindicated during pregnancy: it is not known how safe they are, but it is well known that they are useless

In general, you need to be aware that possible worries, sleep problems and various anxieties during pregnancy are normal. You should not try to get rid of them immediately with the help of valerian. At a minimum, valerian most likely will not help, since it is not a potent drug. At the same time, it is impossible to be absolutely sure of its safety for the fetus. Therefore, it is certainly better for anyone, especially a pregnant woman, to refrain from using this remedy.

Interaction with other drugs

Valerian also has the ability to potentiate (or weaken) the effect of other medications taken:

• Strengthening the effect of sedatives. The combination of valerian with insomnia medications (Zolpidem, Zopiclone) leads to a more pronounced effect, increasing drowsiness. Benzodiazepines (diazepam) and some sedatives used for intravenous anesthesia (propofol) also increase their effect on the patient's body.
• Potentiation of the effect of antidepressants (amitriptyline).
• Interaction with anticonvulsants (Valproic acid, Phenytoin).
• Providing an effect on antihistamines (allergy medications).
• Possible interactions with statins (atorvastatin) and antimycotic drugs (drugs for treating fungus). Since valerian is metabolized in the liver, it may make it more difficult for other medications to be broken down (by liver enzymes).
• Valerian may complicate general anesthesia. If you regularly use valerian, it may increase the effect of anesthesia and cause some surgical complications.
• Valerian during pregnancy can inhibit the effect of some herbal and food “supplements”: catnip, sage, orange, St. John's wort and others. Among other things, the combination of valerian with herbs that have a sedative effect leads to more pronounced drowsiness.

Contraindications for use by pregnant women

Like most other drugs, valerian is limited in use in the first trimester of pregnancy, because during this period the formation of the most important organs of the fetus occurs. And no doctor can give a 100% guarantee that the drug is not able to influence this process in any way.

Therefore, many doctors avoid prescribing valerian during the first trimester of pregnancy, prescribing it only in extraordinary cases. But if you prescribe valerian in the first trimester, then not as a course, but only situationally (to quickly relieve unwanted effects based on the placebo effect). Such situations, for example, include extreme stress.

Long-term use of valerian during pregnancy planning and/or during the first trimester can lead to miscarriage, since valerian can stimulate uterine contractions when it accumulates in a woman’s body.

In addition, you should not use valerian (in any form) if the woman’s body is hypersensitive to this drug.

Symptoms of an allergy to valerian include skin rash, hives and body itching. If they appear, you should stop taking the drug.

It is necessary to stop taking valerian if you experience weakness in the body, drowsiness, lethargy and a feeling of dizziness. This condition indicates the occurrence of side effects in the pregnant woman.

Which dosage form to choose

When choosing a sedative, you should consult your doctor. Despite the general recommendations in the instructions, the therapeutic regimen is adjusted depending on the patient’s condition. If quick action is needed, a decision is made to symptomatically prescribe an alcohol tincture, even during early pregnancy.

Decoction

A decoction of valerian root is used for oral use and for soothing baths. Rhizomes are rarely sold in pharmacies. Raw materials are purchased from herbalists or prepared yourself. If you dug it yourself, you need to pay attention to the condition of the plant after drying. The color of the root should be brown, the structure should be dense, the smell should be only characteristic of this plant.

The root is grated and poured with 1 tbsp. l. 0.25 liters of boiling water, cook for 1 minute. If you increase the heating time, the beneficial substances in the composition will be destroyed and the healing effect will be minimal. Leave for 30 minutes, wrapped in a towel. Prescribed during pregnancy for insomnia, early and late toxicosis, neuroses and tachycardia. To prepare a solution for a soothing bath, another recipe is used: pour 3-4 tbsp. l. bio raw materials 1 liter of boiling water, cook for 40-60 seconds over low heat, leave for an hour, filter. This amount of decoction is enough for a standard font with a volume of 140 liters. Baths help eliminate nervousness during pregnancy and lactation.

Infusion and tincture

You can take a water infusion of valerian during breastfeeding, pregnancy, and give water to newborns when overexcited. There are several ways to prepare the mixture:

1. Pour a spoonful of dried herbs and steep as tea for 15-20 minutes.
2. Grate valerian root 1493, pour into a glass of boiling water, and heat for half an hour in a water bath. Then cover the dish with a lid and place in a warm place for another 2 hours.
3. It is more convenient to act according to the following algorithm. Prepare powder in advance from the dried rhizome of the plant by grinding it in a coffee grinder. As soon as the need arises, the semi-finished product is filled with water - 1 tbsp. l. 250 ml, and place in a thermos for 2 hours.