Valerian during pregnancy

Valerian during pregnancy is prescribed only according to indications, including the anxious state of the future mother, her insomnia, anxiety, fully explainable hormonal changes in the body and the excitement about the health of the fetus.

Valerian is one of the most ancient and popular healing plants, its name speaks for itself: valere means to be healthy and strong, vale is the wish to "be healthy" in Latin.

The roots of the plant have a healing power, the leaves can also be considered curative, but to a lesser degree, since they do not contain as much essential oils as in the rhizome. It is due to ethers, instantly penetrating the body, drugs from Radix Valeriana minoris (root) affect the nervous and vascular system, bile ducts, smooth muscles, providing spasmolytic, sedative effect. It is believed that drugs containing valerian should be soothing. Indeed, in most cases, it does, but the remedy has contraindications. Precautions are used for valerian during pregnancy, alcohol tinctures of plants are not given to children. In addition, the root of valerian can not sedative, but, on the contrary, stimulating action depending on the person's condition, the dosage of the drug and the duration of its administration.

Valerian during pregnancy: dosage

Like any other medicinal product, plant products must be used competently and in the dosage that does not harm the health.

• The course of treatment, the way of application and the dose, especially for the future mother, are very important. Valerian during pregnancy, the dosage of which depends on many parameters and factors, is prescribed only by a doctor. 
• Typically, the tablet form is recommended two to three times a day for one, two tablets per reception. Dragee should be drunk before meals (30-40 minutes).
• Broth Radix Valerianae minoris (rhizomes) take one tablespoon twice or thrice a day, also before meals.
• The course of treatment with valerian in tablets usually lasts 2-3 weeks, then a break is made and the drug is either canceled or prescribed again, but already in conjunction with other sedative or antispasmodics.
• The maximum treatment for valerian, for pregnant women and for other patients, does not exceed 30 days. Prolonged reception of the drug not only causes resistance of the body (stability, immunity), but it can provoke unwanted side effects - constipation, nausea, headache, blood pressure jumps.

Valerian in pregnancy, the dosage of which should not exceed the norm (6 tablets or 6 tablespoons of broth a day), it is not a panacea, but rather an auxiliary tool that helps to reduce anxiety and neutralize the slight physiological changes in the body.

Is it possible to have valerian during pregnancy?

Most women rely on the miraculous power of herbal remedies and many ask the question - is it possible during pregnancy valerian. The answer is ambiguous.

On the one hand, valerian is considered a non-toxic drug with a pronounced sedative effect. On the other hand, alcohol form, that is, tincture, is inadmissible in the same way as high doses of valerian in tablets.

The question of the drug should be solved only with the attending physician, gynecologist, who takes into account all the potential risks and benefits of treatment with valerian.

What are valerian preparations for pregnancy prescribed for? 

• Tachycardia associated with anxiety.
• Spasms of the gastrointestinal tract are not infectious or inflammatory etiology.
• Increased tone of the uterus, the threat of termination of pregnancy in the early stages.
• Persistent insomnia.
• Chronic irritability, nervousness.

Tablets, decoction of valerian have a beneficial effect on the digestive tract, help to normalize the bile secretion. All these problems often accompany the period of pregnancy. In addition to the traditional soothing effect, the valerian is able to relieve spasms during Braxton-Hicks fights, that is, false, "training", it exerts an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the diaphragm, intestine and uterus.

It is believed that the use of valerian drugs is acceptable, but you should pay attention to the following information: 

• An ideal pregnancy is a condition that does not require either plant or synthetic drugs. Anxiety and increased excitability can be neutralized by safer methods - breathing exercises, autogenic training, walking.
• Overdosing of drugs containing valerian can increase the excitability of the nervous system.
• The overabundance of isovaleric acid, glycosides, alkaloids, saponins and tannins contained in the root of the plant can cause headaches, nausea, and increase blood pressure.

Valerian: instructions for pregnancy

Valerian root as an independent remedy is used by many people, but such methods are not effective for pregnant women. With what preparations valerian is prescribed, instructions during pregnancy, admission schemes are the prerogative of a doctor, amateur performance will not only benefit, but can also harm both mothers and fetuses.

General recommendations for the appointment of valerian, instructions for pregnancy: 

I-st trimester - shows the tablet form of valerian in combination with other drugs. This is especially effective in case of a threat of spontaneous miscarriage, increased muscle tone of the uterus. To prevent and neutralize early gestosis, a complex treatment is prescribed, which includes such methods and methods:

• Bed rest.
• The appointment of sedative herbal preparations, including valerian in tablets, in the form of a decoction or as part of a phytospora.
• Medicated spasmolytic therapy according to indications - No-sppa, myotropic antispasmodics in the form of suppositories (suppositories).
• Late toxicosis - pre-eclampsia, when the pressure rises to 140/90 and a protein is found in urine. Pre-eclampsia in mild form is treated in a complex way with the help of valerian preparations, motherwort and hypotensive drugs. More severe forms of gestosis require hospital treatment and constant monitoring by the doctor.
• It should be noted that alcoholic tincture of valerian is not permissible for pregnant women, despite its rapid action. It is better to wait two or three days until Valerian begins to "work" in pills than to risk the health of the fetus. The woman's organism is more susceptible to the decoction of the valerian root, it is more effective than the tablet form, but less convenient, the pill should only be extracted from the blister and washed with water, and the broth should be cooked every day.

Summarizing, we can say that valerian - the drug is almost safe, if the instructions for its use during pregnancy are made by the attending physician, not through experiments or with the help of advice from girlfriends.

Valerian in tablets during pregnancy

Future mothers, like no other, need rest and maintain emotional balance, therefore, with increased excitability, anxiety, tachycardia, neurotic etiology, valerian root is the first remedy recommended by a doctor. Valerian is produced in various forms - in the form of alcohol tincture, in tableted form, is a part of many preparations and phytocenoses - Corvalment, Novopassit, soothing preparations № 2 and № 3.

Valerian in tablets during pregnancy is prescribed in a dosage, depending on many parameters. The treatment regimen is influenced by the level of nervousness, the state of women's health, the degree of risk and threat when using the drug, as well as the possible intolerance of some components of valerian, which is not uncommon in pregnancy.

As a rule, not more than three tablets per day are prescribed, which are taken half an hour before meals and are washed down with a small amount of purified water. Shells Tablets are usually released in a shell containing safe ingredients, each tablet contains 0.02 grams of valerian extract.

In the first trimester, the extract can reduce the tone of the smooth muscles of the uterus and prevent the threat of interruption of gestation - miscarriage, but only in conjunction with other medications. Further, valerian in tablets during pregnancy helps to normalize periodically increasing blood pressure, and improve the quality of sleep. The tablet form is considered to be the most safe, unlike tinctures containing alcohol, but one should remember the danger of overdose. The maximum that a future mother can afford is no more than six tablets of valerian per day. If the drug does not have the proper effect, you should return to the treating gynecologist and find out the true cause of the anxious, nervous condition.

Valerian in drops during pregnancy

Valerian in drops during pregnancy is not recommended for use, because it is prepared on an alcohol basis. Further, it would be possible not to continue, however, in obstetric practice, there are cases when the stress conditions of the future of the mother require quick action and cupping. Also, there are emergency moments when a pregnant woman needs to be immediately reassured at home, then it is allowed to take the tincture.

Valerian in droplets during pregnancy is an extreme measure, of course, not removing pathological conditions. A single dose is not more than 15 drops per half cup of purified or boiled water, only situational application of alcohol tincture is permissible under such conditions: 

• It is necessary to calm down immediately, and there was not a tabletted form of valerian on hand.
• There is a spasm, colic in the abdomen.
• Shinging pain, giving to the right, signaling in stagnation of bile.
• Extreme fatigue as a result of many days of insomnia.
• Severe tachycardia.

Having removed the primary symptom, the pregnant woman should urgently consult a doctor for examination and receive adequate care. Uncontrolled application of valerian in the form of tincture can provoke complications both for the mother herself and for the fetus. It is appropriate to recall the good old film "The Mystery of the Third Planet", with the mouth of the hero saying: "That's what two extra drops of valerian are ... All this does not end well." Of course, the pathological, serious consequences of the tincture may not be, but the future mother should not take risks, it is better to relieve nervous excitability, anxiety watching, the aforementioned positive and cheerful cartoon.

How to take valerian during pregnancy?

We note at once that alcoholic tincture of valerian is contraindicated to future mothers, it is used only in the most extreme cases, when the condition of a woman is estimated as stressful: the tincture is taken once, not more than 20 drops per half a glass of purified water.

Decoction of the rhizome. In order to prepare the broth, you need to take 20 grams of dried ground roots (about 3 tablespoons), pour one cup of boiling water and heat to a boil over low heat. It is better if the broth will slowly boil for 15 minutes in a water bath. It persists for an hour, during which time it cools. The broth is filtered and filled with chilled boiled water to a volume of 200 milliliters. Pregnant is shown to drink no more than 6 tablespoons - 2 times three times in knocking before eating. The initial dosage should be as follows: one tablespoon three times half an hour before meals, after 2-3 days the dose can be increased. However, if the initial volume of broth brings relief, soothes and normalizes sleep, there is no need to add it. The doctor regulates the use of decoction for a long time, but it is considered that the course should not exceed 30 days. 

How to take valerian during pregnancy in tablets. As with the decoction, the maximum number is 6, that is, no more than six tablets per day. As a rule, in the first week is prescribed for the 1 st tablet three times a day for 30-40 minutes before each meal. The dose can be increased to 2 tablets at a time, in cases when the anxious, nervous state of the pregnant woman requires it. 

Surprisingly, few people remember that valerian contains a large number of essential oils, which act great as aromatherapy and as an external remedy. Infusion for therapeutic baths is prepared simply: 3 tablespoons of the root boil for 10 minutes in 2 glasses of water, filter and add to the bathing water. Please note that the duration of the procedure should not exceed 20 minutes, and the water temperature should not be above 37.5-38 degrees. As a concentrate, you can apply the tincture of valerian to alcohol (the alcohol evaporates quickly), 30 drops of the agent are added to the standard volume of water.

Valerian in early pregnancy

Valerian in the early stages of pregnancy can be a salvage, helping to cope with toxemia, early gestosis in mild form. Toxicosis is not uncommon during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, it is during this period that the fetus begins to form vital organs, systems. Vomiting and severe condition of the mother does not facilitate this process, in addition there is a high risk of dehydration, the supply of food that is so necessary for the baby decreases. Valerian in the early stages of pregnancy, in conjunction with drugs that stop the gag reflex and the activity of the salivary center in the cerebral cortex, can eliminate this condition. The root of valerian is a part of phytospores with sedative properties, the tablet form of valerian in conjunction with rehydration measures, the intake of antiemetics reduce the symptoms of toxicosis and help a pregnant woman survive this difficult stage.

Independently, you can prepare the following broth: 1 tablespoon chopped dry roots of plants pour one glass of hot boiled water, insist 2 hours, then boil on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Chilled broth is taken on a tablespoon 4-5 times a day between meals.

It should be remembered that valerian in the early stages of pregnancy is prescribed only on strict indications, since it is considered that in the first trimester it is better to dispense with medicines in principle.

Application of valerian during pregnancy in the 1st trimester

Since the root of valerian has a pronounced sedative effect and does not possess toxic properties, its decoction and tableted form can be administered to both pregnant women and children. Especially effective is valerian in pregnancy, the trimester of which is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, that is, early toxicosis. As a rule, valerian preparations are prescribed by the future mother in combination with other drugs - antihypertensive, antiemetic, rehydration. In addition, broth, valerian pills are effective in complex therapy, preventing the spontaneous abortion - miscarriage. Included in the composition of the rhizome saponins, tannins, essential oils, alkaloids and glycosides are able to have an easy spasmolytic effect on the uterus with increased tone. The use of Radix Valeriana minoris (root) is shown until the 16th week, when the threat of spontaneous abortion is very high.

Valerian is taken up to 30 days, its effectiveness is controlled by a doctor as well as dosage. In other cases, when the 1 trimester proceeds without complications, the valerian is not prescribed in pregnancy, however, like other drugs.

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Is it harmful for pregnancy?

It is believed that ideally during the entire period of gestation the woman should avoid any drugs, both vegetable and synthetic. The future mother shows the reception of vitamin complexes and a special diet, helping to fill the reserve of nutrients and prepare the body for childbirth.

Whether the valerian is harmful during pregnancy depends on who recommends it, how, when and how much to take it. Any independent prescription of medicines, including plant origin, however, as well as vitamin preparations, can not only be useless, but also rather risky. Valerian is prescribed as a sedative, antispasmodic agent in certain conditions of a pregnant woman. Overdose, arbitrary use of tablets or broth may provoke complications, including such: 

• Increased excitability at a dose of more than 6 tablets per day.
• Headache.
• Constant sensation of nausea, not associated with toxicosis.
• Indigestion disorder.
• Constipation.
• Allergic reactions, urticaria.
• Drowsiness, a feeling of apathy.
• Increased irritability.

In addition, whether the valerian is harmful during pregnancy depends on the period of its application. In the first trimester, it is prescribed for the threat of spontaneous miscarriage, with excessively increased tone of the smooth muscles of the uterus, as well as with severe toxemia. Valerian preparations are also prescribed in the third trimester with late gestosis as an auxiliary in complex therapy. In the second trimester, when the baby's nervous system is formed, any sedative or activating drugs are unacceptable.

How to drink valerian during pregnancy?

Pregnant women are shown tableted forms of valerian or decoctions of the root. Alcohol-containing tinctures, alcohol-based phytogens are not prescribed for understandable reasons.

How to drink valerian during pregnancy: 

• Pills. The initial course for 2-3 days is based on the scheme - 1 tablet three times a day for 30-40 minutes before meals. Dragee or tablets should be washed down with simple purified or boiled water. If necessary, increase the dose to 2 tablets three times a day in the same regime. The course of treatment is usually 2-3 weeks, less often a month. It is necessary to note dynamic changes in the state, with its improvement, valerian, like other sedatives are canceled.
• Decoction of valerian. One tablespoon is taken three times a day before meals. Sometimes the dose is increased to 2 spoons three times a day. The broth should be prepared daily and be fresh, do not store it in the refrigerator and use for several days.
• Concentrate for bathtubs. 200 ml of diluted concentrate per standard volume of the bath. If the concentrate is considered to be a decoction of 3 tablespoons on a glass of water, then filter it and add plain water, bringing the volume to 200 ml.

How to drink valerian during pregnancy should be decided by the doctor, and not by the girlfriends who have already given birth to the baby and generously offering help in the form of advice. It must be remembered that each organism has individual characteristics, especially the organism of a pregnant woman.

Motherwort or valerian during pregnancy?

For a doctor, such a question does not exist, because in itself valerian as a mono-drug in the period of gestation is very rarely used. Most often it is prescribed in conjunction with other medicines, including broths of medicinal herbs.

Motherwort or valerian during pregnancy? Both that, and another, the herbal gathering which possesses synergetic action, that is the effective interaction of medical components of valerian and motherwort is especially effective.

Just like the root of valerian, the motherwort has a slow but steadily accumulating sedative and spasmolytic effect. In addition, it normalizes blood pressure, therefore, prevents possible pressure surges, while activating the work of the cardiac muscle due to contained in the composition of glycosides and alkaloids. Motherwort restores carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, controls the level of sugar in the blood. If the valerian has an antispasmodic property, then the motherwort complements this action with its anticonvulsant properties

Of course, the choice of motherwort or valerian during pregnancy remains with the attending physician, it is quite possible that only a decoction of Leonurus will be appointed. It is not surprising, if not indications to the use of valerian root, there is no need to overload the organism of the future mother with medicinal products, even if it is of vegetable origin. It is likely that you need to remove a slight puffiness, and there are no other serious problems in the pregnant woman, in this case, it is recommended to use a motherwort in the form of a decoction, since it also possesses all the properties of a sparing diuretic. It is most convenient to drink herbal tea in packaged form, which can be purchased at a pharmacy, such a drug contains a metered dose.

Also, the mother-in-law also relieves flatulence, which often accompanies the period of pregnancy. The course of treatment with valerian and motherwort depends on the problem to which they are directed, but, as a rule, does not exceed one month. In addition, it should be remembered that an overdose of phytopreparations can provoke complications, so pregnant women should strictly follow the doctor's recommendations.