Pregnancy and the period after birth require extra caution with medicines and complementary products. Tell your midwife, doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including products labelled natural or homeopathic.
Natural does not mean safe
The NHS warns that not all natural remedies or complementary therapies are safe in pregnancy. Product quality, starting materials, alcohol, excipients and undeclared ingredients can matter. Homeopathic products also exist at different dilution levels.
Keep antenatal and postnatal care central
- Attend recommended appointments and screening.
- Take prescribed medicines and supplements as advised.
- Discuss vaccination with the maternity team.
- Use NHS guidance for foods, alcohol, smoking and infection.
- Seek prompt advice for reduced fetal movement, bleeding, severe pain, severe headache, breathing difficulty or another urgent concern.
Before using any product
- Show the exact label and leaflet to a midwife, doctor or pharmacist.
- Check ingredients, potency, dosage form and product number.
- Do not rely on an online statement that it is “safe in pregnancy”.
- Report suspected adverse reactions through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
After birth and during breastfeeding
Continue to check products with an appropriate healthcare professional. Postnatal bleeding, infection symptoms, severe headache, chest pain, breathing difficulty, calf swelling, severe low mood or thoughts of self-harm need prompt medical help.
Where a homeopathy consultation fits
A consultation may only be complementary to maternity and postnatal care. It cannot be advertised as treating nausea, labour pain, breastfeeding problems, postnatal depression or another condition.
Sources
Source check: 31 August 2026.