Valerian during pregnancy 1-2-3 trimester

Carrying a baby is a very exciting process for every woman. Therefore, often, if even minor problems arise during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, fears arise.

During this period, women suffer from irritability, nervousness and cannot find a way to calm down during pregnancy. Such experiences can negatively affect the condition of the fetus, so it is important to find the optimal remedy that can be taken during this period. For example, some people prefer valerian. However, you need to understand that even such a seemingly harmless remedy has its own contraindications and side effects.

Indications for use

First of all, it's worth saying

that the name "valerian" is a household. It is more correct to say "extract of valerian", "valerian" or "valerian" (it is also permissible to call the remedy "infusion of valerian root").

This is the official name of the drug, which doctors and pharmacists will definitely understand. It is a herbal medicine that is also a natural tranquilizer. Valerian affects the nervous system, allowing you to relieve excessive nervous tension. The person stops suffering from acute experiences and becomes more balanced.

There are several indications for taking valerian (according to the standard instructions):

• too much irritability, which can even reach hysteria;
• sleep problems (due to overexcitation, pregnant women often complain of insomnia);
• frequent headaches;
• heartburn;
• anxiety and panic attack states;
• early toxicosis;
• tachycardia caused by stress;
• belated gestosis.

Valerian during pregnancy (1, 2, 3 trimester differs in the peculiarities of fetal development) becomes a solution for women who are too strong worried about the health of the fetus (for example, if there is a threat of miscarriage, placental abruption, or the results of ultrasound and other tests turned out to be bad). In such a situation, the doctor recommends not to aggravate the situation and the condition of the pregnant woman, as this can only increase the risk of a poor pregnancy outcome.

However, not a single conversation with a doctor will allow the patient to calm down on her own and refuse experiences, since at the same time in her body there are serious changes in the hormonal background. Therefore, it is simply impossible to control your emotions by the usual method and medications are required.

Valerian is also often included in the complex treatment for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or the cardiovascular system. In addition, the drug has a sedative and choleretic effect. For example, this allows you to improve the condition with the development of cholecystitis.

In addition, valerian extract is able to enhance the secretion of the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract. Such a drug can be prescribed when tachycardia occurs. This is because valerian can help reduce the heart rate. At the same time, it promotes the expansion of the coronary vessels.

Valerian extract can be prescribed for angina pectoris or in case of symptoms of coronary insufficiency. Thanks to this drug, oxygen reaches the heart muscle faster, thereby stabilizing the coronary blood flow.

Chemical composition

Valerian is sold in pill or infusion form. The active ingredient is a dense valerian extract, which is made from the rhizomes of the plant. An extractant is additionally added. Its role is played by 40% ethyl alcohol. Additionally, this preparation contains excipients.

The substance in the valerian root	Short description
Magnesium carbonate	It has antiulcer and laxative effect (improves intestinal motility).
Potato starch	It is an astringent, enveloping substance. Potato starch has an accumulating effect, saturating the human body with the necessary energy. It also contains sugar.
Gelatin	It makes the joints and bones of the human body stronger, accelerates hair growth, and has a beneficial effect on the skin. Also, gelatin contributes to the metabolic processes necessary to stabilize weight.
Talc	It is a natural adsorbent, perfectly absorbs moisture. Talc also has an antibacterial effect.
Beeswax	It has a lot of useful properties, among which it builds to highlight antiseptic properties, a regenerating effect. Beeswax helps to remove harmful substances from the body. It is also an excellent antiviral agent that also helps relieve vascular fatigue, increase appetite and normalize blood flow.

In addition, valerian contains pigment titanium dioxide, paraffin wax, sunflower oil, and colloidal silicon dioxide. Thanks to such a rich composition, such infusions have not only a general soothing effect, but also have a positive effect on the condition of the skin, hair, teeth, bones and processes in the human the body.

Release form

Valerian root can be produced in several dosage forms at once. The most common are alcoholic tinctures and tablets. Finding valerian root itself on sale is more difficult. If this succeeded, then you can prepare decoctions and infusions yourself.

Although the same drug is used, there is a distinct difference between the different forms of this natural sedative.

Alcohol tincture

Has the fastest effect. However, the tinctures contain ethanol. This means that taking medications in this form during pregnancy at any time is strictly contraindicated.

Some doctors allow you to take the minimum dosage of drops, but only at the earliest possible date. and only in a situation where a woman is in a very critical condition and needs to quickly calm down. Then alcohol tincture becomes a relatively harmless agent (when compared with potent drugs). The cost of the drug in this form is about 20-40 rubles.

Decoction

In terms of its effectiveness, the broth is about the same as the tincture, but there is no alcohol in it. However, there are several nuances. Some patients note resistance to this form of the drug. The second problem is that it is very difficult to find herbal raw materials in a store or pharmacy.

In addition, it is possible to independently prepare decoctions only if it is possible to accurately determine the dosage of the medicine. Doctors say that this form is not the safest for pregnant women. But you can reduce the possible risks if you reduce the dosage.

It is also worth considering the cost of raw materials. For example, 50 g of valerian rhizome will cost about 105 rubles. Additionally, you will have to spend time preparing such broths.

Pills

The most harmless is the tableted valerian. It can be safely taken throughout pregnancy. However, experts are very skeptical about such pills. They claim that there are practically no active components of valerian in them. Moreover, many people call such drugs a placebo. This means that the person is simply telling himself that the remedy is working. If that helps, then there is nothing wrong with valerian tablets.

But the version that this is an elementary placebo has no precise justification. So, in any case, you need to adhere to the instructions for using the drug and be sure to first talk about it with your doctor.

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

Valerian during pregnancy, the 1-2-3 trimester of which usually proceeds with a lot of anxiety, can be a real salvation for a woman. But before you start taking such funds, you should carefully study all the features of the action of pharmaceutical preparations of this type.

The main action of valerian root is sedative. Additionally, the drug helps to improve sleep. The effect of valerian on the human body is very difficult to explain by the effect of any one component. Since this is a complex drug, it affects various body systems.

At the same time, it is noted that the sedative effect occurs rather slowly, but is stable. To achieve permanent action, a systematic intake of the drug is necessary in a course. The dosage and duration of taking valerian is determined by your doctor.

The pharmacokinetics of valerian extract has not been practically studied at the moment. This is due to the fact that doctors cannot yet accurately identify all the active ingredients of the drug.

Application for pregnant women

Valerian extract while carrying a child is a controversial method for improving the condition. Most experts are of the opinion that there are no toxic additives that could harm the fetus in this product. Accordingly, there are no serious contraindications (except for the release form). Other experts are more skeptical of such sedatives.

As a rule, in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, the doctor may prescribe valerian to a woman if she has an increased uterine tone. This relaxes the uterus, which prevents the likelihood of having to terminate the pregnancy. Also, such a drug helps in case of spasms in the intestines, pronounced toxicosis or problems with the heartbeat.

During the 1st trimester of pregnancy, there is a risk that one or another drug will have a negative effect on the unborn child. Therefore, doctors do not advise taking valerian and similar drugs until 16-18 weeks of pregnancy for no particular reason. It is best to wait until the placenta is fully formed.

Such recommendations can be called reinsurance, since there were situations when, during the formation of the placenta, from taking drugs of this type, a retrochorial hematoma arose. This is because valerian contributes to the contraction of the uterus. However, if you look at the experience of past centuries, then many women share that they really took valerian in the first half of pregnancy, but they did not observe any consequences.

Moreover, when there is a threat of miscarriage, this particular drug is prescribed, since it has a gentle effect on the body and at the same time contributes to relaxation.

In the 2nd trimester, this herbal remedy is also prescribed in case of a risk of miscarriage. Throughout pregnancy, valerian can be prescribed for sleep problems, neurotic inclinations. In the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, the nervous system of the fetus is actively formed. During this period, some women are advised to reduce the intake of such medications, but it is not necessary to completely refuse.

During the 3rd trimester of bearing a child, valerian tablets have a beneficial effect and eliminate cystic manifestations. In addition, during this period, the pressure is stabilized and the work of the myocardium is normalized. Accordingly, in any trimester of pregnancy, you can take valerian, but you need to accurately determine its dosage, which can be prescribed exclusively by an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Contraindications

Valerian during pregnancy can be taken in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester, but only in the absence of a negative reaction. As with other drugs, the intake of such a sedative should be limited in the initial stages of bearing a child. There are no clear contraindications, but there is also not enough research to demonstrate the complete safety of such a natural remedy.

However, this applies only to the reception of valerian by the course, if we are talking about a situational (that is, one-time) use if it is necessary to remove some conditions, then there are no contraindications. Moreover, in this case, the natural drug actually acts like a placebo. That is, the patient himself inspires himself that valerian relieves his condition.

Like many other herbal preparations, valerian can only have a serious effect when it accumulates in the body. Accordingly, a single dose does not help in any way with severe stress, but it is effective for minor disorders.

Valerian root should not be taken on an ongoing basis during pregnancy planning. Otherwise, the risk of miscarriage increases. Also, the remedy is contraindicated if a woman has an increased sensitivity to drugs of this type.

Preparations based on valerian must be stopped when an allergic reaction occurs, that is, when a rash appears on the skin, the woman suffers from itching and burning. At any stage of pregnancy, it is necessary to abandon such sedatives if, after taking them, weakness, drowsiness, and dizziness appear. These are signs of side effects.

Valerian root can be taken very carefully by patients who suffer from hypotonic states, since the composition of this plant includes substances that further lower arterial pressure. Also, you can not take valerian extract if the woman is already taking sleeping pills, antispasmodics or sedatives.

It is also necessary to give up a natural sedative when taking vitamins, especially those that contain magnesium. If the patient takes any medications without prior agreement with the doctor, then it is imperative you need to tell him about this and indicate the dosage, as well as the name of the medicinal product used funds.

Overdose

Valerian during pregnancy (1, 2, 3 trimester can occur in women in different ways) can provoke unwanted body responses. It is especially dangerous to exceed the dose of the drug. Some people mistakenly believe that since this is a completely natural medicine, then it is completely safe. This is wrong.

If you take valerian in large doses, then this leads to the appearance of a feeling of depression, patients complain of constant drowsiness, headaches, problems with the digestive tract, nausea, heart palpitations and other signs intoxication.

In the case of a single dose of a very large dose of valerian (20 g or more), there is a risk of spastic pain in the abdomen, severe dizziness, chest tightness, severe weakness and tremors in limbs. In such a situation, it is necessary to provoke vomiting and rinse the stomach. It is important to perform the measures no later than 2 hours after taking a large dose of valerian root. If we are talking about long-term use of higher doses of the drug, more serious complications may appear.

Side effects

If you take valerian in any dosage form, you may experience some side effects. The most common is general lethargy, drowsiness. Patients can slow down psychomotor reactions, develop muscle weakness, which is dangerous at any stage of pregnancy. In such a situation, you must immediately stop taking the drug.

With chronic overdose, a side effect appears in the form of apathy, stomach cramps. Pregnant women experience constipation, bouts of vomiting.

Special recommendations

Before you start taking the drug, it is important to carefully study the instructions and check with your doctor about the optimal dosage and duration of the course of treatment. It is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the patients.

Since valerian root has a calming and depressing effect, you should not drive while taking these drugs. vehicles and perform other actions that require a quick response and maximum concentration.

Drug interactions

Valerian root cannot be combined with hypnotics, sedatives, anxiolytics, and analgesics. The medicine can be combined with antihypertensive as well as cardiotonic medicines.

Allowed the simultaneous intake of valerian and drugs that improve the functioning of the intestines, cardiovascular system.

Storage conditions and periods

Valerian during pregnancy (1, 2, 3 trimester, a woman must regularly visit a doctor and consult with him if you need to take any medications) is safe only if you follow the conditions of use and storage of this drug. This applies to any form of release.

Preparations of this type must be stored in a dry, warm place, the temperature in the room should not exceed +25 ° C. You need to make sure that valerian is stored out of the reach of children. You also need to make sure that animals, especially cats, cannot get to the drug, since the valerian root has a strong stimulating effect on them.

The shelf life of the medicine is 2 years. After that, medications cannot be taken.

Conditions of dispensing from pharmacies

Valerian root is available without a prescription, but it is important to consult with an obstetrician gynecologist before buying.

Analogs

According to the ATX level 4 code, the valerian root has a match. Several popular remedies can be attributed to similar remedies.

Motherwort extract

This is a sedative of natural origin, which is the closest in its action to valerian. Motherwort has a sedative, stabilizes heart rate, and has hypotensive properties. The drug is prescribed for insomnia, high excitability, dystonia. Sold in the form of infusions or tablets. The cost is about 40-60 rubles.

Novo-passite

If valerian (but it is better to call the drug correctly, that is, valerian or valerian extract) is not so effective, then you can try this natural remedy. Novo Passite contains a complex of herbs that have a calming effect. It is prescribed for neuroses, insomnia and other restless conditions. The cost of the funds is about 250 rubles.

Cardiovalen

The composition of the remedy includes hawthorn, valerian and some other herbs that have a sedative effect. The drug helps to reduce emotional stress, is prescribed during stress, increased anxiety. Also, the tool allows you to stabilize the heart rate and improve sleep. The cost of Cardivalen is about 150 rubles.

Taking valerian (you can call it valerian, but this is wrong) during pregnancy can be 1st, 2nd or 3rd trimester, but extra care should be taken at the initial stage of gestation child. If at least some side effects appear, you must immediately abandon such a sedative and consult a doctor, other medication and other stress-relieving therapy (such as massage or hydro-bath).

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