Why does black cohosh induce labor

Traditionally, midwives have used it as a uterine stimulant and labor-inducing aid. Today, the use of black cohosh relies on its purported efficacy in the treatment of menopausal symptoms, primarily hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and depression. Because the herb is often used by women and because of its potential use during pregnancy, the authors conducted a systemic review of the literature on the efficacy of black cohosh for a number of indications as well as for its safety during pregnancy and lactation.

This article is one in a series, with others focusing on the use of ginkgo Ginkgo biloba , St. John's wort Hypericum perforatum , and echinacea Echinacea spp.

The common and Latin names of the herb were used as keywords, along with pregnancy, lactation, and breastfeeding. The grades for evidence of efficacy and the levels of evidence for harm are presented in the article's accompanying tables. Also included are the herb's constituents, toxicology, pharmacology, and potential drug interactions. The authors report that 'strong scientific evidence' exists for the use of black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms and that 'good scientific evidence' supports the use of black cohosh combined with other herbs to treat arthritis.

The level of evidence on the herb's use during pregnancy is limited to theoretical evidence a survey of midwives in the United States and to in vitro evidence. One review article recommended that it be avoided during pregnancy and lactation because of its potential hormonal effect.

The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines reports that black cohosh stimulates blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus and is contraindicated during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Consult your medical practitioner before using black cohosh to induce labor.

Black cohosh supposedly acts as a uterine tonic, similar to red raspberry leaf tea. According to herbalists and alternative health care practitioners, it helps to prepare the uterus for contracting and stimulates labor.

A May-June article in the "Journal of Nurse-Midwifery" reports that of surveyed nurse-midwives, 45 percent had used black cohosh to stimulate labor in their patients.

The article does not note the success rate or safety of the preparation, however. Unfortunately, while black cohosh is a relatively commonly-recommended herb for late pregnancy and labor induction, there are no scientific studies that show it's either safe or effective in bringing about labor.

This is likely because it's medically difficult to conduct controlled scientific studies on pregnant women.

The limited information available about black cohosh, however, suggests that it's not likely safe, notes the American Pregnancy Association. This may be because herbs that increase uterine contractions can lead to fetal distress and premature labor. In some cases, they can even be dangerous. When it comes to inducing labor, you have to remember that any medications you take affect not just you, but your baby-to-be, too.

Is it early labor or active labor? Is it true labor or false labor? Here are the signs that will tell you when to go to the hospital for labor. Are you experiencing prodromal labor, or something else? We'll help you identify the signs and manage this type of contraction. What is precipitous labor, and who is at risk?

What should you do if it's happening to you? Read up and make a plan in case it happens to you. A new study finds that epidurals do not affect child development in their later years. A fetal arrhythmia is an irregular heart rate — too fast, too slow, or otherwise outside the norm. It's often benign. Postpartum diarrhea after a C-section is normal. Sharing our experiences of pregnancy and infant loss can help us heal.