Can pregnant women use mugwort heat therapy?
Disease description:
I am a pregnant woman, and I have recently been feeling a bit cold. I heard that applying heat with moxibustion (mugwort) may be effective, but I am unsure if it is safe. I would like to know, is it safe for pregnant women to use moxibustion heat therapy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Pregnant women have a relatively unique physical condition and are not advised to use moxibustion or mugwort heat therapy.
As a traditional Chinese herb, mugwort has the effects of warming the meridians to stop bleeding and dispersing cold to relieve pain. It can be effective in treating conditions such as infertility caused by cold uterus and irregular menstruation. For pregnant women, especially those in the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus is not yet stable, and the use of mugwort heat therapy at this time may increase the risk of miscarriage, as mugwort promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis. Therefore, during the early stages of pregnancy, it is generally not recommended for pregnant women to use mugwort heat therapy. In addition, if a pregnant woman is allergic to mugwort, she should definitely avoid using it. If a pregnant woman experiences back or joint discomfort and requires treatment, it is recommended to choose safe physical therapies under the guidance of a qualified physician, such as warm water baths or gentle massage, and avoid using herbs that may stimulate the uterus.
During pregnancy, women should not blindly use herbal medicines to avoid affecting the growth and development of the fetus. It is also important to attend regular prenatal checkups and follow the advice and instructions of a physician to ensure the health and safety of both mother and baby.
