WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for September, 1997: Re: Herbal cervix ripeners

Re: Herbal cervix ripeners

From: D. Ashley Hill, M.D. (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 30 Sep 1997 21:45:39 -0500 (CDT)

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At Mon, 29 Sep 1997, Noelle wrote: >
>Hi everyone,
>
>Does anyone have any information or experience with any herbal
>preparations to ripen the cervix and encourage labor along?

Noelle-

I have zero experience with herbal cervical ripeners, and am hoping that someone with experience (one way or the other) will answer your question. In the meantime, I would ask that you consider my opinion on "herbal" or "natural" preparations, including things other than cervical ripeners.

The overwhelming majority of people I know consider "natural" or herbal compounds to be safer than presecription medications. I feel that in many cases it is the opposite. Many of the most powerful and dangerous medications we use today come from plant or animal sources. Small quantities of some of these meds can kill. For example, digitalis, a powerful heart medication, comes from foxglove. I would never consider chewing on a handful of these leaves, nor would I consider taking a powder or liquid version. No thanks, I'll take the pill, since I know *exactly* how much of the chemical is found in each pill.

Natural compounds, which is a misnomer, since many meds come from natural sources, are also not necessarily safer than their testtube cousins. Hurricanes, lightening strikes, and alligator attacks (I'm from Florida) are all "natural" but not desirable!

Unless I am mistaken, there are no controlled medical studies to support the use of any herbal compounds for cervical ripening. Since the "medical" version of these medications (prostaglandin gel, misoprostil, etc) can cause intense and sometimes dangerous contractions, we tend to monitor patients who receive these. Unless you know exactly what dose of "herbal" chemicals you are putting inside your body, and the exact effects one might expect, why take the chance?

Finally, lest anyone think I'm a disgruntled physician who wants to make money off of prescribing medications, I'm a big fan of "non-medical" therapy using lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet, etc. I'm also a big fan of scientific evidence, which has produced huge improvements in the medical care of our citizens in the last 100 years. When a non-medical cure will work, that's great. When it requires medication or surgery, that's second best. I'll take whatever works safely and effectively, and is proven as much as is possible.

Best of luck to you with your pregnancy. I'm guessing 8:42 p.m. and 7#, 11 oz!

Ashley

--
Ashley Hill
D. Ashley Hill, M.D.
Associate Director
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency
Orlando, FL
I apologize, but I am unable to answer personal e-mail
due to time constraints.

Next message: stacy: "Re: Truth is Funnier than Fiction!"
Previous message: lise: "D&C"
In reply to: Noelle: "Herbal cervix ripeners"
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Reply: Noelle: "Re: Herbal cervix ripeners - Pt. II"

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