Herbal concoction can cause birth defect - Expert warns

An Abuja based gynecologist, Dr Adaora Ukoh, has said that the consumption of herbal concoction during pregnancy could have some harmful effects on both the mother and the unborn baby.

A healthy looking baby

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, February 5, Ukoh noted that the in take of medications that do not go through scientific process could cause birth defects.

She cautioned against the practice, noting that herbal drugs do not go through scrutiny and evaluation process as other drugs as the safety was not determined.

She explained that most herbal concoction did not have specific dosage and the safety had not been established to both the pregnant mother and unborn child.

She said: “Most herbal concoction may contain agents that are contraindicated during pregnancy which can lead to high blood pressure and blood clotting. It may contain substances that can cause miscarriage, premature birth, uterine contractions as well as injury to the foetus.”

“It may cause irritation, stimulate the nervous system which leads to insomnia. Herbal concoction may excite the womb; cause liver toxicity and heart problems if administered during pregnancy. It can cause cell division and leads to birth defects, heart problems and strokes to the baby. Some of them may also cause thyroid gland enlargement as well affect the pituitary hormones,’’ she added.

Ukoh further stated that herbal concoction could also predispose a child to jaundice as well as brain damage. She advised pregnant women who indulge in such practice to desist, stressing that the herbal concoction does more harm than good.

She enjoined pregnant women to seek medical advice before administering any form of herbal drugs, adding that it is key in combating risk associated with it.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has released N99.5 billion to ​the ​federal government for the improvement of maternal, child, and nutritional health services for women and children in Nigeria.