Is Echinacea ok to take when pregnant?

[HoracetheHedgehog]

I've a really nice Echinacea tea that I've been avoiding since I found out I was pregnant but I'm starting to get a bit worried about the Swine Flu and thought I'd like to boost my immune system a bit.

Does anyone know if it's safe to take when pregnant?

TIA

[chaya5738]

I am not sure but I am skeptical about the benefits of echinacea generally. I reckon you could boost your system just by eating the usual fruit and veges (especially citrus fruit) and exercising.

[AuroraB]

I asked my Dr, i was taking it when i became pregnant after having had a cold for about 6 months, and he said to stop. The theory being that the possible benefits are unproven and the possible side effects totally unreasearched and untested.

[Jackaroo]

I would be wary of taking anything that has immune-affecting properties whilst pg., given that pg. is one big immunity conundrum...

Oh, and found this which backs up my suspicions (although there are plenty saying it's fine!):

"Ronald J. Ruggiero, professor of clinical pharmacy and obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, University of California, San Francisco:
Echinacea isn't recommended during pregnancy because it could stimulate your uterus and cause premature labor. And since your immune system changes when you're pregnant to give you extra protection against illness, you don't want to take anything that could interfere with that process. The one published study on echinacea in pregnancy didn't find any increased risk for birth defects, but it was too limited to be definitive."

[HoracetheHedgehog]

Thanks everyone for replying - guess I'll have to take chaya's advice and eat more fruit and veg then