Herbal concoction causes birth defects

Dr Adaora Ukoh, an Abuja based gynaecologist, has warned that herbal concoction could be harmful to the mother and the unborn baby as well as lead to birth defects.

Ukoh said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

She described herbal concoction as medications that come in different forms which did not go through scientific process. 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.

“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 warned.

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

Ukoh also 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.