Dr. Reetika
Obstetrics and Gynecology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a 37-year-old female and have two kids. I have two questions. The first one is about taking herbal supplements in early pregnancy. I take several herbal supplements, some of which several times a day. I just found out I am about five and a half weeks pregnant. However, I have been taking those supplements for a while, not knowing I was pregnant. The supplements I am most concerned with are cinnamon and dong Quai. I take them for cleansing and fertility. However, I know they are not good once you are pregnant. I am deeply concerned about the potential effects they may have on a developing baby. I have read it can cause congenital disabilities. Do you think taking them for one week will have caused many issues? The second question I have is about late implantation. I had cramping and spotting that matches implantation bleeding (in terms of it being pinkish brown), only a couple of spots, and lasted only two days. The only issue is that it happened 15 to 16 days past ovulation, which I know is late. I have read that late implantation can be due to abnormalities of the uterine lining or the embryo. I also read medical reports stating late implantation increases the chance of miscarriage. I am trying to figure out if the supplements I took could have delayed implantation, or maybe there might be something wrong. I am concerned because I have zero pregnancy symptoms (besides a positive pregnancy test). With my previous children, I had horrible morning sickness immediately that lasted the whole first trimester. I feel uneasy about everything. I have my first prenatal appointment in the next five days., I am just hoping for some insight now as well.
I appreciate any help you can provide.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I fully understand your concern and will surely help you.
I appreciate your in-depth knowledge of the subject. For the first part of the question, you are correct up to a certain extent, cinnamon and dong Quai affect the flow of blood to the uterus, and that may cause and not compulsorily cause problems infertility and not straight away congenital disabilities. Secondly, since the supplements are known to influence menstrual flow and pattern, there is a possibility that it has led to late implantation. Here I would like to know some details about your menstrual cycle length and flow and how you keep track of your ovulation. Late ovulation is said to increase miscarriage, but at five and half weeks of pregnancy, it is debatable to comment on the chances of miscarriage as early pregnancy is a susceptible period, and many factors affect a female in this phase. Did you get any tests? Various markers give an insight into congenital disabilities but not so early. Please answer my queries about your menstrual pattern and ovulation and keep hope. Without any medical tests, we should not feel negative. I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy. Feel free to ask any questions or to share any additional information.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor for the reply,
My cycles are, on average, 24 days long. I would also say over the past roughly eight months, they have gotten substantially heavier, to the point of passing larger clots, which I have never really had before. I track my ovulation monthly. I am also very in tune with my body. I get ovulation cramps, heavy cervical mucus, and bad pelvic pain on the right or left side when I ovulate. I know once it is complete because all physical symptoms subside for me once completed. Being aware of my body has made it easy for me to get pregnant in the past with my first two children. Also, one thing you said about supplements interfering more with fertility rather than congenital disabilities. Did I understand that correctly?
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
I must appreciate for understanding of your body process and development so well. That is a great achievement, I must say. A fetus gets its nourishment from the uterine wall through the placenta, and with herbal supplements, the flow of blood gets regulated. As long as the number of supplements was moderate, there is no need to worry, but if the quantity or dose was more, we might wait for the tests and ultrasound scan to see if there is any problem. Besides that, 37 years of age, although not late, is also not the ideal age for pregnancy. So it may also affect the way pregnancy progresses, so do not feel bad about taking herbal supplements. Congenital disabilities are sometimes just unexplained and happen due to various reasons, including genetic causes. In your case, you have had two healthy pregnancies and two healthy kids, so do not worry and wait as a physical examination will clear out many things. An ultrasound and later double and triple markers will clear things subsequently if they are there at all. Be positive and cheer up. Do not worry, and I am always there to help you.
Regards.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor for the help,
You have been so helpful. The implantation bleeding that I described occurred three days after my missed period. It matches all the descriptions of implantation bleeding, leading me to believe I had late implantation. Is it possible that perhaps it was breakthrough bleeding and not implantation bleeding? Do both types of bleeding look similar, and can someone experience breakthrough bleeding soon after a missed period? I have never experienced any bleeding and either of my prior pregnancies, neither implantation nor breakthrough bleeding. That is why I am having some confusion around this. I apologize for so many doubts. You seem incredibly knowledgeable, and I do appreciate your help.
Thank you so much.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is too early to tell about the effects of herbal supplements on the fetus or the fate of pregnancy. It is all or none phenomenon. Every pregnancy is different, and your body reacts differently with age. Some ladies continue to have regular periods up to three months even after conceiving. Please do not take so much stress. At this stage, a scan can only tell you about the well-being of a baby. Yes, generally, both breakthrough and implantation bleeding may look similar.
Take care.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Related Questions
Is it normal to urinate often during implantation bleeding?
I had miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy in the last six months. Is it endometriosis?
Does miscarriage affect fertility?
Can Lasik or ICL implantation done by controlling the eye pressure?
I started bleeding six days early. Is it implantation bleeding?
I doubt whether it is implantation bleeding or withdrawal bleeding. Please help.
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
