Aloe vera is not safe in pregnancy
- Dr Tan Thiam Chye
- Jun 6, 2025
- 1 min read
Aloe vera might be beneficial for your skin, but its safety during pregnancy is concerning.
Aloe vera offers numerous health benefits, but caution is advised during pregnancy. Medical professionals do not recommend its consumption at this time. The primary concern is that it may trigger uterine contractions and lead to preterm labor. Additionally, aloe vera contains anthraquinones, which have a laxative effect. Some animal studies also indicate that aloe vera could be potentially teratogenic and impact fetal development.
Therefore, pregnant women should refrain from consuming large amounts of aloe vera products. However, aloe vera gel applied topically is safe because its systemic absorption is minimal. It can be used to moisturize the skin and alleviate itching symptoms.
Many herbalists advise avoiding aloe during pregnancy because consuming aloe vera tea might trigger womb contractions.
Mothers who are breastfeeding should be aware that aloe vera extracts can transfer into breast milk. Its laxative properties might impact the baby's digestive system, potentially leading to diarrhea and vomiting. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using aloe vera during lactation.
