Herbal Support for Pregnant Women with Cancer

Going through pregnancy is huge. Dealing with cancer is a whole other battle in itself. Going through both at the same time is beyond words. Yet women do it, and I bow down deep to you. This post is inspired by a recent consultation I did and is meant to provide some resources and perspectives on herbal support for pregnant women with cancer. Thank you for coming here, and I hope you find tidbits of useful information on your journey in this post. 

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. None of the information here should be taken as medical advice. Even if a remedy is classified as safe in Herbal Doula blog posts based on the existing evidence, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for you. The classifications in the database are just a general reference point. Follow your body, keep track of your response, and consult an herbalist, holistic practitioner, traditional midwife, or anyone else you feel may help you if you need expert advice.

A Personal Note as an Intro

(Skip to herbal remedies if you are in a rush and want to get straight to the point)

As it happens, I have been in close contact with women dealing with cancer recently. Some are close friends, some are clients, some are acquaintances. 

This topic is heavy on my heart because getting a cancer diagnosis and figuring out what to do next is heavy, messy, and difficult. No matter how strong and determined you are.  

Although I have not faced cancer myself, my late father had brain cancer (a deadly form of glioblastoma). 

I was with him from the beginning to the end, from his first symptoms to him getting diagnosed, through the shock, devastation, the chemo and radiation, researching diet, supplements, herbs—all of it. 

In fact, this is such a personal topic for me because it was precisely my dad’s struggle with cancer that first led me in the direction of exploring natural medicine and questioning mainstream medicine. Those are the beginnings of how and why I decided to dedicate my life to natural medicine and herbs. 

At the time, I was in my last year of university, completing an MSc in Pharmacy. Then I was suddenly disillusioned—because I started reading the studies on the treatments that were being offered to my dad, trying to piece the information together and make sense of it. In his case, the doctors didn’t do this, and it fell on me to dig out the data. 

Seeing that the treatments he was being offered would, at best, only delay the progression of his cancer by a couple of months, I started researching alternatives that he could try alongside conventional treatment. I went deep down into the rabbithole, down into the world of alternative cancer therapies, herbs, diets, everything and anything I could get my hands on. 

The whole journey I went through with my dad is too long for this post. My dad didn’t make it, and in the end, I could not force the natural treatments I was researching on him. 

This was another lesson learnt, as someone who later went on to do health consultations with people. I can only give support, information, and resources. I cannot make someone else do something that I (think I) would do (here’s something key in birth work as well!). Everyone’s journey is unique. 

And you as YOU going through cancer can only do so much, and muster the energy you have in a way that feels meaningful. 

Find a combination of helpful modalities that work for you—be they herbs, meditation, prayer, conventional treatments, psychotherapy, forest therapy, a special diet—whatever likely or unlikely combo that you feel makes sense. But you do not have to do it all. You cannot do it all. However much you are managing, that’s great. 

If you’re pregnant and have cancer, I’m tempted to say that you are a superhuman. Yet, I don’t like that term, because all of these great feats we are capable of as human beings and as women are so divinely human that describing them as anything else does them a disservice. 

The same goes for if you have small kids and are faced with cancer. 

I see you, I honor you. From the bottom of my heart and soul. 

So, with this personal intro, I invite you to continue reading about herbs and natural remedies that you may find useful on your path. This guide and list are not exhaustive, but they’re a starting point. 

If you’re interested in doing 1:1 sessions with me, please head on over to this page. 

Special Herbal Safety Considerations in Pregnant Women with Cancer 

Questions to Ask

Questions to consider asking yourself and discussing with your team if you have cancer, are pregnant, and want to use herbal medicines:

• Is this herb considered to be safe in pregnancy? If not, what are the possible risks?
• Are there any ways to mitigate these risks with nutrition/other holistic strategies?
• Are the risks more specific to the first, second, or third trimester?
• Are there ways to monitor these risks? What does this involve (e.g. ultrasound, blood tests, tracking symptoms)?
• What are the realistic benefits of this herb for my situation? What are the chances of it improving my symptoms?
• Are the benefits worth the risks?
• How do these risks and benefits compare to the risks and benefits of chemotherapy, radiation, or other offered treatments for the cancer?
• If taking chemotherapy: does this herb interact with my chemotherapy? How? Can it reduce side effects?
• If undergoing radiation: does this herb affect radiation efficacy or side effects? How?

A Nuanced Risk-Benefits Approach

I believe that all risk assessment should be personal. Although I provide a safety categorization for each natural remedy in the Herbal Doula Database based on an assessment of the scientific and traditional medicine data, this is still relative and depends on your situation. Risk is not absolute, and everyone is unique and responds differently. 

This is especially true in pregnancy, and it becomes critical when pregnancy and cancer care intersect. 

Pregnant women who are generally healthy and are considering using certain herbs, in most cases, don’t really need to use the herbs and remedies that carry risks. Alternatives with a longer history of traditional use or with more research are usually available. Diet and mindfully chosen mild herbal infusions are usually sufficient and work well. 

The situation is drastically different when you have cancer and are pregnant. This requires a careful risk-benefit assessment that you should be the key decision maker in. 

For example, even if a herb is typically categorized as to be used with caution in pregnancy, you may decide to use it. You will need to consider your symptoms, the potential risks, and how you plan on mitigating the risks and tracking them based on how you decide to go through your pregnancy. 

Some pregnant women with cancer decide to go to high-risk OBGYNs and have a closely monitored pregnancy. This gives you room to try out certain herbs that may be typically associated with higher risks in a healthy pregnancy, but you can track if the parameters related to your pregnancy and baby are ok from appointment to appointment. Alongside this, you would also be tracking how you feel. 

The risks of the herbal regimen may still be lower than those of chemotherapy, or the herbs you are considering using may lower the risks of chemotherapy and radiation, even if they carry some risk. 

Some women with cancer may decide not to have a highly monitored pregnancy. In this case, tracking how you feel and respond to herbs and being in touch with a midwife, herbalist, or other experienced holistic practitioner may help you navigate pregnancy and herbal support options. 

Chemotherapy and Radiation Risks & Side Effects During Pregnancy

Women are often offered chemotherapy and radiation as cancer treatment during pregnancy. 

The risks of chemotherapy during pregnancy include (MothertoBaby – NIH):

• Increased chance of miscarriage in the first trimester
• Increased chance of birth defects if exposure happens in the first trimester 
• Greater risk of preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, NICU admission with exposure to chemotherapy in the second and third trimesters
• A temporary reduction in some of the baby’s blood cells with chemotherapy exposure in the second and third trimesters

These risks depend on the exact medication, dosage, and duration of treatment.

Other common side effects of chemotherapy include (Pearce et al., 2017; Henry et al., 2008; Kalathil & Thanavala, 2016): 

• Fatigue
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Mouth and gut sores (mucositis)
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
• Rash
• Pain
• Nausea/vomiting
• Chest pain
• Immunosuppression

Less common side effects also include (Nurgali et al., 2018)

• Kidney damage (nephrotoxicity)
• Muscle wasting 
• Cognitive impairment (neurotoxicity), often described as “brain fog”
• Depression, mood changes, poor muscle control (ataxia), and insomnia (due to chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy)

Usually, an oncologist will sit down to speak with you about the potential risks and benefits of receiving chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy while pregnant. 

The same should be done with herbal treatments, but the issue is that most oncologists and OBGYNs are not familiar with herbs and dietary supplements. A US study found that just 41% of oncologists discussed the use of herbs and supplements with their patients. Only 26% of discussions were initiated by the oncologist. Many oncologists indicated a lack of knowledge and education as a barrier. In turn, patients are hesitant to openly speak about the herbs and supplements they plan on taking (Lee et al., 2014). 

Safety Across Trimesters

The safety of herbs (as well as any compounds) varies across pregnancy trimesters. 

Generally, the greatest caution is advised in the first trimester when organogenesis happens. By the end of the first trimester, all the baby’s major organs are formed and the risk of malformations goes down. Most birth defects happen in the first trimester (Webster & Freeman, 2003). 

The risk of miscarriage is also higher in the first trimester, so avoiding any drugs or herbs that may trigger miscarriage is usually recommended. 

However, the risks tend to be overemphasized for herbs and underestimated for pharmaceuticals.

For example, one analysis found that the teratogenic risk (the risk of a drug causing harm in pregnancy) in human pregnancy was still undetermined for 91.2% of drug treatments approved in the United States between 1980 and 2000. 80% of approved drugs were classified as having an “undetermined” teratogenic risk (Lo & Friedman, 2002).

On the other hand, analysis of herbal safety data in pregnancy indicates that the greatest number of herbs are classified as requiring caution in pregnancy, whereas only 21% are considered to be contraindicated (Kennedy et al., 2016).  

In the second and third trimesters, the risks may come either from active compounds crossing the placenta and affecting the further development of the baby or affecting the mother directly. In the second and early third trimester, special care needs to be taken to avoid remedies that may cause uterine contractions or increase the risk of preterm birth. 

It’s also important to consider the potential effect of remedies (and medications) on brain development and nutrient uptake in the second and third trimesters. Optimizing diet and nutrient intake is vital. 

Cancer Type Specificity 

Many herbs are considered to be supportive for cancer. However, they often vary in how specifically they target a certain type of cancer. 

These herbs also vary in their mechanisms of action. Some are primarily antioxidants, others are anti-inflammatory, others may induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), block cell proliferation, suppress angiogenesis (the formation of cancer blood vessels), and/or modulate signaling pathways associated with cancer progression. Many herbs act through a combination of these mechanisms (Jenca et al., 2024). 

When you’re researching herbs that you may want to use, be sure to get an overview of their mechanism of action and the types of cancer they may target. 

Dosage & Formulation

Dosage is always important when we talk about safety. A herb may be safe in pregnancy at lower doses but pose risks with increasing dosages. Also, if you’re using several herbs at the same time, they may act together in synergy, and lower doses would be needed. This often reduces the risk of side effects. 

Formulation is equally important. Traditionally, many herbs are used as infusions or whole-plant tinctures. This may mean that the concentration of a specific active compound is lower (as with turmeric), but it ensures that the whole array of active compounds in the plant is present. These additional compounds often increase bioavailability or help reduce side effects. 

When active compounds are isolated from plants and given as such (as with curcumin), the chance of side effects tends to go up and bioavailability tends to go down. This then leads to companies needing to specially formulate the active compound, creating expensive and patented formulations that may not be more efficacious. 

Drug Interactions & The Importance of an Interdisciplinary Team

Herbs may interact with drugs. These interactions may be insignificant. However, sometimes they can be serious and can affect the action of either the herb or the drug. 

One study estimated that 78% of patients on chemotherapy use herbal and supplementary medicine (Fasinu & Rapp, 2019).

Some herbs can also help reduce chemotherapy side effects and have an important supportive role in treatment and recovery. 

Ideally, oncologists, pharmacists, and herbalists should work together to avoid dangerous interactions and support the patient in an integrative treatment approach to cancer treatment. 

Listing all potential drug-herb interactions in oncology is beyond the scope of this post. If you need support in navigating this, talk with your healthcare provider. As a pharmacist herbalist, I also do drug-herb interaction assessment, so you may get in touch via my coaching page. 

Herbal Support for Cancer & Chemotherapy/Radiation Side Effects

Likely Safe:

Essiac Tea

Essiac is a botanical formulation of the following four herbs (Seely et al., 2007):

• Burdock root (Artium lappa): ~60%
• Sheep sorrel leaves (Rumex acetosella): ~30%
• Slippery elm inner bark (Ulmus rubra): ~8%
• Indian or Turkey rhubarb root (Rheum officinale Baillon/Rheum palmatum L.): ~2%

None of the herbs in Essiac have been linked with pregnancy complications, but some caution is advised, especially in the first trimester. Rhubarb is typically contraindicated in pregnancy since it has a laxative effect, but its small concentration in Essiac makes this an unlikely risk. 

Essiac was popularized in the 1920s by the Canadian nurse Rene Caisse (Cassileth, 2011).

Researchers have identified antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-balancing compounds in Essiac (Leonard et al., 2006; Kabeel et al., 2018).

Essiac is among the most commonly used complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) supplements taken by cancer patients (Dy et al., 2004).

High-quality Essiac clinical trials are lacking. One incomplete clinical trial and one review of reports on cancer patients who took Essiac have been published (Ulbricht et al., 2009). 

Essiac is not the same as Flor-Essence. Flor-Essence is a more recent, modified Essiac product that also includes:

• Red clover blossom (Trifolium pratense)
• Blessed thistle herb (Carduus benedictus)
• Kelp (Laminaria digitata)
• Watercress herb (Nasturtium officinale)

Burdock Root

Burdock root is traditionally used to cleanse toxins from the body, help fight infection, and relieve coughs and skin issues (Chan et al., 2011; Don & Yap, 2019).

Herbalists consider burdock to be primarily an alterative/depurative herb. Alterative herbs help detoxify the body. Burdock supports the elimination of metabolic waste via the liver, digestion, lymphatic system, and skin.

The main active compounds in burdock are arctigenin and arctiin, present in all parts of the plant. Arctigenin is being researched for its anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties (Gao et al., 2018). 

The American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook did not identify any concerns for burdock use while pregnant, but points out that its safety has not been conclusively established. 

It’s important to get burdock from a reputable source, since cases of burdock contamination with toxic herbs like Digitalis (foxglove leaves) have been reported.

Moringa

Moringa is a nutrient-rich superfood that also supports the immune system. Limited research suggests that it may have cancer-fighting properties. It is being studied in breast, liver, and colorectal cancer (Al-Asmari et al., 2015; Abd-Rabou et al., 2017). 

In traditional medicine systems, it’s valued for its ability to penetrate into the deep tissues of the bone marrow and regenerate cells. Moringa is safe to use in pregnancy. 

Access the free Moringa Monograph in the Herbal Doula Database. 

Reishi

Reishi is an immune-balancing medicinal mushroom with soothing effects on the nervous system. Reishi also helps balance blood sugar and blood pressure. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, reishi is believed to extend life and promote health. It’s considered to have potential anti-cancer properties, which are being investigated (Unlu et al., 2016). 

The American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook did not identify any concerns for reishi use while pregnant, but points out that its safety has not been conclusively established.

According to Aviva Romm (Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health), reishi is a herb with low toxicity that can be given in therapeutic doses throughout pregnancy (6-12 g for decoction, 1-4 g of a 5:1 powdered extract).

Turmeric

Turmeric is an amazing anti-inflammatory, soothing herb that holds a special place in Ayurveda. Turmeric has been extensively studied as an anti-cancer agent, antioxidant, and radioprotective herb. More research is needed to establish its efficacy in cancer (Cozmin et al., 2024), but it’s considered to be very safe when used at the recommended dosages. 

Turmeric should be used with some caution in the first trimester, especially in women with IVF pregnancies or a history of miscarriages. It can be safely used in the second and third trimesters. 

Read the full free Turmeric Monograph here. If you want a professional, in-depth overview of Turmeric during pregnancy and breastfeeding, get the Herbal Doula Turmeric & Curcumin Pro Monograph (for the price of a coffee!). 

Ginger 

Ginger is one of the best-researched and most widely used natural remedies in pregnancy. Ginger is also being researched for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, anticancer, and antimutagenic effects (Kaur et al., 2016).

Head on over the the Free Herbal Doula Ginger Monograph here to learn more about ginger safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding. 

St John’s Wort 

St John’s wort is better known as a mood-uplifting herb, but it also has immune-balancing properties. Ongoing research is examining its potential anticancer effects (Menegrazzi et al., 2020). 

An additional benefit to taking St John’s wort if you have cancer is to help support mood imbalances and depression treatment. Depression is a common issue in cancer patients due to high levels of stress and the side effects of chemotherapy (Klemow et al, 2011). 

Research from the MotherToBaby program suggests that St John’s wort doesn’t increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, or other pregnancy or fetal complications. 

However, St John’s wort is known to interact with many medications by inducing liver enzymes (Nicolussi et al., 2020). Be sure to talk to your healthcare team before adding it to your regimen. 

To Be Used with Caution:

Astragalus

Astragalus is an adaptogenic and tonic herb that is widely used in China during cancer treatment. Chinese scientific reviews suggest that it may stimulate healthy cells of the immune system and decrease chemotherapy side effects (Taixiang et al., 2005). 

One analysis of clinical trials using Chinese herbal medicine (including astragalus) and chemotherapy in over 2000 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma found improved survival at 12 months, compared with chemotherapy alone (Shu et al., 2005). 

Astragulus is a B2 pregnancy category herb, according to the Mills and Bone Classification for Herbs in Pregnancy. This means that it has been “taken by only a limited number of pregnant women and women of childbearing age, without an increase in the frequency of malformations or other direct or indirect harmful effects on the human fetus having been observed. Studies in animals have not shown evidence of an increased occurrence of fetal damage.” Overall, B2 herbs can be taken with some caution until more data come out. 

Cumin

Cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum) is a digestive and antioxidant spice. Research suggests that it also has anticancer properties, and it’s being investigated against bone cancer (Chandrasekaran et al., 2023). 

Cumin is considered to be safe in food amounts during pregnancy. Caution is warranted with higher dosages, especially in the first trimester. In animal studies, large doses of cumin have antifertility activity (Al-Khamis et al., 1988). 

Black Seed

Cumin shouldn’t be confused with black seed (Nigella Sativa). Black seed is a potent anti-inflammatory that helps balance the immune system and may be helpful for people with allergies (Gul et al., 2022). 

It contains thymoquinone (TQ), an active compound that’s being studied for its anti-cancer properties. Thymoquinone is suspected to suppress tumor development, growth, and metastasis, but more research is needed (Majdalawieh et al., 2017). 

 Black cumin is also considered ok in food amounts in pregnancy, but it should be used with caution. Its effects on pregnancy and the uterus are unclear. On the one hand, it’s being studied for preventing preeclampsia in pregnancy (Rahma et al., 2017). 

On the other hand, it may affect the ripening of the cervix and uterine contractions. It’s even being studied for improving the outcomes of missed abortions by helping dilate the cervix (Mohammadi et al., 2024). 

Artemisinin and Artesunate (Artemisia Annua)

Sweet wormwood or sweet annie (Artemisia Annua) is typically described as contraindicated in pregnancy, but we need to look at its safety more specifically. 

Data indicates that sweet annie and its active compounds should be avoided in the first trimester but are likely safe in the second and third trimesters. 

The main compounds in sweet annie are artemisinin, arteannuin B, and artemisinic acid. Artesunate is a semi-synthetic pharmaceutical produced from artemisinin in sweet annie. Although artesunate is mainly used for malaria treatment, it’s also being researched as an anti-cancer compound for brain, breast, and colorectal cancer (Fan et al., 2024; Jenca et al., 2024).  

Artemisinins, including artesunate, are deadly to animals in early pregnancy studies, and there is limited experience with their use in the first trimester. However, when artemisins are compared to standard malaria drugs used in pregnancy, they were more efficacious and safe for use in pregnant women. No studies detected an increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or congenital anomalies associated with first-trimester exposure to artesunate (Kovacs et al., 2015). 

Researchers highlight that although the WHO recommends using either quinine or artesunate for the treatment of severe malaria in first-trimester pregnancies, research findings suggest that artesunate should be the preferred treatment option for severe malaria in all trimesters  (Kovacs et al., 2015). 

Studies haven’t yet similarly compared artemisins to cancer treatments in pregnancy, but the available data is promising. 

As with malaria, the management of cancer in pregnancy needs to weigh the risks and benefits of treating the cancer and the potential for adverse events for the pregnancy and fetus. 

Nonetheless, these are potent plant bioactives and should only be used under the guidance of experienced practitioners and an interdisciplinary team. 

Chaga

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is an immune-boosting and tonic medicinal mushroom with a long history of use among folk herbalists in Siberia, northern Canada, and northern Asia (Balandaykin et al., 2015).

Chaga also has anti-cancer properties that are being investigated. It’s being researched against bladder cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma in animals (Abugomaa et al., 2023; Youn et al., 2009; Arata et al., 2016).

Chaga became famous thanks to Nobel Prize winner Alexander Solzhenitsyn, who wrote about the properties of chaga in his book Cancer Ward, published in 1968.

Data on chaga safety in pregnancy is limited. Based on the available data, chaga can likely be used with caution in pregnancy. You can read more in the free Herbal Doula Chaga monograph. 

Shilajit

Shilajit is a mysterious plant-mineral remedy that’s widely used in Ayurveda and Traditional Tibetan Medicine. It’s high in minerals, nutrients, and fulvic acid. Shilajit is thought to penetrate deep into tissues and aid detoxification. It’s also an adaptogen and it helps boost energy and balance the stress response (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012; Kamgar et al., 2023).

Shilajit is being researched for its anti-cancer effects and for reducing the side effects of chemotherapy (Kloskowski et al., 2021; Jambi et al., 2022).  

Shilajit should be used with caution in pregnancy. Learn more in the free monograph or get the Pro Shilajit Monograph to go beyond the surface-level understanding of shilajit and uncover its potential and limitations when working with pregnant and breastfeeding women. 

Likely Risky:

The following herbs show anticancer potential but are also linked to pregnancy or fetal development risks:

• Graviola
• Periwinkle
• Basil
• Safflower
• Angelica

If you want to use any of the above herbs, have a careful discussion with your oncology team and OBGYN. 

Herbal Support for Stress, Sleep & Mood

Stress, mood imbalances, anxiety, and sleep issues are common complaints for women with cancer. Sleep and stress can also be issues for pregnant women in general. Here are some herbs that may help balance the stress response and mood if you are pregnant:

• Chamomille
• Lemon balm 
• Passionflower
• Ashwagandha
• Turmeric 

The listed herbs are either safe or can be used with caution in pregnancy. As always, more caution is recommended in the first trimester. All herb use should be individualized and assessed based on your overall health and other supplements or medications you may be taking. 

Other herbs and natural remedies that may help with sleep and stress but whose safety needs to be assessed are CBD, hops (likely can be used with caution in small amounts), and rhodiola. 

The topic of CBD is interesting, as many women report using CBD in pregnancy. The research is pretty messy due to various CBD legal regulations around the world that limit research on this topic and the fact that many women who use CBD also use cannabis (DeGenna et al., 2023). Stay tuned for a Herbal Doula monograph on this compound!

The Amazonian hypnotic sleep aid mulungu had toxic effects on pregnant rats in early pregnancy (Proenca et al., 2012). There is no data about its use among pregnant women in cultures where this herb is widespread. Until more data come out, it’s safer to avoid mulungu in pregnancy 

Lifestyle & Nutrition Considerations

Sunlight Exposure & Circadian Rhythm 

Sunlight exposure helps sync the circadian rhythm, boosts vitamin D and melatonin production, and balances the stress response in the body. In turn, sun exposure improves sleep quality, immunity, and mood (Mead, 2008; Lee et al., 2014). The importance of getting some sunlight each day and prioritizing sun exposure in the morning can’t be stressed enough!

If you can get sunlight and nature exposure at the same time, that’s fantastic. Research shows that just looking at nature can reduce the stress response and lower cortisol levels (Jimenez et al., 2021).
Regular sun exposure, a wholesome diet, and physical activity are the foundation of health. It can be hard to lead a healthy lifestyle when you’re battling cancer and pregnancy. But sometimes, just making it a habit to take a short walk outside as soon as you wake up makes all the difference. 

There are truly no herbal or supplement replacements for sun exposure. 

Foods

Both cancer management and pregnancy have specific nutritional requirements, but many overlap. The essence comes down to getting enough plant-based antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients without sacrificing your intake of healthy fats and protein that are essential to a healthy pregnancy. 

The American National Cancer Institute (NCI) identified a range of foods with cancer-preventive potential in three categories (Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy – Kerry Bone, Simon Mills):

• High anticancer activity: garlic, soy, ginger, licorice, and the umbelliferous vegetables (e.g. carrots, celery, parsley, and parsnips).
• Moderate anticancer activity: onions, linseed (flaxseed), citrus, turmeric, cruciferous vegetables (e.g.broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower), solanaceous vegetables (tomatoes and peppers), brown rice, and whole wheat.
• Modest anticancer activity: oats, barley, cucumber, and the kitchen herbs such as the mints, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and basil.

In addition, be sure to read about the most important nutrients for the first trimester. Many are also essential in later pregnancy.

Meditation & Mind-Body Practices

Mind-body techniques have been found to lower distress and lead to improvements in different aspects of quality of life in people with cancer (Chaoul et al., 2014). 

Finding mind-body practices that help you de-stress and ground amid the chaos of cancer management and pregnancy can make a big difference. 

Whether that’s meditation, prayer, song, journaling, yoga, tai chi, dance, ceremony—the intention behind dedicating time to tune in to your body, soul, and pregnancy is key.