Is Red Clover Safe for Pregnant Women?
Even though red clover is a “natural” product, it does not automatically imply that it is safe for use during pregnancy. Red clover contains phytoestrogens (also known as isoflavones or plant estrogens). These naturally occurring compounds are similar to estrogen. They bind to estrogen receptors, although they are weaker than normal estrogens. As a result, they may act as anti-estrogens because they bind to estrogen receptors that would otherwise be stimulated by normal estrogens, which are more potent. Because estrogen is an important hormone in pregnancy, any medication or herb that acts as an anti-estrogen could cause serious problems.
