Can I drink aloe vera juice during pregnancy?
Avoid Avoid drinking it; gel on skin is fine
Avoid drinking aloe vera juice in pregnancy. The latex in aloe acts as a strong laxative and may cause contractions. Aloe vera gel used on your skin is considered safe.
Is aloe vera juice safe in pregnancy?
The part of the aloe plant just under the skin contains latex, which acts as a strong laxative. Strong laxatives can cause cramping, dehydration and possibly contractions. Many aloe juices and supplements contain some latex, and their quality varies widely. Applied to the skin, aloe gel is not absorbed in meaningful amounts.
Benefits
- Aloe gel can soothe sunburn and dry skin
Risks to know about
- Strong laxative effect, which can cause cramping and dehydration
- May cause contractions
- Products vary in strength and purity
How to drink it safely
- Avoid aloe juice, aloe drinks and aloe supplements while pregnant
- Use aloe gel on your skin if it helps
- For constipation, try fibre, water and walking, and ask a pharmacist about safe laxatives
Questions about aloe vera juice in pregnancy
Is aloe vera gel safe on stretch marks?
Yes. Applying aloe gel to your skin is considered safe, though there's little evidence it prevents stretch marks.
Can I drink aloe vera juice after delivery?
It's best avoided while breastfeeding too, because the laxative compounds may pass into breast milk.
Are aloe drinks with pieces safe?
Commercial aloe drinks usually contain small amounts, but quality varies. It's simplest to avoid them in pregnancy.
General information, not medical advice. If you have a condition such as gestational diabetes or an allergy, ask your doctor or midwife what's right for you.