If you’re pregnant or nursing, your first concern is whether your baby is safe, fed, and developing. The maternal instinct can override all others. In nature, some animals even forego feeding themselves so that their young can eat.
Human animals aren’t much different. But thankfully, modern women are doing a better job of taking care of themselves, too: after all, we can’t care for others if we don’t care for ourselves.
So if you’re interested in taking nootropics while pregnant or nursing, check out the ingredients we flagged. And as always, consult your doctor or OBGYN before beginning any supplement routine.
What to Stay Away From
Unfortunately, I did find evidence that two popular and effective nootropic ingredients should definitely be avoided. One is an old favorite of herbal medicines, Ginkgo Biloba.
According to a study published in the National Institutes of Health, Ginkgo can interfere with platelet formation, making it dangerous for mothers, especially around the third trimester and labor.
The second ingredient we found that you might want to steer clear from is L-Theanine. While this amino acid has been used in a number of highly rated nootropics, according to a ScienceDirect article written for medical professionals, L-Theanine may cause problems for nursing or pregnant women, though it is generally well-tolerated by other populations.
An Ingredient for All
One piece of good news, a common ingredient in a number of nootropic and other supplements is actually excellent for pregnant women. And that’s Choline.
Available by itself, or in a number of forms including the brand name Citicoline, Choline is an important component of the neuron-firing mechanism involving acetylcholine, or ACT.
Bottom Line
While I did a fairly exhaustive research project on this, it is important to remember that the final decision needs to be between yourself and your doctor. Only you can decide what’s best for your body and your baby, in consultation with a medical professional who knows your history and other indicators.