Does catnip stop being a risk at some point?

[Haddock_Entrap_Propulasion]

Before I got pregnant I used to smoke catnip.  Not regularly, usually only under stressful circumstances.  I'm one of the 50% give or take of the human population that does have a response to it (smoking it, specifically, most people respond to the tea), but I never really did it for the chemicals.  Anyway, I know that catnip tea is dangerous at least at some points,but I don't know if that is only at certain points in pregnancy, and I also don't know if that applies with smoking it.  Obviously I know that smoking cigarettes is dangerous, but I was under the impression that that was in large part because it constricted blood vessels, which is a result of the nicotine, and thus wouldn't be a problem with catnip.  So yeah, does anyone have a definitive answer on this?  

[Dani711]

I am glad you are checking with your dr. first.  I know the effects on a fetus when it is around a chemical that it can not take.  My last pregnancy ended because I didn't know I was pregnant (tried so long we gave up) but I was pregnant and staining alot of wood.  I can't explain how horrific it is to see the little baby you love so much so obviously not healthy on an u/s.  I am just glad you are checking in to it!

[Haddock_Entrap_Propulasion]

Wow...that's impressive.  I get what you're saying, but most humans respond more to lollipops than to nepetalactone.  I know it makes -cats- go crazy, but that doesn't happen even with humans who -do- react to it.  Even if it did...kittens under a certain age don't have a reaction to it, so for all we know neither do baby humans.  I will absolutely check it out with my doctor before doing anything...just sayin'.  

[Haddock_Entrap_Propulasion]

I was somewhat younger then.  Other aspects of my life were more complicated and I'd just found out that I wasn't going to be able to graduate that year.  I was also with a guy who, while I don't think he would have left me and the kid, certainly didn't actively -want- to be a parent.  I also wasn't aware of what 45 days on vicodin will do to your academics.  

[Dani711]

OK, so when you go to get an u/s done and your baby is sleeping and you want to see it move, the dr. will often give you a lollypop or something to suck on for a little while, then when you go back in for the u/s right after, the baby is bouncing all over the place.  I would think if a little thing like a lollypop could effect the baby, smoking something designed to make cats act like they are on crack may not be the best for the baby.  The baby books all say that what ever you put into your body goes right to the baby....

[tiredbuthappy]

sorry about that. must've been confused. I remember reading your profile a while back because I, like many others, was confused by some of the things you say. I recalled you had a previous unplanned pregnancy, and then decided you were ready to have baby. guess i assumed that since you decided to have a child that it wouldn't have been an abortion.

[worriedbabe]

hmm. if he/she does respond, i think it'd be a lot more than you given that he/she is a lot smaller

[Haddock_Entrap_Propulasion]

Yeah no, I'm not addicted.  Actually there's no evidence that catnip can be addictive...I used to do it pretty regularly, but not since I got involved with my boyfriend, because he -hates- the smell of smoke.  

I think I'm gonna ask my doctor about this at the 16 week visit, and just not do it until then...

To: pookie1121
The idea of my baby having the barely noticable human response to nepetalactone actually doesn't both me much...On the assumption that s/he is even on e of the people that -does- respond.  What concerns me is the miscarriage risk associated with drinking catnip tea.  

[Haddock_Entrap_Propulasion]

Where did you get the idea that I'd had a miscarriage...I had an abortion in May of 2008, but I've never miscarried.  

[blueeyedtabbycat]

I would definitly advise you against using while pregnant. There is not enough research done to know if it is or isnt safe to use during pregnancy. Doing something that you have to question if it is safe or not is probably not safe. Any time we smoke anything it goes to baby. Its not something that your addicted to right? Only something you do every now and than? Wait untill after the birth of your baby, PLEASE! You would be heart broken and full of guilt if something did happen to your little one and always question yourself later on down the road. Wait untill after your little one is born and than smoke all you want.............away from baby:)
This is only my opinion, but im am pretty sure the doctor will tell you the same thing.
Hope all is well,
*Tabitha*

[blueeyedtabbycat]

Ha ha, im sure your not the only one, I only know cause I have a cat:) It is a stimulant given to cats that basicly makes them high. The become more active and playful. My cat isnt big on it, she hates the smell, but if she eats just a little....its 20 minutes of entertanment for us, lol

[2lilangels]

Am i the only one who does not know what catnip is?! at the risk of sounding sheltered, what is it?!

[pookie1121]

ohh ok.  I still think it sounds funny, but if you are concerned then you should ask your doctor. He/she can probably tell you if it is ok.  

But I stick with my original assumption, if smoking is making you feel something or you have a "response" to it, then it probably isn't good.  Whatever you eat, drink, smoke, goes into your bloodstream, and the placenta and the baby are connected to that,...so if you dont want your baby smoking catnip too and getting a "response" to it too, then you shouldnt do it.

[tiredbuthappy]

i think they're OK in moderation- the risk is uterine contractions. you'd know by now if there were any problems. DH is just a poopiehead when it comes to his baby.

[alexia226]

my doctor never mentioned halls! i was sucking them down left and right 2 weeks ago when i had strep!!!  oh boy!

[tiredbuthappy]

i have heard that about other mints too... which is why pregnant women are supposed to be very careful with things like Halls. DH won't let me take any Halls.

I would avoid it. When you decide to be a mother, you are taking on a huge responsibility to do everything in your power to minimize risks to your child. Of course we can't eliminate all risks, which is why we need to try to control the ones we can. You have to compare potential risks to potential benefits and decide which weighs heavier. In this case, are the unknown risks to your fetus less important than your desire to smoke something that tastes good? ALL the decisions you make need to be considered in this manner. Given that you have suffered a miscarriage in the past, and chose to get pregnant again, I would hope you know the right thing to do.

[Haddock_Entrap_Propulasion]

It's legal, it's not addictive, it's not expensive, even for the fancy kind, and I like the way the smoke tastes.  

[Haddock_Entrap_Propulasion]

I did a lot of research, most of which turned out inconclusive,  Hence the asking here.  At least one source specifies that the risk with uterine stimulation occurs with "high doses" and specifically an "infusion"  (tea).  More than one website also attributed the same risk to all other mints, including peppermint.  And I haven't heard -anywhere- that peppermint tea is dangerous.  
With regard to the Yahoo answers things...I posted those...

[pookie1121]

Not trying to be judgemental, but I still think that smoking catnip sounds very odd....

[tiredbuthappy]

Did you try any research?
A very simple google brought up the answer immediately.
"Pregnancy/nursing
Documented adverse effects. Emmenagogue (to increase menstrual flow) and abortive effects. Catnip is contraindicated in pregnancy because of its uterine stimulant activities and may be contraindicated in certain other gynecological conditions because it could lead to excessive menstrual bleeding."

Other factors to consider: it is used a diuretic and it was used as a hallucinogen in the '60's.

http://www.drugs.com/npc/catnip.html

I found plenty of threads saying it's not good while pregnant, and several amusing ones as well.

this is an interesting thread posted 8 hours ago- http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090220024917AAJ5gfM

ooo... i like this one too
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090220021746AAnpVQe

[Dani711]

I personally do not do ANYTHING if I even have to ask if it could cause harm to my baby. When you have to even ask, it is generally not a good idea.

[tiredbuthappy]

this is definitely a question for your doctor.

[pookie1121]

I have never heard of smoking catnip and the idea seems a bit odd to me,.... but if you are saying you have a "response" to it when you smoke it, then I would assume it is not a good idea if you are pregnant.