Are There Dangers To Using Aloe Vera Gel During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

The topical use of certain plant active ingredients, such as essential oils, is prohibited during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, this is not the case for aloe vera gel. Its application on the skin, except at the level of the nipples, during these periods is not contraindicated. Pregnant or breast-feeding women can thus take advantage of its numerous virtues for skin health, in particular to prevent the appearance of stretch marks, common during pregnancy.

• Aloe vera gel softens the skin and promotes its elasticity. Rich in vitamins, amino acids and minerals essential to the skin, it helps reduce signs of skin slackening such as stretch marks. It acts by intensifying the activity of fibroblasts, which promotes the production of elastin and collagen. The glucomannan in aloe vera gel actually stimulates TGF-β1, the fibroblast growth factor.

• The aloe vera gel has healing virtues. Its application to the skin activates the regeneration and reconstruction of skin tissue. This makes this botanical active ingredient an ally in preventing the appearance of stretch marks, which are often correlated with a sudden distension of the skin.

A recent study showed that the topical use of aloe vera gel by pregnant women limited the progression of purplish stretch marks, which often appear between the sixth and seventh month of pregnancy. However, no study has yet been done on the effect of aloe vera on white stretch marks. It should also be noted that the application of aloe vera gel will never completely remove stretch marks.

It is important to use only the translucent 

liquid aloe vera gel and not the latex. 

The latter contains aloin molecules 

that are potentially allergenic when applied topically.

If the direct application of aloe vera gel or an aloe vera-based product on the skin does not present any contraindications, there are dangers of aloe vera during pregnancy or breastfeeding when ingested orally. As a matter of fact, the latex of aloe vera, usually consumed for its laxative power, is likely to cause contractions of the uterus and to lead to a miscarriage. 

It is the same during the period of breastfeeding, the aloin of the aloe vera, responsible for its laxative effect, can enter the composition of the maternal milk and impact the health of the infant. It can then cause diarrhea or dehydration of the baby. It is notably for this reason that the mother must avoid applying aloe vera gel on her breasts during the period of breastfeeding.