Q: I would like to hear from other midwives who have dealt with pinworms in
pregnancy. Did the women experience periodic spotting? Also what, if any,
natural remedies are effective and safe in pregnancy?
-Deren Bader
Pinworms and spotting in pregnancy are not related. However, it would be
important to rule out irritated hemorrhoids or other causes of bleeding
from scratching efforts. Pinworms are fairly common and have a life cycle
of about 2-6 weeks. They are transmitted by hand to mouth contact and
emerge from the anus to lay their eggs. The resulting irritation causes the
host to scratch; the cycle is repeated when unwashed hands touch food or
the mouth. The ova can live up to three weeks.
Before medications for pinworms were developed, gentian violet was taken
internally for 10 days to kill the worms. It cannot be used internally in
pregnancy, but it does raise the possibility of external use at the anus to
kill emerging worms. Some Naturopaths prescribe spigelia for pinworms. It
is safe to use in pregnancy. Others suggest ingestion of pumpkins seeds and
garlic for a period of ten days to two weeks. It is important for all
family members to be treated and this includes bathing every morning to
wash away ova that have been deposited outside the anus. Snug fitting
underwear and regular handwashing as well as washing of bedsheets will also
reduce reinfestation.
-Maryl Smith
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I recently had a client with pinworms in the first trimester. She also had
vaginal yeast infection, bacterial vaginosis, and urinary tract infection.
She came in with constant, dull aching throughout her abdomen, no spotting
or bleeding.
I couldn't find any effective natural remedy for pinworms. So I treated the
UTI first, emphasized hygiene and the need for lots of water, and discussed
symptom relief through the use of warm packs. After 12 weeks gestation, the
pharmacist told me we could use Vermox pinworm medication to treat the
pinworm. Yogurt, garlic suppositories, and Monistat were used for the yeast
infection. The bacterial infection was severe, so we decided to use a
Metrogel prescription. She is now fine.
-S.K.
====
Pumpkin seeds as a remedy for pinworms is very effective. It will kill them
and eliminate them from the body. I don't have specific advice other than
to eat them until the problem resolves, and then, I'd advise until three
weeks after that to ensure no hatching visitors. A quarter cup three times
a day seems like a reasonable amount.
-Beth Germano
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Reprinted from Midwifery Today E-News (Vol 2 Issue 11 March 17, 2000)
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