Elderberry is not clearly proven safe in pregnancy, and most medical sources say the evidence is too limited to recommend routine use; you should only consider it under the guidance of your prenatal provider.

What experts actually say

  • There is not enough research specifically testing elderberry supplements in pregnant people, so experts cannot say with confidence that they are safe or unsafe.
  • Some clinicians and pregnancy resources recommend avoiding elderberry in pregnancy and breastfeeding purely out of caution, because high‑quality safety studies are lacking.
  • Others in the integrative or naturopathic space note that elderberries are eaten as food in some cultures and report no clear pattern of harm in pregnant and breastfeeding women, but this is based on tradition and case experience, not rigorous trials.

In practice, this plays out as: “We don’t have proof it’s dangerous, but we also don’t have proof it’s safe, so we err on the side of caution.”

Food vs. strong supplements

  • Normal culinary use of ripe, cooked elderberries (for example in foods) is generally regarded as low risk for most adults, but pregnancy‑specific data are missing.
  • Concentrated products (syrups, gummies, tinctures, capsules) deliver much higher doses and raise more concern, so many obstetric providers do not actively recommend them in pregnancy.
  • Raw or unripe elderberries and other parts of the plant can be toxic and are not recommended for anyone, pregnant or not.

Potential risks being discussed

  • Because elderberry can stimulate the immune system , some experts worry that strong supplements might theoretically interfere with the immune changes that naturally protect the fetus, or trigger autoimmune flares.
  • There are also theoretical concerns that high doses could cause gastrointestinal cramping, which in turn might provoke uterine tightening, so high‑dose use late in pregnancy is sometimes specifically discouraged.
  • For breastfeeding, similar cautions apply: again, not because clear harm has been proved, but because data are insufficient on how much passes into milk and what it might do to infants.

How people and providers tend to approach it

  • Many obstetricians and mainstream pregnancy sites advise: avoid elderberry supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding unless your own doctor explicitly okays them.
  • Some midwives or naturopathic clinicians may be more comfortable with short‑term, moderate doses of a high‑quality product if you are otherwise healthy, but still emphasize shared decision‑making and informed consent.
  • Everyone agrees you should not start any new supplement in pregnancy without checking: this includes elderberry syrups, gummies, “immune blends,” and tinctures.

If you’re considering elderberry right now

  1. Talk to your prenatal provider first. Tell them the exact product, dose, and why you want to take it.
  2. Ask about safer, better‑studied alternatives for your goal (for example, flu shot, nasal saline, acetaminophen, rest, and other pregnancy‑safe options for colds and flu).
  1. If your provider feels a short trial is acceptable, use:
    • A reputable brand with clear dosing and ingredient list.
    • The lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
    • Stop and seek care if you notice new symptoms (bad stomach upset, rash, breathing issues, contractions, or feeling “off”).
  2. Avoid combining elderberry with medications that affect the immune system or with other herbs/supplements unless your clinician has screened for interactions.

Quick TL;DR

  • We don’t know that elderberry is safe in pregnancy because proper studies are lacking.
  • Because of that uncertainty, many experts recommend avoiding elderberry supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding , especially high‑dose or long‑term use.
  • Small amounts of cooked elderberry as food are likely lower risk but still not formally studied in pregnancy.
  • Always clear any elderberry product with your own obstetric provider before using it.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.