Ajwain in Pregnancy: Benefits, Side Effects, and Precautions
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Sabiha Anjum
(Gynecologist/Obstetrician)
This health content has been medically reviewed by qualified experts and follows the FirstCry Parenting editorial policy to ensure accuracy and reliability.
Ajwain (carom seeds), also known as ‘bishop’s weed’ or ‘thymol seeds’, has its place in the same family as dill, anise, and fennel. Regularly used spice in preparing most Indian dishes because of its flavouring and curative properties, ajwain seeds are looked at with caution when it comes to pregnancy. Yes, while the seeds are a great remedy for bloating and digestion, consuming ajwain in pregnancy in excessive amounts in any form can increase the risk of complications, like uterine contractions. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have ajwain seeds in pregnancy. As with any other food ingredient, it is wise to maintain moderation and consult your doctor if you have any doubts.
Scroll down to find answers to your questions related to ajwain and pregnancy!
Ajwain is known for its medicinal properties. Eating ajwain is rich in antioxidants, minerals and fibre, and helps ease gas and other digestive issues. Eating ajwain also increases appetite by enhancing digestion. Ajwain is also beneficial for the proper functioning of the kidneys and the respiratory system. Thus, pregnant women can also benefit from eating ajwain during pregnancy.
Is It Safe to Eat Ajwain When Pregnant?
Is ajwain good in pregnancy? A majority of health experts advise pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid ajwain due to potential health complications in fetal health, including birth defects and miscarriage (1). Traditional guidelines suggest avoiding ajwain, strictly eliminating it from the pregnancy diet, or limiting it to occasional culinary use.
Eating ajwain in normal culinary amounts, such as a pinch in dals, curries, or parathas, during pregnancy is generally considered safe. However, care should be taken to eat it in moderation. Avoid using it in large doses, medicinal quantities, or high-concentration ajwain supplements, as they could cause uterine contractions and bring other pregnancy complications.
Besides culinary use, drinking mild ajwain water is okay. Make sure you soak them in water and steep not more than 1 teaspoon in 2 cups of drinking water.
Reasons to Eat Carom Seeds During Pregnancy
There are several benefits of ajwain during pregnancy, which many of us know about, that help in general health. Moreover, eating ajwain during pregnancy can prove useful in the following ways:
1. Speeds Digestion
Many pregnant women experience bloating, flatulence, acidity, and indigestion owing to the growing uterus, which can slow down the digestive process. Ajwain contains thymol, which can speed up digestion, improve the gut’s overall health, and provide relief from stomach disorders (2).
2. Relief From Constipation
Pregnancy can affect a woman’s bowel movements, leading to constipation. Eating ajwain during pregnancy can speed up the digestion process and provide relief from constipation.
3. Relief From Chest Congestion
Eating ajwain during pregnancy can cure a cold and cough and eliminate phlegm.
4. Lowers Cholesterol
Studies have been conducted to show that ajwain also helps reduce bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and raises the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) (3).
5. Fights Bacteria and Fungi
Ajwain seeds also have incredible antibacterial and antifungal properties, and their active compounds help inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which are primarily responsible for food poisoning (4) (5) (6). Aside from that, ajwain is also beneficial for people with inflammation problems.
5. Strong Uterine Wall
Unexpectedly, ajwain can assist us in developing a healthy uterus that is required for pregnancy.
6. Food Poisoning Relief
The anti-bacterial qualities of ajwain aid in the battle against bacteria and other germs that cause food poisoning.
7. Enhances Dental Health
Expectant mothers’ oral health is also impacted by pregnancy. Take a handful of ajwain, salt it, and let it boil to eliminate bad oral health. Please turn off the burner once the water reaches a rolling boil and let it cool until it reaches room temperature. Gargle with ajwain and salt three to four times daily to improve dental health.
8. Controls Blood Pressure
One of the major pregnancy risk factors is uncontrolled blood pressure. Ajwain’s antihypertensive properties have helped lower blood pressure levels in rats in many studies (7) (8).
9. Best When Consumed in the Last Trimester
Best when consumed in the third trimester. Ajwain’s use during this time may be beneficial in the following ways.
- Improves digestion
- Increases hunger
- Decreases bloating
- Decreases acidity
Side Effects of Ajwain in Pregnancy
Consuming ajwain in the right amount during pregnancy is sensible to extract the full benefits. However, the incorporation of ajwain for pregnancy use also triggers certain side effects. Consuming ajwain in excess during pregnancy can intensify heat in the body, which may negatively impact the pregnancy. Eating ajwain in larger quantities when pregnant may also cause dizziness and increase nausea.
An old study observed that maternal consumption of ajwain led to miscarriage in about 50 out of 75 cases due to fetal toxicity (2).
Including Ajwain in Your Pregnancy Diet
You can directly include ajwain in the pregnancy diet as seeds, in powdered form, or the form of ajwain water. Most pregnant women may prefer drinking ajwain water during pregnancy as it is easier to consume. The use of ajwain during pregnancy in the third trimester is also very healthy.
Can You Drink Ajwain Tea and Water During Pregnancy?
You can drink it while pregnant if you don’t make your ajwain tea too strong. Ajwain seeds can be simply roasted, ground into powder, and kept in an airtight container. Add half to a teaspoon of this powder to boiling water to brew tea. Turn off the stove once it has boiled, then sift the liquid into a cup. Your ajwain tea is ready!
FAQs
1. Is it safe to eat ajwain during pregnancy?
Yes, ajwain is generally considered safe only when used in small amounts as a culinary spice. Avoid consuming large quantities of ajwain or concentrated ajwain preparations during pregnancy, as they could cause uterine contractions.
2. Can ajwain help with pregnancy-related bloating and indigestion?
Yes. Ajwain contains a compound called thymol, which stimulates digestive enzymes and helps reduce bloating, gas, and indigestion during pregnancy.
3. How much ajwain should a pregnant woman consume?
Ajwain is best consumed in small food quantities, such as in curries, parathas, or snacks. If you plan to use ajwain supplements or drink it regularly as a remedy, consult your doctor first, as ajwain in concentrated forms are not safe for pregnancy.
4. Does ajwain induce labour or miscarriage?
There is no strong scientific evidence showing that normal dietary amounts of ajwain induce labour or miscarriage. However, pregnant women should avoid consuming it in large medicinal quantities without medical advice
During pregnancy, it is important to consume ajwain in the right quantities. However, in case of any lingering doubts, it is always wise to consult your doctor before including ajwain in your diet.
Also Read:
Flaxseeds in Pregnancy
Cloves during Pregnancy
Chia Seeds while Pregnant
Hemp Seeds in Pregnancy
Sesame Seeds Intake during Pregnancy
Was This Article Helpful?
Parenting is a huge responsibility, for you as a caregiver, but also for us as a parenting content platform. We understand that and take our responsibility of creating credible content seriously. FirstCry Parenting articles are written and published only after extensive research using factually sound references to deliver quality content that is accurate, validated by experts, and completely reliable. To understand how we go about creating content that is credible, read our editorial policy here.
- Author
- Expert Reviewer
