Ashwagandha in Pregnancy – Is It Safe?

Pregnancy can be a roller coaster of emotions, cravings, and questions about what is safe for you and your growing baby. One topic that often comes up is Ashwagandha and pregnancy, especially for those who already rely on this popular herb for stress relief. You might be wondering whether you can continue taking your beloved Ashwagandha supplement. We get it—you don’t want to give up something that helps you feel grounded and centered amidst the chaos. But before you pop those pills, let’s take a closer look at the potential risks and benefits of taking Ashwagandha during pregnancy. After all, we want you to be a cool, calm, and collected mama-to-be.

What Is Ashwagandha?

Wait, what even is Ashwagandha? If you’re thinking of some exotic animal or a far-off land, you’re not alone. Ashwagandha is actually a popular herb used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It’s been touted for its stress-reducing, mood-boosting, and even immune-boosting benefits.

Ashwagandha, which is also known as Withania somnifera, Indian ginseng, or winter cherry, is a popular medicinal herb (1). The Sanskrit translation of Ashwagandha is the “smell of a horse”. It belongs to the nightshade family and grows throughout the year.

But before you start downing it like a wellness shot, let’s talk about whether it’s safe to take Ashwagandha for pregnant women. We don’t want you to add any unnecessary stress to your plate!

Nutritional Value of Ashwagandha

So, what’s all the hype around Ashwagandha anyway? Well, turns out it’s packed with a variety of beneficial nutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium, just to name a few (2). And while some research suggests that it may help regulate hormones and reduce stress, it’s important to note that there isn’t a ton of conclusive evidence to support these claims.

Plus, when it comes to taking Ashwagandha while pregnant, there are some potential risks to consider. While it’s always a good idea to prioritise your nutrition during pregnancy, it’s also important to chat with your healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your routine. They know you and your baby best, after all!

Can You Take Ashwagandha While Pregnant?

Ashwagandha is one of the oldest known adaptogens. An adaptogen is a particular herb or plant that helps our body manage stress. It aids the adrenal system and balances the hormonal levels (3). This herb has been used for many centuries in India by Ayurvedic practitioners, but is Ashwagandha safe during pregnancy? Well, at this time it cannot be said that it is safe to consume during pregnancy. In India, pregnant women generally take Ashwagandha to improve their vitality and to steady the progress of their growing baby. But it is best avoided during pregnancy because it can induce abortion (4). If you still want to take it, consult your doctor first. Ashwagandha or any other herb should be consumed only after your doctor gives you the go-ahead.

What Are the Benefits of Consuming Ashwagandha While Pregnant?

Now, you might be wondering, “What about all those supposed benefits of Ashwagandha?” While there isn’t strong scientific evidence to fully support its use during pregnancy, here are a few commonly suggested Ashwagandha benefits for pregnancy:

1. Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha is known for its calming properties, which may help manage stress and promote emotional well-being during pregnancy (1) (5).

2. Supports Better Sleep

It may help improve sleep quality, which is especially helpful for pregnant women experiencing insomnia or discomfort at night (4) (5).

3. May Boost Energy Levels

Ashwagandha is often associated with increased energy and reduced fatigue (6), helping combat pregnancy-related tiredness.

4. Supports Immune Health

The herb is believed to strengthen the immune system, which can be beneficial in maintaining overall health (7).

5. Help Balance Hormones

Ashwagandha is linked to hormone regulation, which plays a key role during pregnancy.

6. Supports Overall Well-being

Its general adaptogenic effects may help the body cope better with physical and emotional changes.

However, when it comes to taking Ashwagandha when pregnant, it’s important to err on the side of caution.

Risks of Consuming Ashwagandha During Pregnancy

There are different views on the use of Ashwagandha during pregnancy. Medical experts and Ayurvedic specialists are of the belief that Ashwagandha can make a woman feel energetic and lively during pregnancy, which makes it a must-have supplement during pregnancy. Taking it as a supplement after delivery also helps a new mother. It helps her regain her energy, reduces the stress, and eventually aids stimulation of the mammary glands to help in milk production. However, apart from its various benefits, there are also a lot of risks associated with it.

Ashwagandha is known to cause early onset of menstruation (8). This is the reason why it is commonly avoided in enormous quantities during pregnancy. Consuming this herb in large quantities is linked to the risk of abortion. Ayurvedic consultants and experts generally suggest a limited intake of this herb, i.e., less than half a teaspoon or just a teaspoon every day. However, this amount should also be checked with a doctor.

Does Ashwagandha Causes Miscarriage?

Let’s cut to the chase: Does Ashwagandha cause miscarriage? Well, the answer isn’t quite that simple. While some studies suggest that Ashwagandha may have uterine-stimulating properties (1), there isn’t enough evidence to definitively say that it causes miscarriage. However, since pregnancy is a delicate time, it’s better to err on the side of caution. If you’re pregnant or trying to conceive, it’s best to avoid taking Ashwagandha without consulting your healthcare provider first. After all, there are plenty of other ways to manage stress and promote relaxation during pregnancy (like taking a warm bath, practicing yoga, or indulging in a pint of ice cream). So go ahead and treat yourself, mama!

FAQs

1. Does Ashwagandha helps you to conceive?

Ah, the age-old question: Can Ashwagandha help you conceive? While there isn’t concrete evidence to back up this claim, some people believe that Ashwagandha may improve fertility in both men and women. It’s been suggested that the herb may help regulate hormones, reduce stress, and increase libido, all of which can potentially aid in conception.

2. Is it safe to consume Ashwagandha tea when pregnant?

If you’re a fan of herbal tea, you might be wondering whether Ashwagandha tea is safe to consume during pregnancy. While there isn’t much research on the safety of Ashwagandha during pregnancy, some healthcare providers caution against consuming it, as it may have uterine-stimulating properties and potentially cause miscarriage or premature labour (1).

As a mother-to-be, you have to make decisions every day about what you can eat, what supplements you can take, and what will be good for your baby. Do your homework well and read up as much as you can about various herbs and Ayurvedic supplements. Although they are best avoided during pregnancy, if you still want to consume them, it is wise to consult your doctor about the same. Talk to a qualified professional before you add any herb in your diet. Be well informed and stay safe during your pregnancy.

Also Read:

Herbs in Pregnancy
Eating Tulsi while Pregnant
Consuming Shatavari during Pregnancy

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Sources References

1. Cleveland Clinic – Benefits of Ashwagandha and How Much To Take

2. International Journal of Home Science – Nutritional composition of dehydrated ashwagandha, shatavari, and ginger root powder

3. Cleveland Clinic – Adaptogens

4. NCCIH – Ashwagandha

5. National Institutes of Health – Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?

6. Frontiers Media – The benefits of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplements on brain function and sports performance

7. Ministry of Ayush Govt. of India – Safety of Ashwagandha

8. Elara Care – Ashwagandha Benefits for Women’s Health