Ginger During Pregnancy – Health Benefits & Side Effects

Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in your life; your friends and family may give various advice about what to eat and what not to eat. During pregnancy, many women turn to ginger to alleviate common discomforts such as nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Ginger, a popular spice known for its distinct flavour and medicinal properties, has long been used as a natural remedy for various ailments. If you love the taste of ginger in your food, tea, and other items and are wondering whether it is safe to consume ginger during pregnancy, read on to learn more about it and how to include this miraculous herb in your diet.

Is Eating Ginger Safe During Pregnancy?

Ginger is a superfood that is well known for its medicinal properties. It is one of the most common household ingredients. But being pregnant makes you sceptical, and you may wonder if ginger is safe to be consumed during pregnancy. It is recommended that you consume raw ginger in moderation. Dried ginger roots should not be consumed during pregnancy (2).

How Much Ginger Is Safe During Pregnancy?

Moderation is key when it comes to consuming ginger in pregnancy. It is safe to consume one gram of ginger daily, which may be divided between two to four doses. Though the ideal way of consuming ginger is in its raw form, you may also eat it in candy for your nausea and morning sickness. Drinking ginger tea may help ward off morning sickness in your first trimester, but you should not go overboard (5).

Benefits of Eating Ginger While Pregnant

Incorporating ginger into a balanced diet can support overall well-being and relieve some of the discomforts associated with pregnancy. Here are some of the benefits of ginger during pregnancy:

1. Maintain Cholesterol Levels

Ginger has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and triglycerides while boosting good cholesterol (HDL).

2. Improves Blood Circulation

By consuming ginger, the blood circulation in your body gets spiked up. This boosts the blood supply to the foetus as well.

3. Boosts Immunity

Your immune system becomes sluggish during pregnancy, making you more susceptible to minor infections. Ginger boosts your immune system and helps you recover quickly (8).

4. Relieves Morning Sickness

Ginger is effective in providing relief from nausea and morning sickness. You may take ginger in your tea or in the form of ginger ale to deal with tummy issues (1).

5. Absorption of Nutrients

Consuming ginger may help your body absorb nutrients from the food you consume by stimulating gastric and pancreatic enzymes, and in the same way, it may also help the foetus.

6. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Eating ginger during pregnancy not only wards off fatigue and exhaustion but also helps you feel energetic. Various studies have proved that ginger effectively keeps blood sugar at normal levels (4).

7. Aids Digestion

Taking ginger before bedtime helps in easing pregnancy-related indigestion, gas and bloating.

8. Alleviates Heartburn

Ginger’s natural soothing effect can help calm the stomach, reducing the frequency of heartburns during pregnancy.

9. Reduces Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger can help alleviate muscle and joint pain, providing relief from body aches and swelling that often occur during pregnancy (3).

Side Effects of Ginger During Pregnancy?

While ginger for pregnant women offers various benefits, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects to ensure it is consumed safely. Although generally considered safe in moderate amounts, excessive intake can lead to several issues (6):

• If you are on any medication for blood clots or blood pressure, you may check with your doctor before including ginger in your diet.
• Ginger has natural blood-thinning properties that could increase the risk of bleeding or complications, especially if consumed in large amounts.
• Pregnant women with a history of miscarriage, clotting disorders, vaginal bleeding, or dizziness should avoid ginger, as it may exacerbate these conditions.
• Though rare, some women may experience allergic reactions, such as rashes or itching, after consuming ginger.

How to Include Ginger in Your Pregnancy Diet?

Ginger can be added to your diet in many forms, such as ale, tea, candies, chewable tablets, and even capsules. Here are some ways to include ginger in your diet during pregnancy:

• You may add ginger juliennes or minced ginger to add zing to your sabzi.
• You may infuse ginger in hot water for a few minutes and drink the infusion.
• You can spice up your soups and stir-fries by adding shredded ginger.
• You may make ginger tea by adding ginger, cinnamon, and mint leaves.

FAQs

1. Will eating ginger during pregnancy cause miscarriage?

Consuming ginger has many benefits for you during pregnancy if consumed in moderation. However, if you consume excess amounts of ginger, it may lead to miscarriage. Discuss with your doctor the amount of ginger you can consume safely (7).

2. Is it safe to chew ginger in pregnancy?

Yes. Ginger chews are safe for consumption during pregnancy. These chews are made from real ginger roots and are very effective in relieving nausea. You may also add these chews to make ginger tea. It is recommended that you buy the ginger chews after your doctor’s prescription.

3. Can pregnant women have ginger snaps?

Yes. You may have ginger snaps during pregnancy if you crave a cookie regularly. These snaps are not only low in sugar and fat but are also loaded with minerals and vitamins. You may love ginger snaps during your first trimester as they relieve morning sickness.

4. Is it safe to consume ginger during the third trimester of pregnancy?

In moderation, consuming ginger during pregnancy 3rd trimester is generally considered safe for most women. It can help with issues like indigestion and nausea that may persist. However, it’s important to consult your doctor to ensure it does not interfere with any pregnancy complications or conditions specific to the later stages of pregnancy.

5. What are the symptoms of ginger intolerance during pregnancy?

Symptoms of ginger intolerance can include digestive issues such as stomach cramps, bloating, or diarrhoea. If you experience any adverse reactions after consuming ginger, it’s best to reduce or avoid it and consult your doctor.

Ginger, when pregnant, can be efficiently added in various ways to your diet. You may chop, shred, mince, or crush it and use it to spice up your dishes. The only thing that you need to keep in mind before adding ginger to your diet is to use it in moderation. Consume this wonder herb in moderation and get the maximum benefits from it. You may get in touch with your doctor if you have any concerns regarding including ginger in your diet.

References/Resources:

1. Lete. I, Allué. J; The Effectiveness of Ginger in the Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting during Pregnancy and Chemotherapy; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4818021/

2. Heitmann. K, Nordeng. H, Holst. L; Safety of ginger use in pregnancy: results from a large population-based cohort study; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22706624/

3. Mashhadi. N. S, Ghiasvand. R, Askari. G, et al.; Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3665023/

4. Khandouzi. N, Shidfar. F, Rajab. A, et al.; The effects of ginger on fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin a1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein a-I and malondialdehyde in type 2 diabetic patients; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4277626/

5. Stanisiere. J, Mousset. P. Y, Lafay. S; How Safe Is Ginger Rhizome for Decreasing Nausea and Vomiting in Women during Early Pregnancy?; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5920415/

6. Ginger Benefits; The Johns Hopkins Medicine; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/ginger-benefits

7. Ginger; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK582731/

8. Savage. S; 5 Health Benefits of Ginger; North Kansas City Hospital & Meritas Health; https://www.nkch.org/blog/5-health-benefits-of-ginger

Also Read:

Garlic during Pregnancy
Is Consuming Mint safe in Pregnancy
Consuming Cinnamon in Pregnancy 
Eating Lemongrass while Pregnant
Spices You Can Consume and Avoid when Pregnant

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