Fenugreek is one of the food options that many pregnant ladies doubt its safety for pregnancy. Since it is vital to include healthy and safe food in your pregnancy diet, you should know that whether you can consume fenugreek while pregnant. This article on Hipregnancy is where you can find the answer to your questions about safety of fenugreek in pregnancy time.
Keep reading to the end to find out scientific tips and rules regarding fenugreek and pregnancy. Are you ready? Let’s start.
Is fenugreek ok during pregnancy?
Fenugreek, also known as methi, is an herb in the same family as soy and used as supplement, flavoring agent in foods and drinks, and scent in personal products. It has syrup taste and is available in various forms, including tea, leaves, seeds, and dietary supplement.
Well, can pregnant women take fenugreek? Like other food options, fenugreek has benefits and side effects. Some professionals believe that fenugreek must be avoided during pregnancy since its side effects outweigh its benefits.
Others believe that consuming small quantities of fenugreek while pregnant in the form of flavoring used in foods and drinks is safe.
Since fenugreek needs to be eaten with caution, Hipregnancy recommends you consult your doctor before including it in your pregnancy diet. To be safe, it is more advisable to avoid all amounts of fenugreek when pregnant. Read on to see what the possible side effects of fenugreek for pregnancy are.
Read more: cinnamon in pregnancy
What happens if you take fenugreek while pregnant?
Listed below are some possible side effects of consuming fenugreek on pregnant ladies and the developing fetus, including;
- Fenugreek during pregnancy first trimester can cause nausea, vomiting, and acid indigestion, all result in worsening morning sickness. Moreover, it can increase the chance of diarrhea and bloating.
- Consuming fenugreek while pregnant can interact with drugs and lower their impacts, especially blood-thinning drugs.
- Taking fenugreek during pregnancy third trimester can stimulate uterine contraction, result in preterm labor and even miscarriage.
- Another possible side effect of fenugreek in third trimester is smelly urine. Having this herb in pregnancy can cause maple syrup-smelling urine disease in which the pregnant lady’s body can’t break down certain parts of proteins.
- Fenugreek can trigger allergies in pregnant women and lead to reactions, like wheezing, swelling, coughing, and nasal congestion.
- Including excessive amount of fenugreek in your diet when pregnant can increase the chance of congenital problems in the developing baby.
It is good to know that there is another herb which has similar side effects to fenugreek, named horseradish. To learn more about it, check horseradish while pregnant.
How much fenugreek is too much while pregnant?
On the whole, consuming large amounts of fenugreek during pregnancy, more than what is used for cooking, is harmful for pregnant ladies and unborn babies. Hipregnancy warns you about taking fenugreek while pregnant, and recommends you see your healthcare provider before taking it, even in small quantities.
There is no exact amount for taking fenugreek in pregnancy; however, it is advised if you want to have it, take it in limited amounts to prevent its side effects. Consider, drinking fenugreek tea or taking fenugreek supplement is a big no-no during pregnancy.
Benefits of fenugreek while pregnant
Here, we want to cover fenugreek during pregnancy effect, possible positive effects of limited amounts of it on pregnant women. If you are ready, let’s start.
- It is good to have Fenugreek during pregnancy for diabetes, as it can stabilize the level of blood sugar and lower the chance of gestational diabetes. (Recommend you read gestational diabetes meal plan for pregnancy)
- Consuming fenugreek while pregnant can relieve labor pain.
- Having fenugreek has been shown to ease the pain associated with breast enlargement during pregnancy.
- Fenugreek can boost immunity and fight against lung disorder, heart issues, and influenza.
- Studies stated that eating fenugreek when pregnant can increase breast milk production after pregnancy.
Note; although fenugreek has some health benefits, its side effects outweigh its benefits. Therefore, if you want to have a risk-free pregnancy, you should put it aside in pregnancy time.
Can fenugreek cause miscarriage in early pregnancy?
Generally speaking, miscarriage is missing pregnancy before 20th week of gestation. Consuming large amounts of fenugreek before 20th week of gestation or in early pregnancy can be dangerous for pregnant women.
Having excess amounts of fenugreek while pregnant, particularly in the first trimester, can cause uterine contraction and hormonal imbalance, result in miscarriage. As a result, if you want to take care of your unborn baby and prevent missing pregnancy, you should avoid consuming fenugreek at early stages of pregnancy. Even, a limited amount of it can harm the developing fetus. To learn more about other food options that can cause missing a pregnancy, check foods that can cause miscarriage in pregnancy, and drinks that can cause miscarriage.
Is it safe to take fenugreek while breastfeeding?
If you are breastfeeding and want to include fenugreek in your diet, you should talk to your doctor to check whether it is suitable for you to take fenugreek. But on the whole, consuming limited amounts of fenugreek while breastfeeding is considered safe.
According to reports, in most cases, taking fenugreek after pregnancy hasn’t been shown to harm moms and infants. However, there are some possible dangers to having fenugreek while breastfeeding. Making baby gassy, causing sweet and urine smell like maple syrup, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and skin reactions are some possible side effects of fenugreek when you’re breastfeeding.
It is recommended that ladies with a history of peanut or chickpea allergy, asthma, or diabetes, use fenugreek with caution or avoid it if possible. Consulting your health provider can help you learn whether it is okay to have fenugreek.
Conclusion
During pregnancy, fenugreek should be taken with caution due to its side effects on pregnancy, including nausea, diarrhea, uterine contractions, and in severe cases, miscarriage. As a result, it is best to avoid consuming fenugreek while pregnant, or if you want to have it, check with your doctor beforehand.
This article on Hipregnancy covered the vital points you need to know regarding the consumption of fenugreek during pregnancy. If there are still any unanswered questions or missed points, share them with us via comment.
FAQs
Consuming large quantities of fenugreek while pregnant can cause miscarriage. Therefore, it is best to avoid taking it in pregnancy time or only having it in limited amounts.
Yes, fenugreek can cause a bit of gas in mom and a breastfed baby. Moreover, consuming fenugreek while breastfeeding can result in an upset stomach and diarrhea in mom and baby.
According to research, fenugreek can induce labor, but how much of it helps induce labor is not determined yet. More studies should be done to show the adequate amount of fenugreek for inducing labor.
Generally speaking, taking fenugreek at any stage of pregnancy is risky and can put you at risk of missing your baby. Therefore, if you want to have it, consult your doctor.
Overall, it is best to avoid eating fenugreek during pregnancy, whether in early stages or at 38 weeks pregnant. Fenugreek can cause trigger allergies, cause diarrhea, nausea, and even miscarriage. If you want to be safe, it is advisable not to have it when pregnant.
It is advisable to avoid fenugreek during the second trimester of pregnancy or have it in small quantities for cooking.