Women want to be in the pink of health during pregnancy. They want to eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and load up on vitamins so that they can have healthy babies. Many pregnant women consume ginseng as a herbal supplement or tea regularly as it is known to provide several health benefits like improved immunity, reduced fatigue, and better stress control. So, it may seem like a great herb to include in your diet during pregnancy.
However, this is probably not the best idea as there is no evidence that supports the safety of consuming ginseng during pregnancy. Research suggests that ginseng is, in fact, unsafe to consume while pregnant.1 Here are some effects that this herb has on pregnant women.
6 Reasons Why You Should Avoid Ginseng During Pregnancy
1. Causes Diarrhea
Diarrhea is one of the most common conditions faced by pregnant women after consuming ginseng. They suffer from loose, watery stools twice or thrice a day. Acute diarrhea can lead to dehydration and adversely affect the fetus. If you have diarrhea after consuming ginseng as tea or as a supplement during pregnancy, visit a doctor immediately. Ensure that you consume a lot of liquids to prevent dehydration.
2. Disturbs Sleep
Ginseng is known to cause sleep disturbances among some pregnant women. From having difficulty in falling asleep to waking up several times during the night, ginseng tea and supplements may have different sleep-related effects among pregnant women. Poor sleep quality can worsen your mood swings and reduce your stamina during pregnancy.
3. Dries The Mouth
Very often, pregnant women who consume ginseng tea complain of having a dry mouth. This is because of the poor functioning of the salivary glands due to the enzymes in ginseng. While you can have a dry mouth due to several other reasons such as stress, anxiety, and certain medicines, ginseng too might be a cause of this condition among pregnant women.
4. Causes Headaches
Ginseng has been known to cause pain in the head, facial muscles, or neck among pregnant women. Most often, the pain is concentrated in the scalp, forehead, or the temples. Try using a cold and hot compress alternatively to relieve a headache caused by consuming ginseng during pregnancy.
5. Results In Vaginal Bleeding
According to research, ginseng results in a physiological estrogen-like effect on the vaginal mucosa.2 As a result, there is an increased risk of vaginal bleeding in pregnant women. So, consuming ginseng as a tea or supplement can be disastrous for both the mother and the child during pregnancy.
6. Lowers Blood Sugar
Women are sometimes at risk of developing diabetes during pregnancy. Often, they are not even aware that they have diabetes. If they consume ginseng during pregnancy, they may suffer from lower blood sugar levels. This can be life-threatening to the fetus. So, pregnant women with diabetes should stay away from ginseng tea and supplements. When taken to relieve stress, ginseng may decrease heartbeat rate, posing a risk to both mother and baby.
Now that you know the side effects of consuming ginseng in any form during pregnancy, consider eliminating it from your diet. It is best that you consume only those health supplements that are prescribed to you by your doctor. It is also a good idea to consult a certified nutritionist to figure out the ideal pregnancy diet for you.
References
