Is ginger safe in pregnancy?
Using natural remedies for minor problems is advisable, especially during pregnancy. Ginger has so many health benefits and, above all, relieves nausea, so more and more pregnant women want to try it too. But, is ginger safe in pregnancy?
Many clinical trials about the effectiveness and safety of ginger in relieving pregnancy nausea have been done recently. Their results confirm that ginger is more effective than a placebo in relieving pregnancy nausea. Also, studies confirmed that pregnant women who were using ginger didn’t notice any side effects. There were also no differences in the pregnancy outcome compared with placebo.
Ginger is proven to be safe and effective in relieving nausea during pregnancy, which is backed up with a lot of evidence. Its use in pregnancy recommends established organizations such as the American Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (ACOG) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
American Association of Gynecologists and Obstetricians recommends trying:
- ginger candies
- ginger capsules
- ginger tea made from fresh-grated ginger
- ginger ale made with real ginger
How much ginger is safe in pregnancy?
Because there are not enough safety data for higher doses, and there is no standardized dose for nausea relief in pregnancy, a maximum of 1000 mg (1 gram) of ginger powder per day is allowed, safe, and recommended during pregnancy!
That is approximately 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of grated ginger root.
There are possible side effects of ginger’s overuse during pregnancy. You can’t overdose with using fresh ginger. But overdosing with ginger supplements can happen.
An acute ginger overdose speeds up blood circulation. That can, in extreme cases, even lead to a miscarriage. Therefore consume only products that are designed and prepared for pregnant women!
Before using any ginger supplements, consult with your health care provider or ask the pharmacy for a proven ginger supplement.
Are ginger supplements safe during pregnancy?
Taking ginger-based supplements has some significant advantages for a pregnant woman. Some of them are accurate dosing and standardized active ingredient content.
Accurate dosing is very important, as it is much easier and safer to achieve the optimal effect. Taking the ginger supplement, you will know the exact amount of ginger’s active ingredients you will consume.
Quality ginger-based food supplements have a standardized ginger content that is regularly monitored, similar to medicines.
Last but not least, it’s easier to store and consume it as a dietary supplement. Ginger supplements are especially handy for pregnant women who don’t like the sharp taste of ginger, as it is effectively hidden in the tablet.
Is ginger tea safe during pregnancy?
One of the recent research has shown that drinking ginger tea during pregnancy is safe. A blend of ginger and honey is a safe and effective way to eliminate morning sickness.
- You can make it with either fresh or dried ginger, or use a dried ginger teabag.
- One teaspoon (5 grams) of grated ginger root equates to 4 cups (950 ml) of packaged ginger tea.
How to prepare homemade ginger tea?
- add one teaspoon (5 grams) of sliced or grated raw ginger root in hot water
- leave it for 10 minutes
- taste if the strength of the ginger flavor suits your preference
- if it’s too strong add water to dilute it
- you can add honey or fresh lime juice for a better taste
Sip ginger tea slowly so that you won’t consume it too quickly and feel more nauseous.
Baby’s Little Place tip: You can also make a healthy breakfast against nausea. Mix a tablespoon of honey, a teaspoon of peeled ginger root, and oat flakes.
Ginger’s health benefits for pregnant women
Ginger is known as one of the oldest and most important medicinal herbs. Chinese medicine treats it as a real miracle cure, and I can see why.
Ginger contains many valuable minerals and vitamins. It is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants. Ginger helps with indigestion, heartburn, prevents vomiting, it stimulates blood circulation, relaxes peripheral blood vessels, helps with a sore throat, relieves coughing, and has antiseptic properties.
Ginger root’s nutrition facts per 100 grams:
| Ginger root | 100 g 80 calories | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Total Carbohydrate Dietary fiber Sugar | 18 g 2 g 1,7 g | 6% 8% |
| Protein | 1,8 g | 3% |
| Total Fat Saturated fat Polyunsaturated fat Monounsaturated fat | 0,8 g 0,2 g 0,2 g 0,2 g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Minerals Sodium Potassium Calcium Iron Magnesium | 13 mg 415 mg | 0% 11% 1% 3% 10% |
| Vitamins Vitamin A Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin B-6 | 0% 8% 0 % 10% |