Ashwagandha is a popular herb that has many health benefits. Some people take ashwagandha during pregnancy, but is it safe? This article discusses the safety of ashwagandha during pregnancy and whether or not it is effective.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine. Ashwagandha is sometimes called “Indian ginseng” because it has similar effects to ginseng. Ashwagandha has been shown to provide information effective in treating a variety of conditions, including anxiety, stress, insomnia, and depression. It is also an immunostimulant, meaning that it can help to boost the immune system.
Ashwagandha is generally considered to be safe for most people. But consuming this herb during pregnancy isn’t safe. Ashwagandha has been used as an abortifacient, which means it can induce miscarriage. If you are pregnant and thinking about taking ashwagandha, it’s best to speak with your healthcare provider first. In this blog, we will discuss the context of ashwagandha and pregnancy, as well as how this herb can affect pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In This Article
Do taking Ashwagandha herbs safe in pregnancy?
As we said above, Ashwagandha is not recommended during pregnancy, as it can potentially stimulate the uterus and promote early labour. If you are pregnant and looking for a natural way to ease anxiety or stress, consider trying other herbs such as chamomile or lemon balm. Ashwagandha as a tea is also not recommended during pregnancy, as it can be difficult to know the exact dosage of the herb in each cup.
In fact, it’s actually classified as a Class C substance in the United States, meaning that it has the potential to cause harm to a developing fetus. Some of the potential side effects of ashwagandha include diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach upset. It can also lower blood sugar levels and interact with other medications you may be taking. So if you’re pregnant, it is best to avoid ashwagandha altogether.
Additionally, Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to help increase energy and vitality. As is known to all, Pregnancy can be a time of fatigue for many women. So, some pregnant women may turn to Ashwagandha as a natural way to help boost energy levels. However, as with any herb, it is always best to consult your doctor and healthcare provider before taking Ashwagandha, or any other herb, during pregnancy.
Does Ashwagandha during pregnancy cause miscarriage?
Although consuming Ashwagandha isn’t safe because it is considered to be an abortifacient herb, which means that it can cause miscarriage. It’s important to avoid taking Ashwagandha during pregnancy, as it can lead to serious health complications for both mother and child. The use of Ashwagandha during pregnancy is not recommended as it can stimulate the uterus and lead to contractions. Ashwagandha should also be avoided during breastfeeding as it can pass into breastmilk and may cause adverse effects in the nursing infant.
Moreover, there are many benefits of Ashwagandha for treating anxiety, depression, stress, etc. However, these benefits should not be availed during pregnancy as they might lead to some serious consequences. For cortisol levels in your blood, the supplement can act as a natural steroid. This might lead to preterm labor and low birth weight in babies.
Furthermore, to the best of our current knowledge, there is no information available on the safety of Ashwagandha during pregnancy. There’s no doubt that Ashwagandha root has many potential health benefits, but pregnant women should avoid taking this herb. There are other herbs that can be used safely during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so talk to your healthcare provider about what’s right for you.
What are the common side effects of Ashwagandha?
Additionally, we have said that Ashwagandha may stimulate the uterus and cause miscarriage. Apart from that it also has some other side effects during pregnancy that you should know:
1. It may increase the bleeding
Ashwagandha has a blood-thinning effect on our body and it may lead to easy bruising and bleeding. This herb is not recommended for women who are pregnant and are already suffering from bleeding disorders.
2. Stomach upset
Ashwagandha is known to cause stomach upset in some people. With its properties of increasing the production of gastric acid, it can make you feel nauseous and increase the risk of vomiting. It is best to avoid Ashwagandha during pregnancy if you have a history of stomach problems.
3. Diarrhea
Another common side effect of Ashwagandha is diarrhoea. This herb contains large amounts of saponins which can act as a laxative in the body and lead to diarrhoea. If you are already suffering from diarrhoea, then Ashwagandha can make it worse. Moreover, if you consume ashwagandha in large doses, it can also lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
4. Heartburn
Heartburn is another common problem that can be caused by Ashwagandha. This herb can increase the production of gastric acid in the stomach which can lead to heartburn and indigestion. If you are already suffering from heartburn, then Ashwagandha can make it worse.
5. It may cause premature contractions
Since Ashwagandha has a relaxing effect on the muscles, it may also lead to premature contractions in the uterus and eventually result in a miscarriage. Therefore, it is best to avoid this herb during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters when the baby is developing.
The Bottom line
At last, we would like to say that ashwagandha is definitely not safe during pregnancy. There are many factors to consider when it comes to the safety of any herb, including ashwagandha. Some sources say that it is safe to take in small doses, while others recommend avoiding it altogether during pregnancy. Ultimately, it’s best to consult with your doctor before taking any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. We hope this article has helped to clear things up a bit, but if you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in the comments below. Thank you for reading!
