When a woman is pregnant there are a number of foods that can be eaten to alleviate discomfort. Many wonder if ginger is one of them. However, it has been used to relieve morning sickness during pregnancy, which could be an effective natural remedy. In this article we will talk about the ginger tea during pregnancy or is it safe?
This food is also known as ginger root, it consists of a rhizome or thick stem that comes from the Zingiber officinale plant. Its taste is bitter, but it is tasty, it is normally used in various recipes and in different ways. For example, in the preparation of cookies, biscuits and tea. But the question we must ask ourselves: is ginger tea safe during pregnancy?
Among the characteristics of ginger is its refreshing and particular flavor: it is hot, spicy and penetrating. Among its properties, this plant has proven to be an effective antiemetic, in cases such as: motion sickness, post-anesthesia, chemotherapy, hyperemesis gravidarum, and dyspepsia. In addition, it can be used in various formats: in essential oil, dry, fresh, roasted or in juice.
Seeing the properties of ginger we can realize why it is recommended for pregnant women who have nausea and vomiting problems. Various clinical practice guidelines advise the use of ginger in the face of these symptoms, during the first trimester of pregnancy. Nausea and vomiting are the symptoms that most affect pregnant women, they are one of the reasons for sick leave.
What causes ginger in pregnancy?
Although there are many plants and herbs that are used in infusions and teas, and they are safe to consume at any time, it is also true that some will not be suitable during pregnancy. It may be because up to now it has not been established that it is safe or it may cause side effects. In this sense, the most prudent thing to do is to take the necessary measures.
Regarding ginger, studies have shown that it is safe to consume it in normal doses, always trying to keep them small. When consuming it, it is recommended that it be fresh and natural, approved by a doctor because it has its contraindications. What is recommended is to ingest it in the first months of pregnancy, specifically in the first trimester or 20 weeks of gestation. At this stage is when the woman presents nausea and hyperemesis (frequent vomiting).
Moderation is the key to ingesting it, this is how we can do it in the rest of the stages, always with caution. However, in the case of supplements it is better to avoid them in the weeks closest to delivery, this could cause more bleeding at the time of delivery.
There are studies that indicate that it is bad to drink ginger tea in pregnancy because it can cause a coagulation disorder or miscarriage. It is best to consult your doctor if you decide to introduce it as an ingredient in food.
How is ginger tea for pregnant women made?
Studies indicate that if less than 1 gram of ginger is consumed daily to treat nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, it is perfectly safe. This amount is equivalent to 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of grated ginger or 4 cups of tea, which is 950 ml. However, to take advantage of the various qualities of ginger during pregnancy, it is best to prepare it in a traditional way.
The way to make a ginger tea like this: use a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger and 2 cups of water. Add the water in a pot and put it on the fire, while waiting for it to boil, peel the ginger and grate it. When the water starts to boil, add the ginger zest and let it boil for about 10 minutes. Then strain and serve.
It is good ginger tea in pregnancy, you can find it in the form of capsules, although you must make sure that the only thing it contains is ginger extract, no additives or other ingredients that are not suitable. On the other hand, there are women who have indicated that crystallized ginger can be effective in combating morning sickness. Although it has something negative, it usually contains a lot of sugar, so it is not recommended to eat it.
In addition, ginger contains small doses of other compounds that are essential for the body, especially in pregnant women, these are: iron, folic acid and vitamin C. However, the greatest contribution it has is to give flavor to meals without resorting to the salt. We know that excess sodium is harmful to health, not just during pregnancy. Eating this root will help you reduce salt when preparing fish, soups, and other dishes.
Why is ginger abortifacient?
Various plants or herbs have compounds that can stimulate the start of contractions, and with it, cause an abortion, especially in the first months of pregnancy. In this sense, is ginger tea safe during pregnancy? Pregnant women are not usually advised to ingest medicinal plants of any kind, or it can be done under a doctor’s prescription.
Due to the above, before you decide to drink any type of natural infusions, you should consult your doctor about it. This way you will take care of both your health and that of your baby. It is false that eating ginger causes abortion. It is also believed that consuming it increases menstrual flow and weakens intrauterine tissues.
However, you should know that the ginger tea, or ginger in any form, is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Anticoagulant treatment. Certain medications are used to prevent thrombi, we have them at home or we have already used them. If you take ginger you should avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, heparin, warfarin and naxoprene.
- Those with antihypertensive treatments. Ginger has the ability to involuntarily lower blood pressure, which would not be suitable for medication, especially if you take: diltiazem, nifedipine, amlodipine or isradipine. It could even cause cardiac arrhythmia.
- Lowers blood sugar. Diabetics should not eat ginger because it can cause alterations that damage the system, which would generate a decrease in sugar.