Benefits Of Fenugreek During Pregnancy
There are some popular benefits of fenugreek in pregnancy like:
1. Fights Gestational Diabetes
If fenugreek is taken in moderate amounts, it is known to reduce diabetes (1). Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and may even persist after giving birth. Fenugreek is often used by diabetics as it stabilizes blood sugar level, but during pregnancy, a doctor’s advice is necessary before consumption.
2. Helps With Breast Enlargement
Hormonal imbalances sometimes cause disproportionate breasts. Consuming 3-4 grams of fenugreek seeds steeped in water may help with breast enlargement as it provides a mastogenic effect and helps enhance your breast (2). Most bust enhancing products contain fenugreek seeds due to the presence of a potent estrogen that helps enhance breast. However, there have been no clinical studies published to prove its safety and efficacy (3).
3. Helps In Contraction
Since ages, women have used fenugreek to induce contractions and ease labor pain (4). Even prolonged labor process can be shortened by using fenugreek.
4. Helps In Lactation
Studies have shown that consuming the herb for a few days can give drastic results when it comes to lactation. One of such studies states that there is an increase in milk production in women who consume fenugreek seeds during pregnancy (5).
Side Effects Of Fenugreek
While there are some known benefits of fenugreek, some side effects too have been reported by pregnant women, especially if taken in excess quantity. If a pregnant woman has not ever had fenugreek, it is best not to start taking it during pregnancy as this is not the best time to experiment. Even if they have a habit of taking fenugreek, a doctor’s consultation is a must to continue the habit, and if so, what alteration in dosage is needed, etc. Here are some of the side effects of fenugreek that you should be aware of:
1. Contractions
This is both a side effect and benefit, depending on when fenugreek is consumed. Fenugreek seeds are used to ease childbirth as it is known to help induce labor (4) (6). If your delivery date is upon you and you take fenugreek to induce labor, it is a benefit. But, if the same effect starts showing itself before completion of your pregnancy, it may be an issue.
2. Digestive Problems
A lot of pregnant women have complained that consuming fenugreek during pregnancy have caused various levels of digestive distress, starting from nausea, general discomfort to stomach upset, gas, bloating and even diarrhea (7).
3. Maple Syrup Smell Of Urine
This is an odd reaction that manifests in many pregnant women. Their urine smells like maple syrup as fenugreek contains a compound that is found in maple syrup too (7). This is not a harmful condition, but it may be mistaken for maple syrup disease, which is a rare and dangerous condition.
4. Allergies
Just like all other herbs, fenugreek may cause an allergic reaction, which manifests itself with nasal congestion, wheezing, coughing, swelling or other severe conditions (8).
5. Drug Interaction
Fenugreek slows down the effect of blood clotting and has the possibility of enhanced bleeding (9). It may also interact with warfarin to cause bleeding (8).
6. May Be Unsafe For People With Hormone-Sensitive Cancers
Fenugreek can act as an estrogen receptor modulator and stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. This may not be safe for people dealing with breast or ovarian cancer (2).
Word Of Caution
When it comes to fenugreek, there has not been sufficient research to fully mark the herb as safe or unsafe. But since ages, fenugreek has been used during pregnancy. The few studies that have been conducted on fenugreek are small and the results cannot be considered ubiquitous. Besides, even though fenugreek is natural, it may not be safe. So, it is best to take fenugreek with caution and consult your gynecologist first. If you are in doubt whether or not to consume fenugreek during pregnancy, it is best to see a doctor. Though you may be tempted to go by old wives’ tales about how the consumption of this herb can increase the production of breast milk, check with your doctor and do not overdo it.
Does fenugreek cause birth defects? Maybe. Excess consumption of fenugreek may lead to birth defects like hydrocephalus, anencephaly, and spina bifida in humans (10). Does fenugreek mess with hormones? Maybe. Fenugreek contains compounds that may help modulate the levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) (11). What happens if you take fenugreek every day? Moderate consumption of fenugreek may help boost your health in many ways.
