Ginger in pregnancy: benefits and harms

Expectant mothers have an especially selective approach to the choice of food. The full development of the baby largely depends on the content of their diet. And in this critical period in the first place is safety, and useful properties are evaluated in the second place. It is on this principle that a pregnant woman should draw up her food program.

Among the controversial products is the most controversial is the ginger root. On the one hand, this spice has a very valuable composition, and therefore is considered a valuable natural source of vitamins. But on the other hand, during pregnancy, the use of such specific products is associated with serious risks. Let's try to figure out how useful ginger is for future mothers, how it is dangerous.

Can I eat ginger during pregnancy

The useful properties of ginger root have been scientifically proven. But even those women who regularly used the spicy product before pregnancy have understandable doubts about its safety. And such fears are not unfounded, because ginger, like other spices, has in its composition components that may have a negative impact on pregnancy.

Doctors and nutritionists are unanimous in their opinion: they believe that in the absence of contraindications, small portions of fragrant spice will only be beneficial for women's health. Of course, that the daily presence of the spice is out of the question, but, say, once every two weeks you can make a pleasant variety in the strict diet. But to make such adjustments to the menu is possible only taking into account the term of pregnancy.

In the 1st trimester

For most women, the most difficult stage of gestation is the first weeks of pregnancy. After conception, the body undergoes global transformations: the hormonal background changes dramatically, the circulatory system starts working more intensively, and metabolic processes become more intensive. Apart from the fact that all these processes require energy resources, they put additional strain on all organs and systems. The female body, which has not had time to adapt to the new conditions, reacts to these changes with symptoms such as nausea, weakness, fatigue. Many women in the first months have severe toxicosis, dizziness, hypertension and other "charms" of this period.

Ginger is able to remove unpleasant symptoms and significantly improve the well-being of the expectant mother. It is best to use the useful root in the form of an additive to drinks. For example, tea with ginger powder for pregnant women can be drunk as a preventive measure against colds or at the first signs of respiratory disease. Since the immune system suffers, the spicy product will help increase the defense mechanisms of the mother's body. Ginger has a beneficial effect on the nervous system and digestion. Therefore, in the first three months of pregnancy in a moderate amount it can be added to food and drinks. But you can change your diet only with the permission of your doctor.

In the second trimester

Usually by the second trimester all manifestations of toxicosis recede, the woman feels much better. Therefore, the need to use ginger root as a remedy for toxicosis disappears. Future moms should abstain from the spicy product even because it can provoke spontaneous miscarriage or premature birth. The product has a certain impact on the formation of hormonal background, because it contains natural phytoestrogens. Of course, eating one piece of fragrant root is unlikely to cause an extraordinary situation, but still, you should not take risks at such an important time.

In the 3rd trimester

At the later terms of pregnancy, too, you should refuse even to drink ginger tea. The fact is that the plant product has the ability to thin the blood, which can cause a lot of blood loss during childbirth.

As you can see, the use of ginger root is justified only in the early stages of pregnancy. Moreover, future mothers can enjoy its pleasant taste and aroma only after consulting a doctor, as well as on the condition that this product was part of the diet before pregnancy.

The benefits of ginger during pregnancy

The benefits of any food product can be judged by its composition. Ginger root is a unique natural gift, which concentrates a huge amount of vitamins and mineral elements.

In brief, the chemical formula contains:

1. A whole vitamin group: it is ascorbic acid, tocopherol, retinol, almost in full representatives of the B group. All of the above substances play an important role in the regulation of metabolic processes and the maintenance of immune strength.
2. Minerals. The roots of a perennial herbaceous plant, such as ginger, are rich in macro- and micronutrients. It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of these substances for the body of the future mother: potassium and magnesium are necessary for the normal functioning of the cardiovascular system, phosphorus and calcium are the building material for the bone system of the mother and the fetus.
3. Organic acids. There are also many such compounds in the spice: oleic acid, linoleic acid, nicotinic acid. They participate in the processes of synthesis, strengthen the structure of blood vessels, provide a normal state of the nervous system.

In addition to its high nutritional value, ginger, thanks to its unique composition, is often used in folk medicine. Healers in general are of the opinion that moderate doses of the spicy product will not harm any term of pregnancy. But we will all be guided by the opinion of competent professionals on this issue. Doctors allow the use of ginger only in the early stages of pregnancy. The body from such a supplement receives the following benefits:

• sleep improves;
• immune defense increases;
• strengthens the walls of blood vessels;
• the emotional background is normalized;
• headaches disappear;
• The nervous system calms down;
• increases appetite;
• normalizes stools;
• cramps are relieved;
• Facial skin condition improves;
• Nausea and vomiting recede.

It should be noted that in folk and official medicine, ginger is considered one of the most effective antiemetics. In addition, the plant has powerful antibacterial properties. Women in the position of a weakened immune system are more susceptible to colds, and ginger tea or aromatherapy sessions can serve as a good prevention from flu and viral infections. Such drinks are excellent to warm and relieve unpleasant symptoms. It is also worth mentioning the diuretic abilities of this natural product. Therefore, small swellings are very easy to eliminate with the help of a useful root.

Which ginger is healthier

Any naturalist and cook will tell you that ginger is of great value in its fresh form. If a woman has consumed this product before pregnancy, it can be left in her diet without fear that it will harm her or the developing fetus. Small portions of the aromatic root will be a pleasant addition to food. The spice increases the appetite, which helps to cope with the difficulties of toxicosis. Let's dwell separately on the useful properties of ginger root in its different uses.

Fresh

The pulp of fresh roots is full of vitamins and minerals that are necessary for the female body throughout pregnancy. Small portions of the natural product can be added to salads, soups, second courses. But it is best to prepare healing drinks with a useful spice.

Here are several options for preparing such cocktails.

Ginger with honey
You need a small piece of fresh root finely rubbed on a grater, add 2 tablespoons of honey and a pinch of cinnamon. Pour the obtained mixture with boiling water and keep it on low heat for several minutes. When the drink cools a little, strain. Drink the infusion in small portions with a cough or the first signs of a cold. At a time when a woman is contraindicated any medication, this is the best remedy for pharyngitis, bronchitis, sore throat.

Inhalation with ginger root
Enhance the healing effect of the tea by inhaling the vapors of the spicy product. To do this, you also need to grate a small fragment of fresh ginger root, and then boil it for a quarter of an hour. You can add a tablespoon of lemon juice before the health therapy session. Breathe over the steam for 5-7 minutes. To facilitate the process, you can use an aroma lamp, but then you do not use fresh root, but an essential extract of this part of the perennial.

If the future mother has no complaints about her health, the useful spice in fresh form is best added to those dishes that are not subject to heat treatment.

Dried

Medics and nutritionists believe that dried roots are most suitable for the diet of expectant mothers. In this form, they are of great value, because after the removal of moisture in them the maximum concentration of useful components. In addition, dried product is easier to cook. From it, for example, very quickly you can get a powder concentrate to add the required amount to the healing drinks.

Useful information: One teaspoon of powdered product is equivalent in nutritional value to a full tablespoon of grinded fresh ginger pulp.

Pickled

Although the use of any marinades and pickles during pregnancy is extremely undesirable, but pink ginger in moderate amounts can be eaten by the future mother to whet her appetite. It is desirable to prepare the product with less salt and vinegar for such needs. Lightly marinated slices of spicy root retain all the useful substances, they will increase the flavor of salads, such an additive goes well with boiled fish and meat. And in case of toxic attacks, it is enough to eat a small rose petal to make the nausea recede. It is clear that the spice in pickled form is in no way suitable for the daily menu. Such indulgence is allowed no more than once a week.

Important! If you are prone to edema, pickled ginger is contraindicated, because it provokes the use of large quantities of liquid.

To conclude this brief review, we would like to remind you that the quality of the product is of key importance. Therefore, you should buy ginger, especially pickled ginger, only from proven sellers, and better to prepare such a delicacy yourself.

Can pregnant women ginger tea

In folk medicine, tea with the addition of ginger root is considered to be a universal remedy for almost all known diseases. Such a drink helps to lose weight, because it stimulates the breakdown of fats. Tea with spice reduces the symptoms of colds, improves digestion, calms the nervous system and even rejuvenates the appearance. Therefore, in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman in the position can afford to drink such a useful drink periodically. Prepare it in several ways:

1. Grate a fresh root, then 2 tablespoons of aromatic mass placed in a thermos, add the juice of 1/2 lemon and honey to taste. Pour a liter of boiling water over the mixture. After half an hour you can enjoy the fragrant tea.
2. Add the above ingredients to ordinary green or black tea. After a short infusion, the drink will acquire a pleasant aroma and will absorb all the useful substances.
3. It is even easier to make tea from powdered concentrate of ginger root. You need to add a teaspoon of dry product to the prepared tea drink. Leave it to infuse for 5 minutes, and then you can drink in small sips. If you want, add to the tea lemon and honey.

Whole milk can be added to ginger tea. Such a drink is especially useful for colds.

How to consume ginger correctly

It should be paid attention to the fact that ginger does not belong to the products of everyday diet. Therefore, it should be treated very carefully, especially for women during pregnancy. Nutritionists recommend that future mothers include it in the menu as a rare treat. With strict compliance with the allowable portions, such an additive will not cause harm, but will provide maximum benefit.

How much you can eat per day

Now about the most important thing - the norm of consumption of the spicy product. Taking into account the peculiarities of the period of pregnancy, the allowable single portion of ginger should not exceed:

• 1 g of ground powder;
• 30-50 g of fresh product;
• 10-15 g of pickled dessert.

These are the maximum allowable rates for single consumption. Even during severe toxicosis should not be carried away with the spicy product, it can appear in the diet of the expectant mother no more than once a week.

Can I eat it at night and on an empty stomach?

The ideal time to eat ginger is before breakfast. Usually, excruciating nausea is strongest in the morning hours. Therefore, tea with ginger can help reduce the unpleasant symptoms. You can simply chew a fresh root or eat a slice of pickled product. But you should not consume ginger before going to bed, because it has pronounced tonic properties.

Useful tip: so that the diet does not seem too boring, it is best to add small pieces of fresh root in fruit desserts and vegetable salads.

Can ginger harm the mother-to-be?

All the above recommendations make sense only if the future mother has no health problems. Ginger root, like all other spicy products, has a lot of restrictions. It is completely contraindicated in the following diseases:

• gastritis and ulcers;
• The presence of cancer processes at any stage of development;
• hypertension;
• uterine hypertonicity;
• cholelithiasis;
• blood clotting problems;
• susceptibility to allergic reactions and individual intolerance.

In addition to the listed contraindications, you should refuse to use ginger for diarrhea and hemorrhoids, because the spicy product can only worsen the situation.

To summarize, we would like to remind you once again that each body is individual, so to decide the appropriateness of the use of a particular food product, the future mother should decide together with her doctor.