Ashwagandha On Pregnancy: Yay Or Nay?

Ashwagandha is an herb that provides excellent health benefits. However, is it safe to be taken during pregnancy? Know the answer to this article.

Motherhood doesn't happen until you become pregnant first. It is an inevitable phase that any mothers wanna-be should go. But of course, even without prior experiences, we are all aware that getting pregnant is not easy.

There are various ordeals that a pregnant woman should overcome. Fatigue, sleep deprivation, and even anxiety are present, especially in the first trimester. In some cases, pregnancy can also be linked to depression.

However, this should not discourage you at all. They are just side effects that can be relieved by various remedies. Ashwagandha is among those options that are being recommended nowadays.

Despite its popularity, there are still conflicting views regarding this herb. Some say it is safe to be taken during pregnancy while others are extremely against the idea. Read on to know which side should you pick.

A Brief Introduction Of Ashwagandha

Before anything else, it is quite essential that you are aware of what ashwagandha is. Practically, this particular herb is commonly used in Ayurvedic practice. It grows in various regions in the world but is mostly utilized in India.

It is considered by many that ashwagandha can be used in different applications. Although no pharmaceutical companies had claimed that this herb has therapeutic effects, they still use it on the products because of its health benefits.

The term "ashwagandha" can be translated as "smell of the horse." Others believe that this could also interpret a horse's vitality. Coincidentally, the endemic use of the plant in India is for restoring mental and physical strength.

Other than that, the herb is also said to help against anxiety, stress, and depression. It can also be considered as a cognitive enhancer; hence, being used on various supplements such as the K-66 Ashwagandha.

READ ALSO: 5 Scientific Ways To Take Care of Yourself 

So does these things prove that ashwagandha is safe for pregnancy? Read on further.

Can You Take Ashwagandha During Pregnancy?

Just like what has been mentioned, two answers can be given to this question: yes or no. If you are inclined to seek the advice of medical professionals, there's a good chance that you will say no to ashwagandha.

Apparently, it has been discovered that ashwagandha can result in extreme contractions in the uterine. For women who aren't pregnant, this should not be a problem. But if you are not pregnant, you should be worried about this.

Uterine contraction is a significant trigger for abortion. It is something that you should avoid if you want to conceive properly. Furthermore, here are some other risks that ashwagandha can cause during pregnancy.

●     Ashwagandha has been used to optimize the menstrual period of women. If you are suffering from irregularities in your menstruation, this herb can help. However, since you are not pregnant, menstruation is the last thing that you should anticipate.

●     The herb also has properties that can lower blood pressure. It is a good thing, regardless if you are pregnant or not. But if you are suffering from reduced blood pressure while you are pregnant, you have to avoid ashwagandha at all cost.

●     One of the common side effects of taking ashwagandha is an irritated gastrointestinal tract. The latter can cause a loose bowel movement. It can also even stimulate ulcer, which is quite harmful if experienced by pregnant women.

●     Ashwagandha is also suspected to increase the thyroid levels of your body. All the medications that you took to prevent this from happening could be turned into naught once you have made this herb. Increased thyroid levels can cause unwanted complications for those who are pregnant. 

With all these things mentioned, it is pretty clear that taking ashwagandha is not suitable for pregnancy. It can cause a lot of problems that can affect your overall condition while you are carrying your baby.

While it is true that ashwagandha can make you feel better, the latter is still not a sufficient compromise to risk yourself and your baby.

Wrapping It Up

Ashwagandha is definitely a helpful herb that provides a lot of health benefits. It can boost your brain function and improve your physical health.

However, one should still not ignore its side effects, especially if you are pregnant. You will have to reconsider taking this herb, even if you have a medical clearance from your doctor. It is better to be safe than sorry.

In hindsight, you should apply this precaution whenever you are dealing with various herbs and other medications. Never take anything unless it is prescribed by a registered physician. They are the ones that can tell if a thing is safe for your body or not.

There are other things that you can do to relieve the stressful symptoms of pregnancy. Eating healthy and having the right kind of lifestyle can help you and your infant overcome any obstacles. You don't need to drink any medications just to calm all the vexing effects of bearing a child.

That's it for now. Write all your questions or suggestions in the comment section below.

Sources:

https://momontheblock.com/ashwagandha-during-pregnancy/

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/ashwagandha-health-benefits