Is Garlic Safe During Pregnancy?
Is Garlic Safe During Pregnancy?
Garlic is considered safe during pregnancy provided it is taken in small amounts. It is safe to contain garlic in early pregnancy as foods are eaten in this phase will have a lesser effect on the fetus compared to the subsequent trimesters.
In the second and third trimesters garlic could lead to two main side effects – lower blood pressure and thinning of the blood — when taken in excess. Therefore, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider before including it in your pregnancy diet.
Benefits of Eating Garlic during Pregnancy
Garlic has many benefits, some of which are extremely necessary during pregnancy. Here are some health benefits of eating garlic during pregnancy:
Preeclampsia or high blood pressure is a potentially harmful situation that affects nearly one in ten pregnant women. Garlic cuts down the risk of this condition and decreases the chances of high blood pressure and protein levels in the urine.
- Boosts baby weight
Research studies reveal that garlic helps improve the birth weight of babies who have the risk of being small or having a pre-term birth. Experiments have shown that adding garlic extracts to placental cells stimulated growth. The enzyme activity that was reduced in abnormal pregnancy enhanced when garlic was included in the diet.
- Fights cold, flu, and infections
Garlic can limit the growth of harmful bacteria in your system and keep the immune system healthy. It helps to fight away infections, including cold and flu.
The magic content in garlic, allicin helps reduce your cholesterol levels and keeps them in check. The same compound also helps thin your blood, reducing the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Potential Side Effects of Eating Garlic during Pregnancy
While garlic is otherwise considered a healthy herb, in some cases, it can reason a negative reaction. Here are some instances where you should be careful about your garlic intake:
- Garlic has blood-thinning properties. This means that you could bleed more than usual, which could be a major issue especially during surgical procedures or cesarean sections.
- Garlic supplements can interact with anti-clotting medications. They interact with insulin, thus lowering blood sugar levels. This is another reason why it is so essential to consult your physician prior to starting a new supplement.
- Too much garlic can upset your digestive system, and lead to stomach issues. In this case, you should see a doctor.