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The Benefits of Ginger for Pregnant Women

The benefits of ginger are all-encompassing and not disputed. The benefits of ginger are even more magnified while pregnant. Originally, ginger was grown in China, India, Africa, the Caribbean, and other warm climates. The root of the ginger plant is well known as a spice and flavoring. It has been a traditional treatment for a variety of stomach ailments in many cultures for thousands of years. Although the lack of evidence is prevalent, ginger seems to aid digestion and saliva flow. Many people have also found that taking ginger could reduce nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. However, it is important to note pregnant women should be cautious with ginger. Some experts worry that it could raise the risk of miscarriage, especially in high doses–do not consume more than 5 grams a day.

Ginger is known to help with nausea caused by vertigo as well as painful periods. In one study, more than 60% of women felt that ginger lessened pain in regards to menstrual cramping. Many animal centric and laboratory studies have also found that ginger can lessen inflammation, blood sugar, cholesterol, prevent blood clotting, and can clinically lower blood sugar and blood pressure.

However, a main component of ginger competently working is the quality of active ingredients in supplements.

One of ginger’s most widely renowned uses is for mild to severe morning sickness. The frequent vomiting and overall nausea that affects over 80% of all pregnant women can be medicinally treated using ginger. Ginger helps alleviate nausea which stems from its ability to help appropriate stomach-emptying. There has also been previous research into understand ginger’s effect on brain receptors that moderate nausea. If you feel nausea during your pregnancy make sure to ask your healthcare practitioner about ginger ale, ginger chews, and ginger tea as a first line of treatment before attempting prescription antiemetic medication.

Another important use of ginger is in the alleviation of inflammation. Inflammation is a normal part of pregnancy but excessive inflammation can be linked to negative outcomes for the baby, specifically related to growth and brain development. The phytochemicals in ginger, namely gingerols and shogaols, have been shown to decrease the same markers of inflammation that are linked with these complications.

One of ginger’s most widely renowned uses is for mild to severe morning sickness. The frequent vomiting and overall nausea that affects over 80% of all pregnant women can be medicinally treated using ginger.

Ginger is also used to help alleviate indigestion and high blood sugar. It is very difficult for women with diabetes or gestational diabetes to manage blood sugar levels while pregnant. In studies, type 2 diabetics have demonstrated improved fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c (a measure of blood sugar control) with ginger supplementation. Thus, consuming ginger may be a good strategy for expecting mothers to employ, in addition to moderating carbohydrate intake. Additionally, due to both hormonal and anatomical changes, approximately 50 percent of women become constipated at some point during pregnancy. Ginger is known to have stimulatory effects on the digestive tract, which can prevent or aid in the management of constipation. Before resorting to any kind of laxative, please contact your doctor to ask about all natural remedies such as ginger.

Shoshi S.
Shoshi is a graduate from Stern College for Women in New York City. Her areas of interest include policy, non-profit organizations, and administration. During winter 2018, she was a White House intern. Shoshi has also interned at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles and at Save the Children in New York. As a millennial, Shoshi brings a young and fresh perspective to the worlds of pregnancy and lactation.

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