Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a plant native to the East Indies. The root has a unique taste and pungent smell, making it a popular ingredient in the preparation of many foods and beverages. Ginger has been used medicinally to treat a myriad of complaints for more than 2,000 years. It is also one of the few herbs to have been studied for use during pregnancy.
According to Motherrisk up to 80% of women suffer with nausea during pregnancy. Although commonly referred to as morning sickness, it can occur at any time of day and may or may not be accompanied by vomiting. Although for most women the nausea dissipates or disappears entirely after the first trimester, some women are affected for their entire pregnancies.
Morning sickness is more than just an uncomfortable nuisance. It can also prevent pregnant women from getting all the nutrients they need. In severe cases (hyperemesis gravidarum), women may need to be hospitalized. Unfortunately, finding anti-nausea treatments that are safe and effective to use during pregnancy can be difficult.
Is Ginger Effective Against Morning Sickness?
In 2005, the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health reported on a review of the four double blind, controlled studies that had been conducted to that time. The participants were instructed to take a standardized dose of between 250 and 350 mg of ginger either three of four times a day over several weeks during the first trimester. The review concluded that there is sufficient evidence to confirm that ginger is an effective method of reducing nausea, vomiting and dry retching associated with morning sickness.
Is it Safe to Take Ginger When Pregnant?
Both the 2005 review and a more comprehensive review in 2007 (Badreldin H. Ali et al) of all the research on ginger, not just that relating to nausea, concluded that although medicinal doses of ginger have only occasional and minor side effects for adults, more studies are needed to determine if there is a negative impact on the fetus. Only one of the four studies reviewed in 2005 (Prospective comparative study of the safety and effectiveness of ginger for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy ) recorded birth outcomes. There was no statistical difference in the number miscarriages, still births, malformations or low birth weights between the group of woman taking the placebo and those taking the standardized ginger extracts; however, it was a relatively small group (187 in all), and the results have not as yet been replicated.
The FDA classes ginger as "generally recognized as safe." However, there have been conflicting results in animal studies, with some concluding that ginger has no affect on the fetus and others showing a possible increase in miscarriage. There is simply not enough research at this point to be absolutely certain that there is no negative impact on the fetus. It is important to consult with your care provider before taking any medication, herbal or otherwise, during pregnancy.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Resources:
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Ginger to Treat Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (2004) Smith, Caroline PhD, MSc; Crowther, Caroline MD, FRANZCOG; Willson, Kristyn BSc (Hons); Hotham, Neil B Pharm; McMillian, Vicki B Nursing
Effect of a ginger extract on pregnancy-induced nausea: A randomised controlled trial. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (2003), Willetts, K. E., Ekangaki, A. and Eden, J. A.
Ginger for Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy: Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Trial (2000) Vutyavanich, Teraporn MD, MSC; Kraisarin, Theerajana MD; Ruangsri, Rung-Aroon BSC
Some phytochemical, pharmacological and toxicological properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): A review of recent research (2007) Badreldin H. Ali a,*, Gerald Blunden b, Musbah O. Tanira a, Abderrahim Nemmar
Journal of Widwifery & Woman’s Health A Literature Review of the Effectiveness of Ginger in Alleviating Mild-to-Moderate Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (2005) Eva Bryer, CNM, MSN
Katherine Scrimshaw - Katherine Scrimshaw is a freelance writer and editor with a background in public relations, broadcasting and not-for-profit administration ...
Join the Conversation