Can You Take Ashwagandha Supplements During Pregnancy?

Using Ashwagandha Supplements During Pregnancy

Ashwagandha is an ayurvedic herb that has been used medicinally in India for over 3,000 years. Today, ashwagandha supplements are popular for their stress-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. But can you safely take ashwagandha while pregnant? Here's what expectant mothers need to know about potential ashwagandha benefits versus the risks and side effects before taking it during pregnancy.

Understanding How Ashwagandha Works in the Body

The ashwagandha plant, also known by its scientific name Withania somnifera, contains a variety of biologically active compounds. The most potent constituents are withanolides such as withaferin A and withanolide D. These plant-based molecules are thought to be responsible for ashwagandhas broad medicinal effects.

Research indicates ashwagandha works in multiple ways throughout the body by:

• Reducing cortisol levels and balancing key stress hormones
• Decreasing systemic inflammation that drives disease
• Stabilizing blood sugar and enhancing insulin sensitivity
• Boosting thyroid hormone levels
• Protecting nerve cells from damage by increasing antioxidants

Through these wide-ranging mechanisms, ashwagandha demonstrates promise for lowering stress, controlling blood sugar, reducing pain and inflammation, improving memory, building endurance, and more. However, its multifaceted actions also increase the risk of interactions with medications and medical conditions in some individuals.

Potential Benefits of Ashwagandha

Here are some of the evidence-based ashwagandha benefits seen in clinical research when taken in supplementation form by adults:

• Reduces chronic stress and anxiety - Multiple studies show ashwagandha lowers cortisol and alleviates anxiety/panic disorder symptoms significantly better than placebo without sedation.
• Increases strength and endurance - Athletes using ashwagandha for 8-12 weeks increased muscle mass and strength, along with cardio endurance.
• Eases arthritis and joint pain - Ashwagandha is as effective as pain medication for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, while also lowering inflammation.
• Boosts thyroid function - Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 increased significantly with ashwagandha supplementation in those with underactive thyroid glands.
• Improves memory and cognition - Elements in ashwagandha promote neuron growth and healing, improving memory, attention span, processing speed, and accuracy during cognitive testing in healthy and cognitively impaired adults.

Potential Risk Factors of Using Ashwagandha

Despite dozens of human trials demonstrating therapeutic benefits, ashwagandha does come with some precautions. Possible ashwagandha side effects and negative interactions include:

• May increase thyroid hormone levels too much in those with hyperthyroidism
• Can decrease blood sugar excessively when combined with diabetes medications
• May irritate gastrointestinal issues for those prone to ulcers or irritable bowel diseases
• Possible adverse effects on pregnancy due to uterine stimulant properties

For these reasons, medical supervision is recommended when taking ashwagandha if you have a thyroid disorder, diabetes requiring medication, or gastrointestinal problems.

Is It Safe to Take Ashwagandha While Pregnant?

Perhaps the biggest question surrounding ashwagandha use is whether or not it is safe to take when pregnant. With herbal supplements, this data is often lacking. But emerging research now sheds more light on how ashwagandha may impact pregnancy outcomes.

Animal Studies on Ashwagandha Use During Pregnancy

Several studies where pregnant rodents were given high doses of ashwagandha raised concern about increased risk of miscarriage. Exactly how ashwagandha may trigger miscarriage is unknown, but may relate to its uterine stimulant effects.

Results showed:

• Doses over 50mg/kg body weight triggered contractions and led to nearly 100% fetal loss
• Doses over 10mg/kg body weight still increased miscarriage rates significantly
• Low doses around 2mg/kg body weight did not impact miscarriage rates compared to control groups

The doses used even on the lower end far exceeded typical human ashwagandha doses, which are around 500-1000mg per day. When adjusting for differences in body surface area between species, human equivalent doses would need to be 8 to 16 times higher to result in blood concentrations equivalent to those studied in pregnant rodents.

Still, these dramatic effects indicate ashwagandha does appear to stimulate uterine contractions that can trigger miscarriage, especially later in pregnancy. More research is needed, but these studies provide reason for caution.

Limited Human Data on Ashwagandha Safety During Pregnancy

In contrast to animal studies, little human research exists examining ashwagandha supplement use specifically during pregnancy. Potential benefits for anxiety and blood sugar stability remain scientifically unproven during this critical developmental period for mothers and babies.

Small studies have surveyed Indian women on their use of Ayurvedic herbs during pregnancy. Up to one-third reported taking ashwagandha, seemingly without issue. However, no cause-and-effect data related to miscarriage rates or impacts on fetal development resulted from these surveys. Anecdotal reports suggest ashwagandha may help relieve fatigue, anxiety and nausea in some expecting mothers.

On the other hand, several cases link excessive ashwagandha intake to uterine bleeding during early pregnancy. Women consuming very high doses developed lower abdominal pain and vaginal spotting, but miscarriage did not ultimately occur.

Overall, minimal quality research exists demonstrating whether moderate ashwagandha supplementation during pregnancy is safe or offers meaningful benefits for mom and baby. Similarly, proof of harm is lacking. But considering its risks as an uterine stimulant, most experts recommend avoiding ashwagandha supplements during pregnancy as a precaution.

Dos and Donts of Taking Ashwagandha While Pregnant

Here are suggested guidelines regarding ashwagandha use if you are pregnant or could become pregnant:

• Dont take ashwagandha if actively trying to conceive or upon first discovery of pregnancy - Ashwagandha may interfere with implantation, so avoiding for at least the first trimester is wise.
• Avoid high supplement doses exceeding 1000mg daily - Very high intakes further increase any potential uterine stimulant effects during pregnancy.
• Consult your doctor before continuing ashwagandha if already pregnant - Get guidance tailored to your unique health status regarding whether the benefits outweigh potential risks.
• Stop immediately if you experience unusual cramping or bleeding - Seek prompt medical care to assess pregnancy stability since these could signal impending miscarriage triggered by ashwagandha.

Being cautious means limiting ashwagandha intake during conception periods through pregnancy unless your doctor explicitly approves it. For many women, it is best avoided altogether until after giving birth and breastfeeding is completed due to inadequate safety data.

Safer Pregnancy Wellness Alternatives to Ashwagandha

While ashwagandha offers therapeutic effects for some health conditions, its potency during pregnancy remains questionable. You may be better off trying safer natural approaches to support wellness as an expectant mom such as:

Prenatal Vitamins and Minerals

Take a quality prenatal multivitamin each day to supply sufficient vitamin B12, omega-3s, vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and other nutrients vital during fetal growth and development. Correcting any nutritional gaps reduces pregnancy complications and supports your babys future health.

Probiotic Supplements

Daily probiotic supplements boost populations of beneficial gut bacteria tied to lower risk of maternal complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. They also reduce incidence of childhood eczema, asthma and allergies. Look for well-studied strains like Lactobacillus GG and Bifidobacterium infantis.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Increasing omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish oil supplements or DHA-enriched eggs provides essential fats for building healthy cell membranes and brain structures. Omega-3s reduce early preterm births and benefit childrens neurological and vision development.

Gentle Exercise

Regular physical activity such as walking, swimming and prenatal yoga classes help relieve back pain, improve sleep quality, stabilize mood and energy levels, promote healthy weight gain and prepare muscles/joints for birth.

Mindfulness Practices

Mind-body techniques including meditation, deep breathing exercises, visualization and journaling counteract the stresses of pregnancy. Quieting your mind promotes relaxation, reduces blood pressure/cortisol, and helps you be present to bond with your baby.

Prioritizing responsible prenatal nutrition, gentle movement, stress resilience skills, and targeted supplements as recommended by your practitioner gives you and baby the best advantages--without uncertainties of ashwagandha. Staying active and keeping worried thoughts under control may help more than any herbal product.

If struggling with high anxiety interfering with work or relationships, consult your OB-GYN or mental health professional. Various counseling programs, support groups and approved non-drug approaches exist to help overcome panic attacks, depression and phobias arising before/during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Take a Cautious Approach to Ashwagandha While Pregnant

Clinical evidence regarding ashwagandhas efficacy and safety during pregnancy remains extremely limited despite traditional use of this herb. Possible stimulating effects on the uterus that could trigger miscarriage force expectant mothers to make a personal choice about whether potential benefits outweigh potential risks of taking ashwagandha supplements.

Many doctors and natural medicine practitioners recommend avoiding ashwagandha during conception periods through pregnancy and breastfeeding unless under medical guidance. However, if previously using ashwagandha, speak to your OB-GYN before quitting to determine what is right for your unique health status.

Rather than gambling with ashwagandha, emphasize lifestyle measures like a prenatal vitamin, nutritious diet, omega-3s and gentle exercise instead. This gives baby the best start without uncertainties of how ashwagandhas chemical complexity interacts with maternal and fetal development during delicate periods.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.