10 Benefits of Ginger During Pregnancy

There are many reasons to turn to ginger during pregnancy. It offers a natural solution to ailments ranging from morning sickness to high blood pressure and gestational diabetes. 

Ten Health Benefits of Ginger During Pregnancy

Ginger has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and ability to aid healing and digestion naturally. It is generally considered safe during pregnancy, although there is debate about maximum daily limits. In general, aim to keep your daily intake of ginger during pregnancy to one gram or less.

Here are ten benefits of taking ginger during pregnancy that may surprise you.

1. Ease Morning Sickness

Many women deal with morning sickness as a part of their pregnancies. It is generally strongest and most disruptive during the first trimester. Whether you are dealing with mild nausea or frequent vomiting, using ginger during pregnancy may help alleviate your symptoms of morning sickness.

2. Improve Circulation

Improved circulation means more than better blood flow for you. It also means that your baby is receiving the nourishment he or she needs in utero.

3. Reduce Inflammation

Ginger has been widely used to help ease inflammation, which can be a chronic problem for many people. The added stress of impending parenthood can aggravate the condition and using ginger may help keep it in check. Look to use a ginger-infused lotion or cream applied directly to areas of swelling to help keep it down.

4. Lower Cholesterol Levels

If you are concerned about high cholesterol, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that ginger may help lower its levels in your bloodstream. This is a benefit that goes beyond pregnancy and can be enjoyed by everyone in your household.

5. Stabilize Blood Sugar

Gestational diabetes is a serious condition that affects many women. Regularly using ginger during pregnancy may work to regulate blood sugar levels, which, hopefully, can help you avoid developing this condition.

6. Minimize Aches and Pains

Let’s face it, pregnancy comes with aches, pains, and sore muscles. Your body is adjusting to hosting your growing baby, preparing for delivery, and carrying around that extra weight.

7. Boost Immune System

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone had super immune systems during pregnancy? While ginger doesn’t grant superpowers, it may boost your immune system to help you avoid colds and seasonal illnesses. If you do catch one, taking ginger may speed your recovery time.

8. Aid Digestion

While ginger will help calm nausea, it also appears to act as a stimulant on other parts of your digestive tract. If you, like many others, deal with constipation during pregnancy, consider adding ginger to your diet to maintain regular digestive functions.

9. Soothe Heartburn

Much like it helps with nausea and digestion, ginger may also help you keep heartburn at bay. So, go ahead and indulge that stomach-straining craving, and then wash it down with a warm mug of ginger tea.

10. Minimize Risk of Blood Clots

This spice works within the circulatory system in all sorts of ways, and it may help reduce your chance of developing blood clots when taken regularly.

How to Take Ginger

The most common method of using ginger for health purposes is in a tea. These are generally made by adding ginger juice and honey to warm water. However, you can also choose to use ginger as a spice in cooking or toss some in your morning smoothie. Some people prefer to use ginger-based candies or crystallized ginger as a treat.

If your pregnancy concerns are more closely related to pain and inflammation, you will want to check out ginger-infused creams, lotions, and bath products. Its ability to ease pain and swelling make these products ideal for direct application to affected areas, or even a long soak in a ginger-laced bath.

No matter how you choose to incorporate ginger into your pregnancy routine, be sure to do it safely. If you are taking any medications for heart conditions, high blood pressure or diabetes, be sure to talk to your doctor about adding any supplements to your diet.