Can Spices Cause Abortions?

Can Spices Cause Abortions?

Some spices may cause abortions or early pregnancy loss, but not because of their taste. Many spices and herbs stimulate uterine contractions or uterine bleeding, which can cause a very early abortion or a loss of advanced pregnancy. Cooking with spices is not dangerous during pregnancy, only the supplements are powerful enough to cause potential problems, so do not take supplements containing herbs or spices without your doctor's approval.

Causes

Spices that can cause an abortion fall into two general categories: abortifacients, substances that can cause uterine contractions that can induce a miscarriage, and emmenagogues, substances that stimulate a menstrual period. The emmenagogues could interfere with a very early pregnancy by not allowing the embryo to implant, while abortifacients stimulate the uterus. Contractions can interrupt a pregnancy or cause a premature birth. Some midwives and alternative practitioners recommend taking certain spices and herbs after 36 weeks of pregnancy to "tone" the uterus for childbirth, says the Perinatal Education Associates website.

Uterine Stimulants

Many species can cause stimulation and uterine contractions in concentrated doses. Avoid anise, basil, caraway, cayenne pepper, celery seeds, chili powder, cinnamon, clove oil, cumin, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage and thyme in large quantities. Other herbs to avoid in concentrated amounts include angelica, bitter orange, chamomile oil, fenugreek, lavender and peppermint oil. Talk to your doctor before taking any herb or spice supplement.

Spices that induce menstruation

Spices that could interrupt an early pregnancy at the beginning of your menstrual period include saffron, saffron flower, ginger, and wild turmeric. Emmenagogues are usually used to regulate menstrual cycles, but it could be risky if you do not realize you're pregnant because you have not missed a menstrual period yet.

The effect of spices

You may worry about the effect of spices or spicy foods on pregnancy or your baby. Spiced foods will not cause uterine contractions or harm your pregnancy in any way, explains obstetrician Carol Archie of the University of California and infertility specialist Mary Lake Polan on the BabyCenter website. They could, however, cause heartburn, which could increase your discomfort during pregnancy. Most herbs and spices have not been tested for their effects as supplements during pregnancy, so do not assume that any supplement is safe to take without asking your doctor first.

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