Adhering to the principle of "eating for two," many expectant mothers indulge in large amounts of nutritious food during pregnancy, and some even take health supplements. So, is it really okay to take supplements during pregnancy?
Indiscriminate use of supplements can affect the baby's development.
To meet the developmental needs of the fetus, expectant mothers need to consume a comprehensive range of nutrients, but they must avoid the misuse of supplements. With generally high living standards today, most expectant mothers do not suffer from nutritional deficiencies in their daily lives. For someone who is not lacking in nutrients, excessive supplementation can反而 (on the contrary) interfere with the intake and absorption of a normal diet.
An excessive amount of supplements can also have the opposite effect. Some supplements contain hormones, and their misuse may interfere with the normal development and maturation of the embryo, disrupting the fetus's physiological development process. This can lead to adverse effects for the baby after birth, and in severe cases, it may even be life-threatening.
Can expectant mothers consume ginseng during pregnancy?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ginseng is a potent herb that greatly replenishes vital energy (Qi). Taking it during pregnancy can easily lead to an excess of Qi and a depletion of Yin, causing symptoms of Yin deficiency and internal heat. This can exacerbate issues like morning sickness, edema (swelling), and high blood pressure. The third trimester is already a period when edema and high blood pressure are common, and ginseng has an anti-diuretic effect, which can lead to sodium retention and reduced urination. This can cause an excess of amniotic fluid and worsen morning sickness, potentially leading to vaginal bleeding or even miscarriage.
From the fetus's perspective, its tolerance for ginseng is very low. If a pregnant woman takes an excessive amount, there is a risk of causing a stillbirth. Therefore, pregnant women should not misuse ginseng or ginseng products. Besides ginseng, other supplements like deer antler, walnuts, and longan are also considered warming and tonifying herbs that should be avoided by pregnant women. As for other tonics, one can consider using those that are mildly tonifying, clearing heat, and neutral in nature, such as an appropriate amount of Ejiao (donkey-hide gelatin), to nourish the blood and support the pregnancy.
Friendly Reminder: If an expectant mother feels she is weak and needs supplementation, she should visit a regular hospital, inform the doctor of her pregnancy, and let the doctor decide, based on her specific condition, whether supplementation is necessary and how to proceed. Never purchase supplements like ginseng on your own and take them blindly.