Is Saffron Safe For Expectant Mothers?

Pregnancy and childbirth are miraculous things that happen in one’s life. An expectant mother will nurture her unborn baby every day with soft words and loving thoughts along with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. There is a lot of strife and hundreds of doubts about what to eat and what not to eat, the kind of exercises to do and a hundred other doubts. In this light, we examine whether saffron for pregnant ladies is advisable or not. Saffron, better known as Zaferan or Safran in Iran is a spice with a myriad of uses.

It is used to ease the symptoms of diseases like asthma and whooping cough. It is also used as an aphrodisiac as well to increase the sex drive. It is more popular as one of the tips to get a fair baby.

 DIET FOR ANEMIC EXPECTANT MOTHERS
  The question is about its effects in pregnancy and on the unborn child. Saffron is considered safe during pregnancy only if consumed in the recommended amount. So, here we may discuss the advantages and side effects of saffron in pregnant women.

Improve digestion: Indigestion is a problem faced by most pregnant women. The main reason for recommending saffron for pregnant ladies is its property to improve digestion with increased metabolism rate.  
Nutritious herb: Saffron is highly nutritious with the presence of thiamine and riboflavin. These are useful during pregnancy and hence saffron for pregnant ladies in moderate amounts is highly advisable.

Foetus movement: Another reason for recommending saffron for pregnant ladies is its ability to aid in foetal movement. If taken after the 5th month when mothers can sense movement in the womb, it is very helpful.  

Purification of blood: Taken in small amounts saffron plays a huge role in purifying the blood of the mother and the foetus. This ensures that toxins like mercury, which are harmful to the baby, are removed from the system. 

Uterine contractions: Saffron during pregnancy side effects includes inducing uterine contractions. Large amounts of saffron can trigger contractions leading to premature birth or even miscarriage.

Effects on blood pressure: Saffron during pregnancy side effects includes its effects on blood pressure. Taken in large quantities saffron will lower the blood pressure reducing the amount of blood reaching the foetus.
  
Increased body heat: Large intake of saffron will lead to increased metabolism rate, thereby increasing the body heat. This can be harmful to the growing foetus and is one of the side effects of saffron during pregnancy.  

A lighter skin: A myth about saffron during pregnancy side effects include the age old belief that taking saffron during pregnancy will ensure a child born with light skin colour. There is no proof for this and unguarded consumption can lead to trouble. 

Permissible amount: In short we can see that saffron for pregnant ladies can be very useful, but it needs to be taken with caution and in a permissible amount preferably less than 10 grams a day. Always consult your doctor for doubts. Choose the correct herb: Another grave mistake that can happen while giving saffron for pregnant ladies is that you buy a fake herb. There are a lot of make-believe saffron in the market today and care needs to be taken before buying it.

Posted by: Asha in Bold Sky