Fennel seeds, commonly known as Saunf in Hindi, are mildly sweet and aromatic herbs used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Several women are unsure of the safety of using fennel seeds during pregnancy. These seeds are commonly used in Indian and Middle-eastern recipes. They can also be used as mouth fresheners. However, little research has been done to understand their safety during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it is believed that consuming fennel in small quantities does not have any harmful effects on the baby. Read this post further to learn about the benefits of eating fennel seeds during pregnancy and how to include them in your diet, and learn some of its possible side effects.
Is It Healthy To Eat Fennel Seeds During Pregnancy?
There is not enough research indicating that consumption of fennel seeds could be safe during pregnancy. However, small amounts of these seeds are not known to have any harmful effect on the mother or the baby. You may have them to get relief from gas and bloating (1). According to Aleta Storch, MS, a Washington-based registered dietitian nutritionist, “Fennel contains compounds that have estrogenic effects that can alter the production and release of hormones associated with pregnancy and menstruation. Eating small amounts of fennel (i.e., seeds incorporated in cooking) and/or eating fennel infrequently is safe during pregnancy because these amounts will not provide enough of the compounds to negatively affect fetal development.”
How Are Fennel Seeds Useful During Pregnancy?
Fennel seeds are used as a herbal remedy for treating certain ailments. Some of them are mentioned next. Julius Cermak, a naturopathic herbalist-practitioner and holistic health consultant from New York, says, “Fennel acts as an intestinal antispasmodic (relieves intestinal cramping), anodyne (soothes discomfort and pain), carminative (relieves gas pressure), and stomachic (tones and strengthens the stomach).”
How To Include Fennel Seeds In Pregnancy?
Fennel seeds are slightly sweet and have a great aroma. You can use them as:
Flavoring agents for cooking A breath freshener after a meal Herbs to make a tea that helps curb nausea
Fennel Tea Recipe For Pregnancy Nausea
Fennel tea has excellent medicinal properties and offers relief from several pregnancy issues. You will need:
1tsp fennel seeds 1 cup water Jaggery or honey for taste
How to make: Consuming fennel seeds in little amounts will not cause any harm. But, you should be cautious before including them in your pregnancy diet.
Possible Side Effects Of Eating Fennel Seeds During Pregnancy
Some of the potentially harmful effects of consuming fennel seeds during pregnancy are mentioned here.
They might affect the blood’s ability to clot. Avoid them if you have any bleeding disorder as it makes you prone to bruises and excessive bleeding. Fennel seeds tend to make the skin drier and should be avoided if you have sensitive skin. People allergic to some vegetables/ plants such as carrot, celery and mugwort show allergic responses to fennel as well (5). They possess emmenagogue properties and will stimulate menstrual flow, causing vaginal bleeding that could ultimately lead to miscarriage (6).
