Ginger root is available at health food stores and many local grocery stores. You can use it in a variety of ways, including to prepare herbal teas, salad dressings, baked goods or to season dishes. As with many herbs, the use of ginger throughout pregnancy is controversial. Pregnant women should talk to their obstetrician about whether or not ginger root is safe for them.
History
According to the Mayo Clinic, Chinese, Japanese and Indian medicine have used ginger to treat a variety of digestive ailments since as far back as the 1500s. It is currently recommended for both digestive issues and to improve or prevent inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, acne, certain other skin conditions and many cardiovascular problems. It is typically taken orally, but you can apply it topically as well.
Benefits for Pregnancy
Ginger can be an effective way to relieve morning sickness and nausea associated with pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association gives ginger a rating of "possibly safe." This means it should be taken in small amounts and only under supervision of a health care provider. The American Pregnancy Association also states that pregnant women who are not comfortable consuming ginger should try sniffing it to ward off nausea. Other tips to prevent or lessen morning sickness include eating crackers before getting out of bed in the morning, eating several small meals as opposed to one large meal and avoiding warm places.
Risks for Pregnancy
The problem with ginger, as noted by the Mayo Clinic, is that it may decrease the production of blood platelets. This increases the risk of bleeding, which may lead to a greater risk of miscarriage. Further research is needed to prove this claim, which is why some health care providers still recommend it for use during pregnancy. It is also likely that only large amounts of ginger would cause these problems, which is why it's often recommended in small doses.
Use
The simplest way to consume ginger root in the morning is to prepare an herbal tea. To do so, peel and slice a small 1- to 2-inch piece of ginger. Place it in a pot with 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, strain the ginger and serve. You can add lemon and honey as desired. If a health care provider advises against consuming ginger, simply peel the root and smell it upon waking up in the morning.
Warning
Women who are at a higher risk for miscarriage may want to avoid ginger and other controversial herbs all together. According to the American Pregnancy Association, high risk groups include women over 35 years of age and women who have had a previous miscarriage. Pregnant women who notice back pain, weight loss, contractions or bleeding in the first trimester should contact a health care provider immediately. These are all potential signs of a miscarriage.
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