Dried fenugreek seeds are used in herbal medicine to treat or prevent medical conditions including high cholesterol, diabetes, inflammation and loss of appetite. Fenugreek also adds flavor to Indian and Asian foods. However, fenugreek can cause side effects and is not safe for everyone. Do not use fenugreek during pregnancy.
Fenugreek and Pregnancy
Fenugreek was traditionally used to initiate labor. It may stimulate the uterus and cause contractions. Early in pregnancy this could lead to a miscarriage or other complications, so pregnant women should avoid consuming fenugreek. Babies born to women who used fenugreek during labor may be misdiagnosed with maple syrup urine disease, as fenugreek contains a compound that smells like maple syrup.
Side Effects
Ingesting therapeutic doses of fenugreek can cause side effects, including bloating, gas, indigestion, diarrhea and skin irritation. However, the small amounts of fenugreek consumed in food are unlikely to cause these or any other side effects, so pregnant women do not need to avoid all foods that contain small amounts of fenugreek used as a spice.
Interactions
Fenugreek may interact with certain medications, interfering with their effectiveness. These include blood thinners, such as warfarin, and cyclophosphamide. If you are taking these or any other medications, check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you to take fenugreek. You may need your medication dosage adjusted if fenugreek use isn't contraindicated.
Considerations
Because most herbal medicines are not well-studied in pregnant women, avoiding these during pregnancy is the safest course of action. However, should you decide to use fenugreek, do not do so without first speaking to your doctor, and wait until you are at least 37 weeks pregnant to limit the risk involved. If you are at risk for hormone-sensitive cancers, you should avoid fenugreek altogether.
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