Oranges are a nutritious source of vitamin C, and the peel can be used for a variety of health and medicinal purposes, as well. Compounds in the peel of an orange, most commonly the bitter orange variety, can help treat certain conditions. If you are pregnant, your doctor has likely told you what you can and cannot take. If you take orange peel extract for any reason and discover that you are pregnant, speak with your obstetrician about continuing its use because this substance may put your unborn baby at risk.
Medications and Supplements During Pregnancy
What you eat and drink, as well as the supplements and medications you take, can impact the healthy development of your unborn baby; they can cross into your placenta and expose your baby to potentially harmful substances. Any medication or supplement you take should be approved by your doctor because many of them are not safe for use during pregnancy.
About Orange Peel Extract
Orange peel extract is gleaned from the peel of oranges, usually the bitter orange. Certain cultures have used orange peel extract for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Orange peel extract is commonly added to weight loss products. Drugs.com reports that orange peel extract has replaced ephedra in many weight loss substances because of the negative side effects associated with ephedra. Orange peel extract is also used to treat heartburn. Additionally, research is attempting to determine how effective orange peel extract is at lowering cholesterol and working as a tranquilizer or sedative. This extract can be found in certain foods, including fruit juice, sodas, baked goods, pudding and ice cream.
Orange Peel During Pregnancy
If you are expecting, you should avoid using orange peel extract. Drugs.com reports that there is not enough clinical research and evidence to support the use of orange peel extract during pregnancy. Without research, there is no way of knowing what effect orange peel extract may have on your unborn baby. If you choose to nurse your baby once she is born, you will need to continue to avoid orange peel extract because the safety of the substance during breastfeeding is also unknown.
Considerations
If you have used orange peel extract in the past for weight loss, you should speak with your obstetrician because it is not recommended that you attempt to lose weight while pregnant. Your baby relies on a certain number of calories to grow properly; restricting your intake may negatively impact her development. If you have used orange peel extract for heartburn, your obstetrician can recommend an alternate treatment that is safe during pregnancy, such as sleeping with your upper body elevated.
