benefits of saffron during pregnancy

Saffron During Pregnancy: Will it be Safe for Baby?

Saffron for its medicinal nature, is essential and highly recommended during pregnancy period. Consuming saffron during pregnancy period is safe and has numerous therapeutic & medicinal properties, but in a limited amount and just take it in a small quantity. It is safer to avoid saffron in during the first trimester of pregnancy, when the womb has not yet stabilized. It’s highly recommended that use saffron to your diet during pregnancy but in moderation.

Hence, it is considered safe to consume saffron during the second trimester (from the fifth month onwards) when the baby starts moving in the womb. At this time, the pregnancy is stable and as a result, the risk of endangering the baby due to premature contractions is reduced. If taken in excessive measured amounts, may prove to be harmful and affect your baby causing preterm labor or even miscarriage, Hence, there needs to be moderation in the consumption of saffron. Recommended that a dose of not more than 2 to 3 strands per day.

Some pregnant women may be sensitive to saffron consumption and experience symptoms when consuming saffron. Hence, consult their ob-gyn and dietitian before consuming saffron during pregnancy. Indeed, they should instruct pregnant women on when to consume saffron during pregnancy so that they consume it in the right amounts.

Potential Benefits of Saffron During Pregnancy:

The major benefits of saffron consumption during pregnancy include the following:

• Antidepressant & Mood Enhancement

Anxiety are common during pregnancy. Indeed, the hormonal surges which has a deep effect on emotions & feelings in pregnancy period, can make pregnant women cranky & fractious. Thus, saffron as an anti-depressant, helps to relieve stress hormone, mood swings and producing serotonin that will raise pregnant women spirits & elevates their mood in pregnancy period.

• Reduces Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common problem in pregnancy period, causing fluctuations in blood pressure. Crocin and safranal are the main components of saffron and have properties which are effective in combating hypertension in humans and this feature, will control the increase in blood pressure and reduce blood pressure during pregnancy.

• Aids in Digestion‍

The common problems during the pregnancy period are stomach aches, constipation, gas and bloating and heartburn which is a result of improper digestion.

Saffron causes the formation of a protective coating in the digestive tract and acts as an appetite booster .It helps in digestion, promotes blood flow to the digestive system and thus, helps to enhance metabolism and also lessens bloating.

• Relieves Morning Sickness‍

Nausea or morning sickness can take away the joy of pregnancy and often leaves feeling dull and lethargic. saffron soothes the digestive system and will fight nausea and dizziness in women during pregnancy.

• Promotes Sleep‍

Sleeping during pregnancy period has become a challenge for most of the women. Saffron contains mild sedative properties that help promote sleep and enable pregnant women to feel relaxed. Furthermore, drinking saffron with milk is known to improve their quality of sleep.

• ‍Combats Anemia

Most of the women during pregnancy are anemic. Regular consumption of saffron but in a limited amount, will boost hemoglobin in the blood curing anemia.

• Saves Against Heart Diseases

Saffron is rich in high antioxidant, potassium and crocetin contents which protects pregnant women and their baby’s heart by reducing cholesterol and triglycerides.

• ‍Fights Allergies

The immune system is often compromised during pregnancy and pregnant women will be vulnerable to infections and allergies.

Due to anti-inflammatory properties in saffron, it has the power to soothe coughs, asthma, allergies and relieve nasal congestion.

• Relieves Muscular Cramps

Many pregnant women complain of muscular cramps in legs, abdomen and joint pain during pregnancy. Saffron as a natural painkiller has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it relaxes the muscles which helps to relieve stomach pain, soothe cramps and relax the joints and finally reducing muscular pains during pregnancy.

• Protects Against Heart Disease (Heart health)

Saffron has a magical property of protecting you against heart diseases. The majority of women, during pregnancy, tend to consume more than the required amount of fatty foods in order to satisfy their increased appetite which can have a harmful effect on their cardiovascular system levels. Thus, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of saffron might help keep cholesterol levels under control and maintain the health of arteries and blood vessels.

• Cures Respiratory Illness

Saffron anti-inflammatory properties that help dilate the nasal airways. Moreover, It reduces the swelling and inflammation in the lungs. Saffron can also aid pregnant women suffering from asthma

by removing any blockage that is present in their lungs and trachea.

• Reduces Hair-Fall

Hormonal fluctuations often result in increased hair fall during pregnancy period. The antioxidant properties of saffron nourish the hair, making it stronger and also may aid in the prevention of hair loss.

• Heals Skin Problems

Consuming saffron helps fight against common skin problems. These include pimple breakouts and acne that arise during pregnancy. Saffron acts as a blood purifier and has an effective solution to skin problems caused by impurities in the blood.

Healthy & Popular Ways to Consume Saffron in Pregnancy Period

• Saffron Milk

Saffron milk is a popular way for women to consume saffron during pregnancy for its medicinal properties and also because is a great source of calcium which they need a lot for the growth and development of their babies. It will be aid in a pregnant woman’s sleep cycle due to its sedative effects. It is safe to take a few strands (2-3 strands) and add to warm milk.

How to Prepare:

•  First, add a few saffron strands in warm milk & stir thoroughly
• Let the mixture soak & stand to infuse for 10 minutes before consuming it

Notes:

• It can also be mixed in other dairy products but warm milk is best
• You can have almond or pistachio slices in this nutritious mixture
• Saffron can also be crumbled and added to meals

‍Side Effects:

According to the Drug Information Database, exposure to saffron in excessive amounts consumption during pregnancy could lead to:

• Impair fetal growth and cause a variety of fetal malformations
• Leads to premature labor or abortion
• Numbness of the eyelids and lips
• Bleeding from the nose
• Uterine Contractions
• Nausea & Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dry Mouth