During pregnancy, there are many foods that women should avoid. Some people have heard that pregnant women should not consume motherwort, as it may cause miscarriage. So, is this true? Let's discuss it together.
Can motherwort cause miscarriage?
It is possible.
Motherwort has a bitter and pungent taste, with a slightly cold nature. It has a strong function of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, and it can stimulate the smooth muscles of the uterus, causing uterine contractions. Therefore, there is a possibility of miscarriage when pregnant women consume motherwort. However, this does not mean that drinking motherwort will definitely cause miscarriage.
Under what circumstances is it easy to miscarry after consuming motherwort?
Consumption during early pregnancy
During the early stages of pregnancy (around 1-3 months), when the fertilized egg is not yet stable in the uterus, consuming motherwort can cause intense contractions of the uterus, making it more likely to result in miscarriage.
Consuming a large amount of motherwort
Motherwort is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and the usual dosage is 10-30 grams. Even if a regular person consumes an excessive amount of motherwort, it may cause discomfort. For pregnant women, consuming an excessive amount increases the risk of miscarriage.
Signs of miscarriage after consuming motherwort
Vaginal bleeding
If consuming motherwort leads to threatened miscarriage, the first symptom that may appear is a small amount of vaginal bleeding. This is because during the intense contractions of the uterus, the placenta is forcibly separated from the uterine wall, causing the cervix to dilate and blood to flow out through the vagina.
Lower abdominal pain
If consuming motherwort leads to threatened miscarriage, vaginal bleeding may be accompanied by lower abdominal pain. This is because the stimulating effect of motherwort on the uterus causes intense contractions, resulting in pain.
What should pregnant women do if they consume motherwort?
1. Immediately stop consuming motherwort
Because motherwort has a stimulating effect on the uterus, pregnant women should stop consuming it immediately after experiencing any discomfort, in order to avoid worsening the symptoms.
2. Observe their own condition
Pregnant women should not be too careless, regardless of whether they have consumed a large or small amount of motherwort. They should closely observe their own physical condition.
3. Seek medical examination
Pregnant women should seek immediate medical examination of their own condition and the condition of the fetus, regardless of whether they have experienced any discomfort, in order to avoid delaying the optimal treatment time.
Which foods are more likely to cause miscarriage?
1. Aloe vera
Aloe vera has a strong stimulating effect on the intestinal mucosa and can cause congestion of the pelvic organs in women, promoting uterine contractions. Consuming aloe vera in the early stages of pregnancy can easily cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, and even the risk of miscarriage.
2. Coix seed
In traditional Chinese medicine, coix seed is believed to have the effects of diuresis, reducing edema, invigorating the spleen, and eliminating dampness. However, its active ingredients also have an excitatory effect on the smooth muscles of the uterus, which can cause uterine contractions and miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should be cautious when consuming coix seed.
3. Purslane
Purslane has the function of lubricating the intestines and promoting smooth delivery. Its active ingredients can stimulate the uterus during pregnancy, causing uterine contractions and possibly leading to miscarriage.
4. Hawthorn
Hawthorn has an acidic nature and can promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. It can stimulate the smooth muscles of the uterus. If pregnant women consume too much hawthorn, it may cause uterine contractions and miscarriage.
