Cloves During Pregnancy: Is It Harmful?

Cloves are a form of spice and have numerous health benefits for a pregnant woman. Let us take a look at the benefits of consuming cloves during pregnancy. Scroll on.

1. High in Antioxidants

As cloves are high in antioxidants, they not just ensure a good immune system for the baby, but also help them develop a good body repair system. A good immune system would keep the baby protected from many diseases, including chronic diseases in the future and hence would be good for the baby in the long run.

2. Prevent Infections During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a phase in which a pregnant woman suffers from a lot of difficulties which include conditions like itchiness, rashes, acne, and so on. Eating cloves once or twice per day would keep you away from this kind of ailment and hence would ensure a smooth pregnancy period.

But in the process, do not try to over-consume them as it can cause reverse reactions too. Overconsumption of anything and everything can be harmful during pregnancy and hence it must be avoided.

3. Contains Ample Minerals

Minerals are essential for healthy living. They keep the mother healthy and ensure the good growth of the baby in the womb. There are a wide variety of minerals present in cloves in the form of sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and so on. Consuming these minerals every day during pregnancy ensures that your body performs all the functions normally.

4. Contains Fibrous Content

Every doctor recommends an intake of a good amount of fiber during pregnancy. Cloves are a great supplement for fiber. Fiber ensures easy digestion and absorption of food, ensuring good energy levels. Taking one or two cloves every day can add to your total fiber intake and ensure the smooth functioning of the digestive system. Cloves also reduce constipation.

5. Controls Bloating and Constipation

Many women face the condition of constipation during pregnancy. Dealing with this issue can be tough, but not impossible when a remedy like cloves is there. Constipation and bloating are two conditions that happen to almost every woman during pregnancy. Most pregnant women suffer from constipation and bloating due to a slowing digestive system and hormonal imbalances. Cloves cure constipation and help to ease the issues related to the bowel.

6. Relieves Joint Pains

Cloves have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce pain and inflammation during this crucial period. Joint pains can be worse during pregnancy. If you are suffering from constant swelling and are looking for some instant solutions, eating cloves may help.

7. Healthy Development of Baby’s Nervous System

A strong nervous system in an expecting mother not just benefits the baby to fight many deadly diseases, but also helps in good health for the long run. This is because cloves are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are essential for a baby’s general health and nervous system development.

8. Contains Vitamins

Why vitamins? Just like minerals are necessary for the development of the baby, similarly, vitamins are another good thing that is highly needed especially in a baby’s body. Cloves ensure a good amount of vitamin K and E and hence help your baby with good bone health and muscle building.

9. Provides Instant Energy

Being energetic during pregnancy can kill half of the problems. Eating something which gives an instant fill of energy can be quite helpful during this phase. Cloves are an excellent supplement for keeping your body fully active.

10. Contains Flavonoids

The main advantage of flavonoids is that it is equipped with anti-inflammatory properties, which is again good for a pregnant woman. Flavonoids are natural substances that help cure pain and inflammation. If you have any issues where you are battling the above conditions, eating cloves can be of great help.

Side Effects of Eating Cloves During Pregnancy

Eating cloves can be very beneficial when you are pregnant. But they can cause side effects too. Overconsumption of anything leads to side effects. Let’s have a look at some of the side effects which can be caused by the consumption of cloves during pregnancy.

1. Can Cause Allergic Reactions

Cloves can cause reactions in some pregnant women. If you observe any side effects such as skin rashes, hives, etc., stop eating them. You can consult your gynecologist to be sure.

2. Can Cause Gastric Problems

Gastric problems are very common during pregnancy as it is directly linked to the intestines. It can cause inconvenience to an expecting mother and can directly impact the baby inside the womb. In some women, eating cloves can aggravate these issues.

3. Can Cause Indigestion

Cloves are also known to cause indigestion in women. If you have been eating cloves regularly and are suffering from digestion-related issues, stop eating them and consult a doctor.

4. Can Cause Mouth Ulcers

Cloves, when eaten more than a certain limit, can cause ulcers in your mouth, which can make it difficult for you to eat and drink normally. One or two cloves a day is fine. Anything beyond that can become problematic for the expecting mother.

Precautions to Take When Eating Cloves During Pregnancy

If you want to consume cloves during your pregnancy period, just make sure you follow these preventive measures to avoid any kind of complications at a later stage.

• Do not use clove oil for treating oral health during pregnancy.
• Limit clove consumption to around two a day.
• Do not apply clove oil to the skin during pregnancy. It can cause itchiness.
• Avoid clove oil-based health supplements. They are not entirely safe when you are pregnant.

[Read: Pepper During Pregnancy]

FAQ’s

1. Why is Cloves Dangerous?

Cloves can be dangerous as they contain a high amount of Eugenol, which can prove to be toxic for babies.

2. Are There Any Side Effects of Clove?

Constantly consuming cloves can cause mouth ulcers which can be ultimately discomforting during pregnancy. It can also damage the dental tissues which can invite unnecessary problems.

3. How Many Cloves Can I Eat in a Day?

The ideal clove consumption of cloves during one day is one to two cloves.

4. Can I Soak Cloves in Water and Drink?

Of course, yes. This is another great way of benefitting yourself from the nutrients present in cloves.