First-trimester nausea: a reality for 70-85% of women
Nausea and vomiting of ginger and ginger and pregnancy (NVP) affect 70-85% of pregnant women, mainly during the first trimester (weeks 6-16). They are caused by:
- hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin hormone) — its peak level coincides with the peak of nausea
- Progesterone — slows down ginger bloating-colon-irritable">gastric emptying
- Hypersensitivity to odors and sensitization of the vestibular system
Clinical evidence of ginger on NVP
| Study | Population | Dose | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vutyavanich 2001 | 70 women, T1 | 1g/day × 4 weeks | Nausea -35%, vomiting -43% |
| Smith 2004 (RCT) | 291 women, T1 | 1.05g/day | Ginger = vitamin B6 efficacy |
| Ozgoli 2009 (RCT) | 67 women | 1g/day × 4 weeks | Nausea -48% vs placebo |
| Meta-analysis Viljoen 2014 | 12 RCTs, 1278 women | 1-1.5g/day | Superior to placebo, safe T1 |
Safety of ginger in the first trimester
The question of safety is central for pregnant women. Here's what the data says:
- No documented teratogenic effects at doses of 1-1.5g/day in clinical studies
- The Viljoen 2014 meta-analysis (1278 women) shows no increased risk of miscarriage or malformations
- Recognized as safe by the EMA (European Medicines Agency) at ≤1g/day during pregnancy
- Recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) as a first-line treatment for NVP
INTI Dosage adapted for pregnancy
- Effective and safe dose: 10-15ml INTI/day (= 1-1.5g fresh ginger)
- How to take: Dilute in 150-200ml of cold or hot water, in small sips
- Frequency: 2-3 small doses spread throughout the day rather than a single large dose
- When: Before getting out of bed in the morning (morning) — most effective for morning nausea
In summary
- 1g/day reduces nausea by 35-48% in the first trimester
- As effective as vitamin B6 (conventional treatment)
- No documented teratogenic effects at ≤1.5g/day
- Recommended by ACOG and EMA for NVP
- 10-15ml diluted INTI, in small, spaced-out doses
- Stay at ≤15ml/day for turmeric safety
FAQ
Can ginger cause a miscarriage?
No clinical study shows a link between ginger at dietary doses (≤1.5g/day) and miscarriages. Fears come from theoretical effects at very high doses. At recommended doses, ginger is considered safe.
Can ginger be taken throughout pregnancy?
Most safety data concerns the first trimester. After the first trimester, nausea usually disappears. Continuous low-dose use is probably safe, but data is less extensive for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters.
What to do if ginger is not enough for nausea?
For hyperemesis gravidarum (severe nausea with ginger and weight loss), consult your doctor. Prescribed antiemetics (doxylamine, metoclopramide) may be necessary.
Related articles
To learn more about the topic, also read:
- Ginger during Pregnancy: 1st Trimester Nausea, Safety & Dosage
- Ginger & Pregnancy: Nausea, Ginger and Sports Prenatal and Postpartum Recovery
- Ginger and Postpartum: Recovery, Breastfeeding & Baby Blues
- Benefits of ginger for women: a complete guide by life stages
- Ginger and breastfeeding: is it safe during the breastfeeding period?
- Pregnancy and Ginger and Immunity in Belgium: which drinks during pregnancy? INTI ginger, the safe choice
- INTI Ginger: All Questions about Sugar, Price and Composition
- INTI vs GIMBER: Which Ginger to Choose if You Are Diabetic or Prediabetic?
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