Can Cinnamon Cause A Miscarriage? The Facts You Need.

The old wives’ tales about what an expecting mother should or should not eat are enough to make anyone’s head spin. From soft cheese to canned tuna to caffeine, there is no shortage of advice and opinions on what can and cannot harm fetal development. The latest addition to the hotly debated food topic is can cinnamon cause a miscarriage.

With its spicy-sweet flavor and delicious aroma, this wintery staple is at the center of baking recipes and festive treats. Some people also stir it into their drinks for an added flavor boost. But is it safe for expecting mothers to consume cinnamon? Let’s learn more about it.

How Much Cinnamon is Safe During Pregnancy?

When it comes to food safety during pregnancy, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. What is moderate for one person may be too much for another. So, it’s always best to consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

The good news is that there aren’t any speculations suggesting that pregnant women should completely avoid cinnamon. So, they can eat dishes and snacks that include small quantities of cinnamon. But they should be mindful of the amount. Generally, between 1 and 6 grams of cinnamon per day is considered a safe amount of cinnamon.

What to Do If You Have Ingested a Lot of Cinnamon?
It’s important to be aware of the fact that high amounts of cinnamon can be harmful. Though generally considered safe, if you’ve consumed excessive cinnamon, contact your doctor immediately. Depending on the quantity consumed and symptoms, they can provide you with the right advice.

Can You Eat Cinnamon While Pregnant?

Of course, if you’re craving cinnamon’s warm, spicy flavor, a few bites of puddings and desserts won’t hurt. But it is best to consult your doctor to ensure a safe pregnancy. They will help you decide the best course of action.

5 Ways Cinnamon During Pregnancy Can Be Harmful:

Sometimes the health benefits of a certain food, if exploited, can become a danger. It is the case with cinnamon as well. Below are a few risks associated with consuming too much cinnamon during pregnancy if you are wondering can cinnamon cause a miscarriage:

Cinnamon Induces Periods:

It is important to note that consuming too much cinnamon can induce a miscarriage. It may be because cinnamon has certain properties that mimic hormones that trigger the body to go into labor. It doesn’t matter in which form cinnamon is consumed. If the quantity exceeds the recommended limit, it can be dangerous and increase the risk of uterine contractions and miscarriage.

Excessive Bleeding:

The blood has platelets. These are in the bone marrow and are responsible for clotting. Clotting is important to avoid excessive bleeding, especially during labor. If a pregnant woman consumes too much cinnamon, it will reduce the number of platelets. It causes the blood to be thin, leading to excessive bleeding, which can be fatal for the mother and the baby.

Can You Be Allergic to Cinnamon?

Sometimes, pregnant women may be allergic to cinnamon without knowing it. Allergies can cause severe complications and even death if left untreated. So, it is crucial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and seek medical help immediately if any occur.

Heartburn and Indigestion:

Cinnamon has a spicy flavor which can irritate the digestive system. Pregnant women are already prone to indigestion and heartburn from spicy foods because of pregnancy hormones. Although no direct harm is caused to the baby or mother, refraining from eating cinnamon in large quantities is best to avoid discomfort.

Liver Damage:

Cinnamon contains coumarin, which can be toxic to the liver. Coumarin is found in certain plants and is used to flavor foods with a sweet taste. Consuming large amounts of coumarin can lead to liver damage, making it necessary for pregnant women to be vigilant about their daily intake. The symptoms are fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain.

What are the Health Benefits of Eating Cinnamon?

It’s not all bad news. Cinnamon has some amazing health benefits in small amounts, which pregnant women can take advantage of. The prominent health benefits of cinnamon are:

Strong Immune System:
During pregnancy, a female’s immune system is altered drastically. It makes her more vulnerable to illnesses and infections that could harm both mother and child. Cinnamon contains antioxidants that help to strengthen the immune system and make it more resilient.

Lowering Blood Sugar:
Diabetes is one of the most common complications in pregnancy. It can cause complications like poor fetal development and preterm labor. Cinnamon helps to reduce the symptoms of diabetes, such as high blood sugar levels, by improving insulin sensitivity in pregnant women.

Reduced Blood Pressure:
Pregnant women are more prone to hypertension or high blood pressure. It can bring about complications like strokes and kidney damage. Brain damage is also possible in extreme cases. Cinnamon helps to reduce the risk of hypertension and can even be used to treat mild forms of it, provided that there is otherwise good health and a doctor is involved in treatment.

Help Fight Gestational Diabetes:
Pregnant women detest the thought of gaining weight. But it is inevitable, and with an increase in weight comes the threat of gestational diabetes. Usually, gestational diabetes is most common during the last two trimesters. Stillbirth, hypoglycemia, and high birth weight are a few common risks of having this during pregnancy.

The antioxidants and polyphenols in cinnamon help regulate blood sugar and lower the risk of gestational diabetes.

Cinnamon Oil and Cinnamon Supplements:

Besides occurring in its natural form, cinnamon can also be found in oils and supplements. These were designed to provide a concentrated source of cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood-sugar-regulating properties.

Cinnamon oil and supplements are good as:

· Mood stabilizers: Cinnamon oil can help to reduce depression and anxiety.

· Immune system booster: Cinnamon helps to strengthen the immune system, making it less vulnerable to infections.

· Appetite stimulant: Cinnamon oil can help to increase appetite and make pregnant women eat more healthily. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels.

· Pain relief: Cinnamon oil can help to reduce pain and discomfort during pregnancy.

However, pregnant women must be extra careful when consuming cinnamon supplements, as they can lead to many complications and health issues. Please discuss the use of these oils and supplements with your doctor.

Different Types of Cinnamon

Did you know there are two types of cinnamon? The first is Cassia cinnamon which is the most common and what we find in the USA. This is the red-brown powder with intense flavor on our spice aisle. The second is Ceylon cinnamon which is from Sri Lanka and more expensive and harder to find. It is a mild delicate flavor but is great to use in bakery products.