Is Fresh Fennel Bulb Safe in Pregnancy?
Fennel is frequently found sautéed or roasted, especially with seafood dishes, and has a sweet, anise-like flavor. In a salad or slaw, it can also be finely shaved raw. The green, frond-like “fennel tops” are also used by some chefs, particularly as a garnish.
Pregnant women can consume fresh fennel in moderation, whether it’s cooked or raw. There is no established “maximum” amount of fennel, but it’s probably safer to limit consumption to a few times per month if you consume a lot of it (for instance, a whole roasted bulb of fennel).
Fennel is likely safe when taken in food amounts (source: WebMD).
Why Fennel Should Only Be Eaten in Food Amounts
The reason you shouldn’t eat excess fennel is because it contains Estragole, a compound that acts like estrogen in the body (source: Science Direct). Fennel may also increase levels of progesterone and prolactin in the body (source: Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences).
Large amounts of fennel, such as those found in teas or supplements, may result in a shorter gestational term (source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology).
Pregnant women should refrain from consuming fennel in any amount that exceeds what is typically used in cooking because these effects and their impact on unborn children have not been sufficiently studied.
Remember that the fennel used in these studies was consumed in higher doses (such as in supplements, as an oil, or in a tea), so if you only eat fennel occasionally in salads or as a side vegetable, you should be fine and will still reap the benefits of its nutritional benefits, which are discussed further in this article.
Is It Healthy to Have Fennel Seeds During Pregnancy?
Fennel seeds are a natural emmenagogue, but they should only be consumed in very small amounts during pregnancy. In essence, this means that they aid in initiating or enhancing menstrual flow. You can add a tiny amount of these seeds to your food (like a teaspoon or so). Based on your health requirements and conditions, your doctor can help you understand how much you should be consuming.