Cava During Pregnancy: What's The Verdict?

Kava is a medicinal herb native to the South Pacific, often consumed as a tea, and used to treat anxiety and insomnia. However, it is not recommended for consumption during pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association has deemed kava as possibly unsafe, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognise it as Generally Recognized As Safe due to the risk of liver injury. The FDA even released a consumer advisory against kava consumption in 2002.

Kava during pregnancy: safe or not?

Kava, also known as kava-kava, is a medicinal herb native to the South Pacific. It is known for its sedative and anesthetic properties, calming the central nervous system and relaxing the muscles. In recent years, kava has become an increasingly popular tea in the United States, especially in kava bars.

The American Pregnancy Association has deemed kava as "possibly unsafe", and therefore recommends that pregnant women consult their physician about the possible risks before consuming it. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognise kava as "Generally Recognized As Safe" due to the risk of liver injury, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. In fact, the FDA released a consumer advisory against consuming kava in 2002.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, kava may be especially unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women because of its pyrone content. Research has linked kava consumption to liver injury that can lead to death, as well as other unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, an upset stomach, and headaches.

Furthermore, there is a lack of scientific evidence to confirm the safety of kava during pregnancy. While it is theorised that kava could act as a safer alternative to prescription drugs for anxiety, there are concerns that it may damage the developing liver and central nervous system of the fetus, potentially causing stillbirth or other serious complications.

Some studies indicate several possible risks associated with kava consumption during pregnancy. According to the National Institutes of Health, kava can weaken the muscles in the uterus, leading to pregnancy complications. The University of Maryland Medical Center also notes that kava can prolong the effects of anaesthesia, which could be problematic for mothers requiring sedation during a cesarean section or other surgery. Additionally, compounds in kava can pass into breast milk and harm a newborn.

While kava may offer benefits for people suffering from anxiety disorders, it is not recommended for pregnant women due to safety concerns. There is insufficient evidence to confirm its safety during pregnancy, and potential risks include liver damage, complications for the developing fetus, and interference with anaesthesia. As such, most practitioners recommend against its routine use during pregnancy.

Kava's effects on the foetus

Kava is deemed "possibly unsafe" for consumption during pregnancy by the American Pregnancy Association. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognise kava as one of the substances that are "Generally Recognized As Safe" or GRAS, due to the risk of liver injury, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.

Kava may be especially unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women because of its pyrone content. Research has shown links between kava consumption and liver injury that can lead to death.

The Food Standards Australia New Zealand report states that:

> "Use of kava during pregnancy or lactation has been cautioned since kavalactones may be present at concentrations, which would likely have an effect on the foetus or infant."

Therefore, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid kava in all its forms, including tea, roots, and powder.

Kava's effects on the mother

Kava is a medicinal herb that is native to the South Pacific islands. It is known to reduce anxiety symptoms and is often consumed as a tea, roots, or powder. However, kava is not safe for consumption during pregnancy and is deemed "possibly unsafe" by the American Pregnancy Association. Here are some of the effects of kava on pregnant mothers:

• Kava can cause liver injury, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. The National Institutes of Health reports that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize kava as a substance that is "Generally Recognized As Safe" due to the risk of liver injury.
• Kava may be especially unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to its pyrone content.
• Kava can weaken the muscles in the uterus, leading to pregnancy complications.
• Kava can prolong the effects of anesthesia, which could be problematic if a mother requires sedation for a cesarean section or other surgery.
• Compounds in kava can pass into breast milk and potentially harm a breastfed child.
• Kava consumption may result in side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, restlessness, an upset stomach, tremors, and, in rare cases, liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, which could be life-threatening for the mother or fetus.
• Long-term consumption of kava at high doses can lead to more serious side effects.

Kava's side effects

Kava is deemed ""Possibly Unsafe" for consumption during pregnancy by the American Pregnancy Association and should be avoided in all forms, including tea, roots, and powder. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize kava as one of the substances that are "Generally Recognized As Safe" or GRAS, due to the risk of liver injury, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and even liver failure. The FDA released a consumer advisory against consuming kava in 2002.

Kava may be especially unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women because of its pyrone content. Research shows that kava is linked with liver injury that can lead to death. Additionally, kava consumption can cause dizziness, an upset stomach, headaches, and more. Even more serious side effects can occur with long-term kava consumption at high doses.

According to the National Institutes of Health, kava can weaken the muscles in the uterus, leading to pregnancy complications. The University of Maryland Medical Center also notes that kava can prolong the effects of anaesthesia, which could cause problems if a mother requires sedation for a caesarean section or other surgery. Furthermore, compounds in kava can pass into breast milk and harm a breastfed newborn.

Safe alternatives to kava during pregnancy

Kava is a medicinal herb native to the South Pacific, which is becoming a popular tea in the United States. It is used to treat anxiety and insomnia, with research showing benefits for reducing anxiety. However, the American Pregnancy Association has deemed kava as "possibly unsafe", and it is not recommended for consumption during pregnancy. This is due to the risk of liver injury, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also does not recognise kava as "Generally Recognized As Safe" due to these health risks.

• Light exercise: Engaging in light physical activity every day can help to reduce anxiety symptoms and promote overall well-being.
• Socialising: Making time to socialise with friends and family members can provide stress relief and improve mood.
• Aromatherapy: With the approval of a healthcare provider, aromatherapy can be a safe and natural way to reduce anxiety.
• Massage therapy: Massage therapy, when approved and performed by a qualified practitioner, can help to relax the body and mind, alleviating anxiety.
• Counselling: Talking to a counsellor can help to address anxiety symptoms and provide support during pregnancy.
• Meditation: Meditation and relaxation exercises, such as yoga, can help to calm the mind and body without the risk of side effects.
• Herbal teas: Drinking herbal teas, such as lavender tea or lemon balm tea, can be a safe and natural way to relieve stress and anxiety.

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