Pregnancy And Kami: Safe Or Not?

Korean herbal medicine (KHM) is a popular therapeutic modality during pregnancy in Korea. However, concerns have been raised about the safety of certain herbal medicines and their potential adverse effects on both mother and fetus. This has prompted investigations into the use and safety of KHM during pregnancy, with a focus on identifying any associated adverse events and understanding the frequency of its use for specific indications.

Is raw fish safe during pregnancy?

It is recommended that raw fish is avoided during pregnancy. Raw fish can contain bacteria and parasites that are dangerous for a developing baby. Listeria, for example, can cause listeriosis, which may result in preterm labour, stillbirth, and miscarriage. It can also cause problems with a newborn's kidneys and heart, as well as infections of the blood or brain.

Parasitic infections caused by eating raw fish are also harder to treat in pregnant women due to the risk of fetal exposure to anti-parasitic medications.

Cooked fish is safe to eat during pregnancy, and the U.S. dietary guidelines recommend that pregnant women eat between 8 to 12 ounces of seafood a week. Seafood is a good source of protein, iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and zinc, all of which are important for a healthy pregnancy. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for a baby's brain development.

When preparing fish during pregnancy, it is important to make sure that it is thoroughly cooked. The FDA recommends cooking seafood until it reaches an internal temperature of 145° Fahrenheit, or until the flesh is opaque (milky white) and the filets flake easily with a fork.

It is also important to choose the right types of fish to eat during pregnancy. Some types of fish, such as tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, contain high levels of mercury, which can be harmful to a developing baby. The EPA and FDA recommend limiting or avoiding the consumption of these types of fish during pregnancy.

In summary, while raw fish is best avoided during pregnancy due to the risk of bacterial and parasitic infections, cooked fish can be a healthy and nutritious part of a pregnant woman's diet when prepared and chosen safely.

Is seaweed safe during pregnancy?

Seaweed is a great source of nutrients and is generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy. It is particularly rich in iodine, which is important for fetal development and maternal health. Iodine helps promote healthy thyroid activity, and adequate iodine intake can prevent neurological impairment in the developing baby. Seaweed is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are necessary for fetal brain development.

However, some types of seaweed, such as brown seaweed, contain much higher levels of iodine compared to red and green types. Examples of brown seaweeds include arame, wakame, kombu, and hijiki. While iodine is essential during pregnancy, too much can lead to poor thyroid function in both mother and fetus. Therefore, brown seaweed should be consumed in moderation, with most sources recommending no more than one 1/4-cup serving (around 32 grams) per week.

Other types of seaweed, such as red and green seaweed, can be consumed more frequently and are considered safe during pregnancy. Red seaweed includes nori, which is commonly used for wrapping sushi, and dulse, a reddish-brown variety often used in soups and stews. Green seaweed, also known as sea lettuce or ulva, is commonly used in salads or soups.

In addition to iodine and omega-3 fatty acids, seaweed provides several other nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin C, folate, choline, calcium, vitamin K, and fiber. Seaweed snacks and recipes that include seaweed may contain high levels of sodium, so it is important to check package labels. Fresh or reduced-sodium dried seaweed may be preferable.

Overall, seaweed is a nutritious food that can be beneficial for both mother and baby during pregnancy, as long as it is consumed in moderation, especially when it comes to varieties with high iodine content.

Can I drink tea?

Drinking tea is a popular way to relax and stay hydrated, but not all teas are safe to drink during pregnancy. While some teas can be beneficial, others may pose potential risks to you and your baby. Here's what you need to know about drinking tea during pregnancy:

Caffeinated Teas

Caffeinated teas, such as black tea, green tea, white tea, matcha tea, chai tea, and oolong tea, are generally considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in moderation. These teas are sourced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and provide a natural source of stimulation. However, caffeine can easily cross the placenta, and your baby's immature liver may struggle to process it effectively. To minimise potential risks, limit your caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg per day. Black tea, for example, contains 47-53 mg of caffeine per cup, while green tea typically has 29-49 mg.

Herbal Teas

While herbal teas are caffeine-free, they may contain compounds that are unsafe during pregnancy. Certain herbal teas have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm labour, and birth defects. These include teas with large amounts of frankincense and chamomile. Additionally, some herbal teas may stimulate or increase menstrual bleeding. It is important to note that herbal teas are not strictly regulated, and contamination with heavy metals or unlisted ingredients is possible. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase herbal teas only from reputable brands and to inform your healthcare provider about any herbal teas you intend to consume during pregnancy.

Recommended Teas During Pregnancy

Some herbal teas that are generally considered safe during pregnancy include raspberry leaf, peppermint, ginger, and lemon balm teas. Raspberry leaf tea is believed to help prepare the uterus for birth and may shorten the length of labour. Peppermint tea is often used to relieve gas, nausea, stomach pain, and heartburn. Ginger tea is well-studied and known to reduce nausea and vomiting. Lemon balm tea is used to relieve anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. However, it is important to note that raspberry leaf and peppermint tea may be best avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy due to their potential effects on uterine contractions and menstrual flow, respectively.

In summary, while tea can be a comforting and hydrating beverage during pregnancy, it is important to choose your teas wisely and consume them in moderation. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or questions about the safety of specific teas during pregnancy.

What about caffeine?

Caffeine is something that should be limited during pregnancy. The NHS recommends that you can have caffeine, but no more than 200mg per day. Drinking more than this amount has been linked to an increased risk of pregnancy complications, such as low birth weight, and even miscarriage.

• 100mg in a mug of instant coffee
• 140mg in a mug of filter coffee
• 75mg in a mug of tea (green tea has a similar amount of caffeine to regular tea)
• 40mg in a can of cola
• 80mg in a 250ml can of energy drink
• Less than 25mg in a 50g bar of plain dark chocolate
• Less than 10mg in a 50g bar of plain milk chocolate

The caffeine content can vary between different brands of herbal tea. Some contain no caffeine, while others may have quite high levels. As a general rule, if you drink no more than 1 to 2 cups of herbal tea a day during your pregnancy, you should be fine.

Some types of tea are generally considered safe to drink during pregnancy, as long as your total daily caffeine intake does not exceed 300 mg. These include black tea, green tea, white tea, matcha tea, chai tea, and oolong tea. However, it is important to note that some women may be more sensitive to caffeine and may need to further limit their intake.

Certain herbal teas should be avoided during pregnancy as they may have risky side effects or may contain contaminants such as heavy metals. These include teas made from frankincense, chamomile, eucalyptus, and raspberry leaf.

What foods should be avoided?

While most foods and drinks are generally safe during pregnancy, there are some foods that should be avoided or consumed with caution.

Raw or Undercooked Seafood

Pregnant women should avoid raw or undercooked seafood, including raw fish sushi (such as tuna, salmon, and eel), sashimi, and ceviche. These foods can be contaminated with harmful bacteria and parasites, such as listeria, salmonella, and Vibrio, which can cause food poisoning and other serious illnesses.

High-Mercury Seafood

It is recommended to avoid seafood with high levels of mercury, such as swordfish, marlin, shark, and king mackerel. Mercury can harm the developing nervous system of the fetus.

Shellfish

Raw shellfish should be avoided due to the risk of harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins that can cause food poisoning. Cooked shellfish, such as mussels, lobster, crab, prawns, scallops, and clams, are generally considered safe.

Unpasteurized Dairy

Unpasteurized or soft-ripened dairy products may contain Listeria bacteria, which can cause listeriosis, leading to miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious illness in newborns. Soft cheeses with a white coating, such as brie and camembert, fall into this category unless cooked until steaming hot.

Meat

Raw, undercooked, or partially cooked meats should be avoided. Cured meats, such as salami and pepperoni, may contain parasites that cause toxoplasmosis, which can lead to miscarriage. Liver and liver products should also be avoided due to their high vitamin A content, which can be harmful to the unborn baby.

Eggs

Raw or partially cooked eggs pose a risk of salmonella, which can cause food poisoning. It is recommended to cook all eggs thoroughly, unless they are British Lion hen eggs or produced under the Laid in Britain scheme.

Caffeine

Excessive caffeine intake has been linked to an increased risk of pregnancy complications, including low birth weight and miscarriage. It is advised to limit caffeine consumption to no more than 200 mg per day.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas may have risky side effects during pregnancy. Large amounts of chamomile tea and frankincense tea may increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm labor. Regular consumption of chamomile tea may also affect blood flow through the baby's heart. Eucalyptus tea may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Seaweed

Seaweed is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and has potential health benefits, but excessive consumption during pregnancy can be dangerous due to its high iodine content. According to the Food Standards Australia New Zealand, pregnant women should limit seaweed intake to no more than one serving per week.

Frequently asked questions