Rosehip decoction in pregnancy

During pregnancy, doctors most often recommend rosehip decoction as a multivitamin remedy, since the fruits of this plant contain vitamins C, B1, B2, E, K, P, PP and provitamin A (carotene).

Moreover, dried rose hips contain up to 1500 mg% of vitamin C, which is of particular value for a woman’s health during pregnancy (almost three times more than fresh ones).

In addition, rose hips contain many other substances that are necessary for the body, and this confirms the widespread opinion that the benefits of rose hip decoction during pregnancy are indisputable. But is this really true?

Indications for the use of rosehip decoction during pregnancy

Rosehip decoction is recommended to be drunk during pregnancy to provide the expectant mother with vitamins, to combat rapid fatigue and increased nervousness.

Rose hips are useful as a preventative vitamin remedy against respiratory infections and viruses, especially in the autumn-winter period and during flu epidemics.

In addition, indications for the use of rosehip decoction during pregnancy are edema, which creates many problems for pregnant women. Due to the presence of the flavonoid kaempferol, rosehip acts as an effective diuretic, that is, a diuretic.

Method of administration and dosage

To prepare 0.5 liters of rosehip decoction, you will need 35-40 g (two tablespoons) of dried fruit. For maximum extraction of useful substances, it is recommended to grind the fruit. The decoction is boiled (only in enamel or glassware) for 15 minutes.

The decoction is infused in a tightly closed container for several hours, and then filtered. Method of administration and dosage: half a glass twice a day.

A simpler way to prepare rosehip infusion (without boiling) is to place the fruits in a thermos, pour boiling water over them and leave for at least 5-6 hours.

Now you know exactly how and when to take (or not take) rosehip tea during pregnancy.

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Benefits of rosehip decoction during pregnancy: vitamins

As is known, vitamin C (ascorbic acid) not only increases the body's defenses against infections, but also ensures normal biochemical metabolism in the tissues of all organs, regulating the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates coming from food. And proper metabolism in a pregnant woman guarantees the intake of everything necessary for the formation of a healthy fetus. So, rosehip decoction containing vitamin C is very useful during pregnancy.

We started with vitamin C, because many are sure that this is the most important vitamin of rose hips. In fact, the vitamin leader of this plant is vitamin P or rutin. In 100 g of rose hips there is almost 0.7 mg of this substance (more only in chokeberry and black currant). Vitamin P increases the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels and helps to reduce their permeability. The benefit of rose hip decoction during pregnancy is that it can replenish the content of this essential vitamin, because it is believed that a deficiency of rutin during pregnancy increases the likelihood of fetal asphyxia.

Vitamin PP (nicotinic acid), which is also found in rose hips, is necessary for the formation of new cells in the body, since this vitamin is involved in the synthesis of tissue proteins. And vitamin E deficiency during pregnancy can result in a decrease in the content of immunoglobulins in a newborn child.

Rose hips also contain glucose and fructose, organic acids (mostly linoleic and oleic), tannins, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin, hyperoside, astragalin, etc.). Among the macroelements found in rose hips - iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium - calcium is the leader (more than 0.06%). And of the microelements (phosphorus, sodium, manganese, copper, zinc and cobalt), zinc is the most abundant.

Flavonoid hyperoside (which hawthorn fruits also contain) is good for the heart, as it promotes normal myocardial function. Calcium is needed by a pregnant woman to form the skeleton of the unborn child. Magnesium increases the secretion of bile and activates the cleansing function of the liver, which is also a plus when its load increases during pregnancy.

And zinc is necessary for the body for a strong immune system and normal functioning of the reproductive system, as well as to prevent an increase in cholesterol levels in the blood.

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Contraindications to the use of rosehip decoction during pregnancy

Despite all the beneficial properties of rose hips, a decoction of its fruits is contraindicated for pregnant women suffering from stomach diseases caused by increased acidity of gastric juice: gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.

Contraindications to the use of rosehip decoction during pregnancy also include thrombophlebitis of the subcutaneous and deep veins of the lower extremities and a tendency to form blood clots. And vitamin K is to blame for this, which enhances the synthesis of prothrombin in the liver, and its excess leads to increased blood clotting. And this is fraught with the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels.

Side effects of rosehip decoction during pregnancy

The side effects of rosehip decoction during pregnancy are caused by the actions of substances contained in the fruits of this medicinal plant.

Thus, vitamin C takes part in the production of steroid hormones, which is extremely undesirable given the changed hormonal background of a pregnant woman. In addition, frequent contact of ascorbic acid with tooth enamel can lead to its damage. Therefore, many drink rosehip decoction during pregnancy through a cocktail straw.

A large amount of vitamin K (which is not destroyed during the preparation of rosehip decoction) can cause an allergic reaction in the form of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating).

Rose hips and their decoction contain linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 unsaturated fatty acid. It serves as a "raw material" for the synthesis of prostaglandins - lipid mediators of human cells similar to hormones. With the participation of prostaglandins, the walls of blood vessels and all smooth muscles contract, including the contraction of the uterus. It should be borne in mind that synthesized prostaglandins are part of drugs used for medical termination of pregnancy and stimulation of labor. For this reason, an overdose of rose hip decoction during pregnancy can lead to the most dire consequences...