Can You Take Ashwagandha During Pregnancy?

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By Lyndsay Hall | Updated on Dec 8, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Ashwagandha During Pregnancy?

Ashwagandha isn’t recommended during pregnancy.

For those who are less familiar with ashwagandha, it’s an herbal supplement that has become increasingly popular over the last few years. It’s often talked about for its potential role in stress management, cancer prevention, and support of cognitive function. Although there are studies1  with promising results to back up these potential benefits for non-pregnant people, we unfortunately don’t know enough about its effects during pregnancy.

For that reason, it’s best to put your ashwagandha supplement on hold throughout your pregnancy and focus instead on other stress relief outlets like exercise, which is safe for most pregnant people.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

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  1. Narendra Singh, Mohit Bhalla, Prashanti de Jager, and Marilena Gilca"An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda"African Journal Traditional, Complementary Alternive Medicines, vol. 8, no. 5Jul 3, 2011, pp. 208–213https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/#:~:text=Ashwagandha%20(Withania%20somnifera%2C%20fam.,its%20wide%20ranging%20health%20benefits..


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Updated on Dec 8, 2023

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Can You Take Ashwagandha During Pregnancy?

 Lyndsay Hall Profile Photo
By Lyndsay Hall | Updated on Dec 8, 2023
Image for article Can You Take Ashwagandha During Pregnancy?

Ashwagandha isn’t recommended during pregnancy.

For those who are less familiar with ashwagandha, it’s an herbal supplement that has become increasingly popular over the last few years. It’s often talked about for its potential role in stress management, cancer prevention, and support of cognitive function. Although there are studies1  with promising results to back up these potential benefits for non-pregnant people, we unfortunately don’t know enough about its effects during pregnancy.

For that reason, it’s best to put your ashwagandha supplement on hold throughout your pregnancy and focus instead on other stress relief outlets like exercise, which is safe for most pregnant people.

Pregnant woman holding her stomach on a bed with a plant in the background

Want evidence-based health & wellness advice for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum delivered to your inbox?

Your privacy is important to us. By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Expectful uses only high-quality sources, including academic research institutions, medical associations, and subject matter experts.

  1. Narendra Singh, Mohit Bhalla, Prashanti de Jager, and Marilena Gilca"An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda"African Journal Traditional, Complementary Alternive Medicines, vol. 8, no. 5Jul 3, 2011, pp. 208–213https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/#:~:text=Ashwagandha%20(Withania%20somnifera%2C%20fam.,its%20wide%20ranging%20health%20benefits..


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