The nausea hits hard, and someone suggests ginger tea. Then you read that ginger might be risky in pregnancy. What's actually true?
Write it down, week by week.
Log symptoms, questions, and how you are feeling, then bring it to your next appointment.
Open the journalShort answer: Yes. Ginger in food and drinks is widely considered safe in pregnancy, and it may ease nausea. The NHS suggests trying foods or drinks that contain ginger for morning sickness, and ACOG lists ginger tea, ginger candies, ginger ale made with real ginger, and ginger capsules as things to try. Concentrated ginger shots and high-dose supplements are a different story: check with your pharmacist or prenatal care provider before taking ginger supplements, and skip the shots.
In short
- Ginger eaten as part of a normal diet is not considered a health concern in pregnancy, according to the UK Committee on Toxicity's 2025 review.
- It may help with nausea. WHO's antenatal care guidelines list ginger among the options for relieving nausea in early pregnancy, based on low-certainty evidence.
- Supplements are less certain. The UK Committee on Toxicity found too little data to set a safe supplement level, and the NHS says to check with a pharmacist before taking ginger supplements in pregnancy.
- Norway and Finland are more cautious and advise pregnant women against concentrated ginger products and ginger supplements.
- Ginger can cause heartburn and an upset stomach. If you can't keep food or fluids down, call your provider: there are safe medicines for nausea in pregnancy.
Is ginger safe in pregnancy?
For ginger in food and drinks, the major health authorities say yes:
- NHS (UK): suggests eating foods or drinks containing ginger for morning sickness, because there is some evidence it helps, and says to check with a pharmacist before taking ginger supplements during pregnancy.
- ACOG (US): says ginger can help settle your stomach and suggests ginger capsules, ginger candies, ginger ale made with real ginger, or tea made from fresh-grated ginger.
- WHO: recommends ginger, chamomile, vitamin B6 and/or acupuncture for relieving nausea in early pregnancy, depending on a woman's preferences. Its guideline group judged these options unlikely to harm mother or baby, while rating the evidence for ginger as low certainty.
- NIH: the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health says research shows ginger may help with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and that ginger supplements during pregnancy may be safe, but to talk with your health care provider first.
The most detailed recent review comes from the UK Committee on Toxicity (2025). It found no clear indication that ginger harms pregnant women or the developing baby, while noting some signals of possible adverse effects and many gaps in the data. Its conclusion: ginger eaten as part of a normal diet is not considered a health concern, but there was not enough information to set a safe level for ginger supplements. It saw no reason to change the NHS advice above.
Where the advice differs
Not every country lands in the same place. Norway's Food Safety Authority has warned against ginger supplements and ginger shots in pregnancy, based on a Danish risk assessment of rat studies at doses far higher than women typically eat. Finland's Food Authority went further and advised pregnant women against ginger concentrates and extracts, ginger tea, and ginger supplements, because safe consumption levels for concentrated products were unknown.
This article follows the NHS and ACOG line for food and drinks: ginger in cooking, a cup of ginger tea, or a ginger candy is fine for most people. For capsules, the NHS says to check with a pharmacist first. And as a separate precaution of our own, given how concentrated they can be, we suggest skipping ginger shots.
Why Some Authorities Warn Against Ginger Shots
Norway's Food Safety Authority has warned pregnant women to avoid ginger shots and ginger supplements.
The basis is a 2018 risk assessment by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. In the rat study it relied on, even the lowest dose of ginger increased miscarriage. That dose was far higher than what women typically eat, and the warning is about high concentrations of ginger, like those in shots and supplements. There's a big difference between a cup of ginger tea and a ginger shot.
Norway's warning: pregnant women are advised to avoid ginger shots and ginger supplements. The basis was animal studies in which high doses of ginger increased miscarriage in rats.
Ginger Shots vs. Ginger Tea: A Big Difference
Why are shots a problem, but tea is fine? It comes down to concentration.
Ginger Shots
Shots vary a lot. The UK Committee on Toxicity found commercial ginger shots containing up to 30 grams of fresh ginger in a single serving, and noted that how much active ginger a product really contains is uncertain.
In the rat study behind Norway's warning, even the lowest dose increased miscarriage. Norway's Food Safety Authority concluded that a risk to the fetus could not be ruled out.
Ginger Tea
A cup of ginger tea contains far less ginger than a shot. ACOG suggests tea made from fresh-grated ginger for nausea, and the NHS suggests drinks containing ginger. Finland's Food Authority is the exception: it advises pregnant women against ginger tea as well.
Ginger as a Spice
Ginger in normal cooking is safe. The UK Committee on Toxicity concluded that ginger eaten as part of a normal diet is not a health concern in pregnancy.
The difference in practice: A ginger shot can contain up to 30 grams of ginger. A cup of ginger tea made with a few slices of fresh ginger contains a few grams. Ginger in a dinner dish contains even less.
Ginger for Morning Sickness: What Do Treatment Guidelines Say?
Here's where it gets interesting. Despite the warnings about shots and supplements, treatment guidelines include ginger as an option for morning sickness.
What the Guidelines Say
- WHO (2016) recommends ginger as one option for relieving nausea in early pregnancy.
- ACOG suggests ginger capsules, ginger candies, ginger ale made with real ginger, or fresh ginger tea.
- NIH (NCCIH) says ginger supplements in pregnancy may be safe, and to talk with your provider before using them.
- The doses studied are modest. In one trial reviewed by the UK Committee on Toxicity, women took 1 gram of dried ginger a day in capsule form. A shot can contain many times that.
Keep doses modest: trials of ginger for pregnancy nausea have used doses such as 1 gram of dried ginger a day, taken as capsules. That is a small fraction of what a ginger shot can contain. Check with your pharmacist or prenatal care provider before starting capsules.
How to Use Ginger Safely for Nausea
Ginger Tea. How to Make It
A simple and safe way to use ginger for nausea:
- Cut 3–4 thin slices of fresh ginger (about 2–3 grams)
- Pour boiling water over them
- Let steep for 5–10 minutes
- Add honey and lemon if desired
- Drink 1–2 cups per day
Tip: Start with a mild tea and gradually increase the strength. Some people find the taste strong, and it helps to drink it lukewarm instead of hot.
Ginger Capsules
Capsules are available at pharmacies. If your provider says capsules are fine for you, ask what dose to use. Trials have used 1 gram of dried ginger a day, for example:
- 250 mg dried ginger, 4 times daily
- Total 1 gram per day
- Take capsules spread throughout the day for even effect
Talk to your midwife, doctor, or pharmacist before starting ginger capsules.
Fresh Ginger in Food
You can safely use fresh ginger in cooking, for example in:
- Stir-fry dishes
- Soups and stews
- Smoothies (in moderate amounts, not as shots)
- Baking (ginger cookies, bread)
Ginger Candy
Crystallized ginger or ginger candy can be a practical alternative, and ACOG lists ginger candies among the things to try. The amount of ginger per piece is usually low, but don't eat large quantities.
What You Should Avoid
Let's be clear about what should be avoided:
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Ginger shots | Can contain up to 30 grams of ginger, far too concentrated |
| High-dose ginger supplements | Can contain high doses, difficult to control the amount |
| Homemade concentrated ginger juices | Can easily become too strong |
| Large amounts of fresh ginger as a side dish | Limit the amount to be safe |
How Effective Is Ginger Against Nausea?
Research suggests ginger may relieve nausea and vomiting in pregnancy, though WHO rates the evidence as low certainty. It's not a miracle cure, and it works best as one part of a broader plan.
Who Benefits Most from Ginger?
Ginger is best suited to mild to moderate nausea:
- Mild morning sickness: worth a try
- Severe nausea and vomiting (hyperemesis gravidarum): see your provider, because you may need medication
- Heartburn: ginger can make it worse, and the NIH lists heartburn as a side effect
Combining with Other Measures
Ginger can be combined with other measures. WHO lists vitamin B6 and acupuncture alongside ginger, and the NHS mentions acupressure wristbands:
- Vitamin B6, which ACOG calls a safe, over-the-counter first treatment (ask your provider about the dose)
- Acupressure bands (Sea-Band), pressure on the P6 point on the wrist
- Dietary advice, eat often, small portions, avoid an empty stomach
- Rest, fatigue worsens nausea
Practical nausea-fighting tips: 1) Eat some dry bread or crackers BEFORE you get up in the morning. 2) Drink a cup of lukewarm ginger tea. 3) Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day, every 1–2 hours. 4) Avoid fatty and spicy foods.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Ginger and dietary advice are a good starting point for mild nausea. But contact your doctor if:
- You're vomiting multiple times daily and can't keep food or drinks down
- You're losing weight due to nausea
- You have signs of dehydration: dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine, small urine volume
- The nausea is so debilitating that you can't function in daily life
- Ginger and dietary changes aren't helping
There are safe anti-nausea medications for pregnant women. ACOG recommends early treatment so that nausea and vomiting do not become severe, and describes vitamin B6 and doxylamine as safe to take in pregnancy.
Already Had Ginger Shots?
If you've had ginger shots or high-dose ginger supplements during pregnancy, the simplest step is to stop taking them and mention it at your next prenatal visit.
Some important nuances:
- The warning is based on animal studies, not human studies
- The doses in animal studies were significantly higher than what a pregnant woman typically consumes
- Findings from animal studies cannot automatically be transferred to humans
- There's no reason to panic, just stop with shots going forward
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ginger safe in pregnancy?
Ginger in food and drinks is widely considered safe in pregnancy and may ease nausea; the NHS, ACOG and WHO all include it as an option. Ginger supplements are less certain, so check with your pharmacist or provider first, and avoid concentrated ginger shots.
Can pregnant women drink ginger tea?
Yes, in moderate amounts. ACOG suggests tea made from fresh-grated ginger to help settle nausea, and the NHS suggests drinks containing ginger. Finland's food authority is the exception and advises against ginger tea in pregnancy.
How much ginger can pregnant women have per day?
Ginger in normal cooking is not a concern. For capsules, the UK Committee on Toxicity found too little data to set a safe supplement level, so ask your pharmacist or provider. Trials have used doses such as 1 gram of dried ginger a day.
Why are ginger shots dangerous for pregnant women?
Some commercial ginger shots contain up to 30 grams of fresh ginger in one serving. Animal studies have shown that large amounts of ginger can increase the risk of miscarriage. This has not been shown in humans, but some authorities advise avoiding shots as a precaution.
Can ginger replace anti-nausea medication during pregnancy?
Ginger can help with mild morning sickness but is not a replacement for medication when nausea is moderate to severe. ACOG describes vitamin B6 and doxylamine as safe options your provider can recommend.
Can I use ginger in cooking while pregnant?
Yes. The UK Committee on Toxicity concluded that ginger eaten as part of a normal diet is not a health concern in pregnancy. It is concentrated products like shots and high-dose supplements that call for caution.
Ginger in Different Forms. A Comparison
Here's an overview of the most common ways to consume ginger, with risk assessment for pregnant women:
| Form | Typical ginger amount | Assessment for pregnancy |
|---|---|---|
| Ginger shot | Up to 30 g per shot | Avoid, too concentrated |
| High-dose supplements/capsules | Varies, can exceed 1 g | Avoid, hard to control |
| Pharmacy ginger capsules | 250 mg x 4 = 1 g/day | Ask your provider first |
| Homemade ginger tea | A few grams per cup | Safe in moderate amounts |
| Store-bought ginger tea | Low concentration | Safe |
| Ginger in cooking | Small amounts | Safe |
| Ginger candy | Low amount per piece | Safe in moderate amounts |
| Ginger ale | Very low amount | Safe |
Timing. When During Pregnancy Is Ginger Most Relevant?
First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)
This is the period when most women experience morning sickness. Nausea typically starts around weeks 6–8 and is worst in weeks 8–12. Ginger can be very helpful during this period.
Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27)
For most women, nausea subsides in the second trimester. Some pregnant women have persistent nausea, and ginger can still be used in safe doses.
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)
Nausea can return at the end of pregnancy, often due to the baby pressing on the stomach. Ginger can still be used, but many women experience increased heartburn during this period. Since ginger can worsen heartburn, consider whether it's right for you.
Side Effects of Ginger
Even in safe amounts, ginger can cause side effects. The NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health lists:
- Heartburn, especially troublesome for pregnant women who already have acid reflux
- Abdominal discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Mouth and throat irritation
If you experience heartburn from ginger, it's better to choose other remedies for nausea.
Other Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness
Beyond ginger, there are several documented measures that can help:
Vitamin B6
ACOG describes vitamin B6 as a safe, over-the-counter treatment that may be tried first for nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, and WHO lists it among the options for nausea in early pregnancy. Ask your provider what dose to take.
Acupressure (Sea-Band)
P6 acupressure on the wrist (for example with Sea-Band bracelets) can help some pregnant women. The NHS says there is some evidence that pressure on the wrist from a special band or bracelet may help. These are available over the counter at pharmacies.
Dietary Tips That Help
- Eat often, ideally every 1–2 hours
- Eat a little before you get hungry (an empty stomach worsens nausea)
- Choose dry foods like crackers and toast
- Sip small amounts throughout the day, aim for about 2 liters total
- Avoid fatty and heavily spiced foods
- Eat a little before getting up in the morning
Summary: Practical Checklist
Safe during pregnancy:
- Ginger tea (1–2 cups with a few slices of fresh ginger)
- Ginger as a spice in cooking
- Ginger candy in moderate amounts
- Store-bought ginger tea and ginger ale
Ask your pharmacist or provider first:
- Pharmacy ginger capsules
Should be avoided during pregnancy:
- Ginger shots (all types)
- High-dose ginger supplements
- Homemade concentrated ginger juice
- Large amounts of fresh ginger as a side dish
When ginger isn't right for you:
- For severe nausea/hyperemesis, see a doctor for medication
- For heartburn issues, ginger can make it worse
- When vomiting is the main symptom, insufficient effect
Sources
- NHS. Vomiting and morning sickness (page last reviewed 2024)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Morning Sickness: Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (last reviewed 2025)
- World Health Organization. WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience (2016), recommendation D.1
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Ginger: Usefulness and Safety (2025)
- UK Committee on Toxicity. Statement on the safety of ginger supplement use in pregnancy (2025), which also summarizes the 2018 DTU/Danish Veterinary and Food Administration risk assessment and the Norwegian and Finnish advice
Helpful tools
- Due Date Calculator. Calculate your estimated due date
- Contraction Timer. Track your contractions during labor
- All Baby Tools. Browse all free tools for pregnancy and baby care
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