Is Fenugreek safe during pregnancy?
Avoid fenugreek supplements in pregnancy. For milk supply, evidence is weak and side effects are common — ask a lactation expert first.
What the sources say
NCCIH says fenugreek in amounts greater than food is not safe in pregnancy and has been linked to birth defects. For breastfeeding, LactMed finds mixed, low-quality evidence for boosting milk (one meta-analysis found a mild effect, another none) and an unknown safety profile: in a US survey 45% of users reported side effects; reported problems include GI upset, liver toxicity, allergy (possible cross-reaction with peanuts and chickpeas), low blood sugar and warfarin interactions. Culinary amounts in food are considered safe (NCCIH).
Also listed as
fenugreek seed, fenugreek capsules, fenugreek tea, methi, methi seeds, trigonella foenum-graecum, lactation supplement, milk supply supplement
Sources
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.