Are you pregnant and wondering if you can have rose hips? No, we are not talking about your hips that are going to support that beautiful baby inside you; we are talking about something edible! Rose hips are the parts of the rose flower just beneath the petals that contain the rose plant seeds. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (1). But is it safe to eat rose hips during pregnancy?
As a nutrient-rich food with disease-fighting properties, rose hips have gained attention for their aesthetic and health benefits. Rose hips have traditionally been used as a natural remedy for a variety of diseases and ailments. You can learn all you need to know about rose hips during pregnancy, including their benefits, uses, and side effects, in this article.
In This Article
- What is Rose Hip?
- Nutritional Value Of Rose Hip
- How Safe is Rose Hip During Pregnancy?
- Benefits of Rose Hip During Pregnancy
- Side Effects of Rose Hip During Pregnancy
- FAQ’s
What is Rose Hip?
Wondering what a rosehip is? If you had noticed a rose up close, you would’ve most likely seen the rounded part just below those beautiful petals. This portion of the flower, known as the rosehip, contains the seeds and is considered to be extremely healthy.
The rosehip, or rose hip, can be consumed fresh or in dried form. The fresh rose hips are rich in vitamin C and the dried form is used in the manufacturing of medicines. It is common knowledge that rose petals are used in foods for both color and flavor. Rosehip is also used in the manufacturing of jam, tea, and soups.
Nutritional Value of Rose Hip
Rose hips are incredibly rich in vitamin C and contain a substantial amount of vitamins A, E, and K. The sodium content is almost zero and contains traces of zinc, choline, and folate. 100 grams of rosehips provide 162 calories, per source. You can see the nutritional value of 100 grams of rosehip in the table below(2).
| Nutrients | Value |
| Carbohydrate | 38.22 g |
| Fiber | 24.10 g |
| Protein | 1.6 g |
| Vitamin C | 426 mg |
| Vitamin E | 5.84 mg |
| Vitamin K | 25.9 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 217 mcg |
| Choline | 12 mg |
| Calcium | 169 mg |
| Magnesium | 69 mg |
| Manganese | 1.020 mg |
| Phosphorous | 61 mg |
| Potassium | 429 mg |
| Iron | 1.06 mg |
| Copper | 0.11 mg |
How Safe is Rose Hip During Pregnancy?
The effects of rosehip on the growing fetus are not well studied. Due to the insufficient data available, we can’t say it is 100 percent safe. However, in terms of nutrient content, we can see that rosehip is a great source of vitamins and minerals beneficial for pregnancy. Hence, rose hip is generally considered safe for consumption during pregnancy when taken in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet.
It is a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can be beneficial for the overall health of the mother and developing fetus. However, individual reactions to herbs might vary, so it’s important to speak with an expert before introducing any new vitamins or herbal treatments to your diet while pregnant.
Benefits of Rose Hip During Pregnancy
Rosehips, as mentioned above, are a rich source of vitamin C when consumed fresh. Though dried rose hips have their benefits, vitamin C is considerably destroyed in the process. Rosehip has a variety of potential benefits for pregnant women because of its nutritional content.
Here are the top 5 benefits of rosehip during pregnancy:
1. Contribute to the Production of Collagen
It has been found that rosehip can prevent collagen degradation and promote collagen production. Rosehips have vitamin C, which helps the body make collagen (3). Oral collagen supplements have been demonstrated to accumulate in cartilage, stimulate cartilage production, and improve joint comfort (4). During pregnancy, the additional weight places strain on the joints. Accordingly, rose hips will help ease the pain in the joints.
[Read: Collagen During Pregnancy]
2. Helps Boost Immunity
Rosehip is rich in antioxidants. Also, it is an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts your immune system by encouraging the production of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that protect your body from getting sick (5). Minerals such as selenium, vitamin B complex, and E—elements that strengthen the immune system—are abundant in rose hips (6).
3. Help Combat Constipation
Rosehip is often considered a natural remedy for constipation due to its potential laxative effects. It contains fiber, which can contribute to improved bowel regularity and prevent constipation (7). The fiber content in rosehip can add bulk to the stool, making it softer and easier to pass. Also, its antioxidant properties may have a positive impact on digestive health. Nonetheless, you should always get your doctor’s approval before using this as a home remedy for constipation. Not all herbal medication is safe while you are pregnant.
4. Helps Alleviate Joint Pain
Topical application of rosehip oil often helps to relieve muscle pain. It is very beneficial for pregnant women who experience muscle and joint pain. Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of rose hips (8). You can massage it directly onto the affected area. Some people find relief from sore muscles and joints by using rosehip oil as a massage oil.
5. May Help With Iron Absorption
The consumption of rosehip fruit is particularly advantageous for pregnant women since the vitamin C that is included in it has the potential to assist in the body’s absorption of iron (9), which is needed for the development of your unborn child.
Side Effects of Rose Hip During Pregnancy
While tiny doses of rose hip are safe for pregnant women to consume, it is crucial to be aware of any potential side effects. Continue reading to get an understanding of the potential adverse effects of rose hip use during pregnancy:
1. Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may be allergic to rose hips (10). Allergic reactions can include skin rashes, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you’re allergic to roses or have experienced allergies to plants in the Rosaceae family, it’s advisable to avoid rose-hip products.
2. Stomach Upset
In some cases, the consumption of rose hip supplements or rose hip teas may cause mild stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhea. Pregnant women can be more sensitive to changes in their digestive systems. Because of this, it’s crucial to monitor the pregnant body’s responses when taking rosehip.
[Read: Diarrhea During Pregnancy]
3. May Interact With Blood Pressure Medicines
Rose hips have about 2% tannin in them (11). Tannin may have a mild diuretic effect. Diuretics aid the kidneys in eliminating water and salt from the urine. As a result, less fluid passes through the arteries and veins. Because of this, blood pressure goes down (12).
Taking hypertension medication with herbs that reduce water retention could significantly reduce blood pressure. If you have issues with blood pressure or are taking medications to regulate blood pressure, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor before consuming rose hip products.
4. Interactions with Medications
As explained in the case of blood pressure medication, rosehip may interact with certain medications. If you’re taking any medications during pregnancy, consult with your healthcare provider to ensure there are no potential interactions.
5. Uterine Stimulation
There is limited scientific evidence on the potential uterine-stimulating effects of rose hip. However, it has been found that high vitamin C levels in rose hips will increase estrogen production. Estrogen opposes progesterone and increases cervical dilatation and uterine contractility (13). Thus, some herbalists suggest that rose hip tea may have mild uterotonic properties, which could theoretically stimulate contractions. While this is generally considered safe in moderate amounts, it’s essential to exercise caution, especially during the first trimester, when the risk of miscarriage is higher.
Most doctors say not to use rosehip during pregnancy because there isn’t enough research on its safety. Even if you’re used to drinking rosehip tea daily, you may encounter some unwanted side effects during pregnancy if you exceed the prescribed amount. Rosehip pills may have helped you in the past, but rosehip herbal supplements could be harmful if you take them during pregnancy or while taking other medications or vitamins.
FAQ’s
1. Is Rosehip Oil Beneficial During Pregnancy?
Using rosehip oil topically during pregnancy has several benefits. The skin is hydrated, nourished, and revitalized with its application. Reducing stretch marks is one of its benefits.
2. How Much Rose Hip Can a Pregnant Woman Take?
Because they have a lot of vitamin C, rose hips should not be eaten too much during pregnancy. If you take in too much vitamin C, you may be more likely to get kidney stones and other problems. You should always talk to your doctor or a nutritionist about how much rosehip is safe for you to eat while you are pregnant.
3. Are Rose Hip Supplements Safe to Take During Pregnancy?
Although it is typically safe to use rose hip supplements during pregnancy in the prescribed dosages, it is important to consult your healthcare professional before adding any supplements to your regimen.
Reference
- Ascorbic Acid Content of Rose Hip Fruit Depending on Altitude – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4450003/]
- Rose Hips, wild (Northern Plains Indians) – [https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Rose_Hips%2C_wild_%28Northern_Plains_Indians%29_nutritional_value.html?size=100+g]
- Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species -[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5485961/]
- Can You Take Collagen While Pregnant? Is It Safe? – [https://www.takecareof.com/articles/can-you-take-collagen-while-pregnant]
- Vitamin C and Immune Function – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/]
- Exploring the Immune-Boosting Functions of Vitamins and Minerals as Nutritional Food Bioactive Compounds: A Comprehensive Review – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8779769/]
- High-Fiber Diet during Pregnancy Characterized by More Fruit and Vegetable Consumption – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7824257/]
- Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Pharmacological Profile of Rose Hip: A Review – [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328286200_Phytochemistry_Traditional_Uses_and_Pharmacological_Profile_of_Rose_Hip_A_Review]
- Interaction of vitamin C and iron – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6940487/]
- Rose hips: a new occupational allergen – [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2324410/]
- Rose Hip – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/rose-hip]
- Mechanisms for blood pressure lowering and metabolic effects of thiazide and thiazide-like diuretics – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2904515/]
- Uterus Contractility – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/uterus-contractility]
Read Also: Eating Parsley in Pregnancy – Is it Harmful?
