Turmeric Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety + Benefits Research

Turmeric is a famous spice and medicinal herb with a long history of use across different cultures. It’s an important postpartum and breastfeeding remedy in Indonesia and is even considered to carry the physical energy of the Divine Mother in India. The safety of its use in pregnancy and breastfeeding is often debated. As the most comprehensive source about turmeric pregnancy and breastfeeding safety on the internet, this monograph is meant to help you understand the totality of the traditional and scientific data. 

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. None of the information here should be taken as medical advice. Even if a remedy is classified as safe in Herbal Doula blog posts based on the existing evidence, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for you. The classifications in the database are just a general reference point. Follow your body, keep track of your response, and consult an herbalist, holistic practitioner, traditional midwife, or anyone else you feel may help you if you need expert advice. 

Affiliate Disclosure: I only include products I think are useful for my readers. If you buy through links on this page, Herbal Doula may earn a small commission. This supports my work as an independent scientist and natural health advocate.

Turmeric Safety Categorization*

*Referring to whole-plant dried or fresh turmeric rhizome powder, in line with the amounts and preparations used traditionally for culinary purposes and mild medicinal action (¼ – ½ teaspoon daily in food or tea).  

Pregnancy Safety:

Caution

Labor Safety:

Caution

Breastfeeding Safety:

Safe

Curcumin Safety Categorization**

**Referring to isolated curcumin supplements in all forms (including liposomal) or turmeric extracts.

Pregnancy Safety:

Avoid 

Labor Safety:

Caution

Breastfeeding Safety:

Caution

Turmeric & Curcumin Safety Overview

Turmeric is whole-plant rhizome dried powder—the recognizable yellow spice. Curcumin is an isolated active compound from turmeric found in supplements. The safety of each needs to be considered separately!  

Aside from one study about the use of curcumin during a C-section, no clinical studies of either turmeric or curcumin in pregnant women have been conducted (Fadinie et al., 2019). Therefore, their safety and side effects profile during pregnancy are still largely unknown.

One observational human study mentions the use of turmeric during pregnancy, listing it as a safe herbal (Kennedy et al., 2016).

In another observational study, Bengali mothers used turmeric both during pregnancy and breastfeeding without any reported risks (Chaudhuri et al., 1989).

Many animal and cellular studies have explored the effects of curcumin and turmeric extracts on fertility, early pregnancy, and mid- to late-pregnancy complications. However, it’s not possible to know if curcumin and turmeric will have comparable effects in pregnant women (Tossetta et al., 2021).

Based on a long history of traditional culinary use as a spice and limited human safety data, turmeric is considered to be safe in food amounts during pregnancy. Stick to the lower recommended dosage of up to ¼ teaspoon in food or tea.  

Caution is warranted in the first trimester since animal studies suggest turmeric and curcumin may reduce fertility, implantation, and early pregnancy viability. One case series also suggests that turmeric may reduce IVF pregnancy success by thinning the uterine lining (O’Connell et al., 2021). Therefore, although no direct evidence is available, curcumin and higher turmeric doses may increase the risk of miscarriages. It may be best to avoid turmeric altogether in the first trimester, especially in women with a history of miscarriages or infertility.

Turmeric in food amounts may offer benefits to pregnant women in the second and third trimesters who may be at risk of pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm birth, and exposure to toxins, drugs, and viruses. However, caution is still recommended since there is no human data on how turmeric or curcumin may affect these conditions, and drug interactions are possible.

Curcumin supplements and concentrated turmeric extracts should be avoided in pregnancy due to their high levels of active compounds that have not been traditionally used nor tested on pregnant women. These formulations have shown anti-fertility effects in early pregnancy in animals. Their use may be considered on an individual basis in consultation with a knowledgeable provider in later pregnancy in women at risk of certain pregnancy complications, but caution is warranted.

Turmeric and curcumin are possibly safe during labor, based on one clinical trial in which curcumin was given to women with preeclampsia before a C-section. Caution is still recommended because this is the only study to test curcumin during birth in a setting that does not reflect physiological birth. There is no data on turmeric, but it can be assumed based on pregnancy data that it’s also likely safe in food amounts during labor (Fadinie et al., 2019).

Turmeric has a long history of traditional use among breastfeeding women in Asia. It’s thought to support breastmilk supply and aid postpartum healing.

Based on long-standing traditional use and several Indonesian observational and clinical studies, turmeric is likely safe to use during breastfeeding in food and traditional medicinal amounts (about ¼ – ½ teaspoon daily in a drink, often in combination with other herbs and milk).

Although one study on breast milk cells suggested that curcumin inhibits breast milk production, this is not in line with the traditional and clinical data on turmeric. This cellular study used high doses of isolated curcumin on isolated cells and does not take into account the way whole-plant turmeric acts on the whole body (Kobayashi et al., 2021).

Based on a lack of traditional and clinical safety data, caution is recommended with curcumin supplements while breastfeeding. Short-term curcumin use for specific health concerns while breastfeeding an older baby may be considered on an individual basis, but caution is warranted.

One Australian case report mentions possible liver injury from high doses of turmeric in a breastfeeding woman. The woman was taking turmeric 3-4 times per day (5–10 grams). The reported liver injury could’ve been from high doses of turmeric, from turmeric impurities, or from other factors (Haloub et al., 2024).

If considering ingesting turmeric, it’s critical to find an organic, quality source. Use turmeric only at the recommended daily amounts (¼ teaspoon daily in pregnancy, ¼ – ½ teaspoon daily while breastfeeding). Contamination with heavy metals or other toxins and impurities can make turmeric dangerous.

Turmeric Benefits, Actions & Energetics

A Holistic Benefits Perspective

It’s not easy to talk about the benefits and energetics of turmeric, a remedy with such a rich and complex history of use. There’s a risk of falling into the trap of describing turmeric only from a scientific and mechanical perspective, missing out on the cultural heritage and ancient healing wisdom that its use stems from.

Tumeric is native to India and Indonesia. The rhizome of turmeric is used as a spice and medicinal remedy. It has a history of use dating back almost 4000 years and is an important part of traditional medicine systems in India, Indonesia, China, and other Asian countries. It’s revered in Islamic traditional medicine, Chinese traditional medicine, and Ayurveda  (Herb Rally Turmeric Monograph, Akaberi et al., 2021).

Turmeric and its “active constituent” curcumin have also become popular as supplements, and curcumin has been through thousands of scientific studies (Akaberi et al., 2021).

In parts of the world where turmeric is a widely available folk remedy, people harvest and prepare it themselves. The turmeric most people in the West are familiar with is Curcuma longa L. However, The Curcuma genus has about 120 species, and many of these varieties we are less familiar with are used traditionally for specific health issues, often in combination with other herbs (Akaberi et al., 2021).

Energetics

The energetics of turmeric are bitter, pungent, warm, and dry. 

Traditionally, turmeric is seen as a bitter digestive and is mainly used for digestive and respiratory problems. As a bitter digestive, turmeric also relieves flatulence. As a cholagogue, turmeric stimulates bile production in the liver and encourages bile excretion via the gallbladder, which helps the body digest fats and detoxify (Akaberi et al., 2021).

Turmeric is also considered a heart, liver, brain, and immune system protectant and an anti-inflammatory (Akaberi et al., 2021).

In Ayurveda, turmeric is thought to strengthen the overall energy of the body and purify the blood. It’s used to relieve gas, improve digestion, regulate menstruation, dissolve gallstones, relieve arthritis, reduce swelling, improve skin health, aid wound healing, and get rid of worms (Prasad et al., 2011).

In small amounts, turmeric is thought to stimulate the qi energy of the liver and remove liver qi stagnation. It’s also purported to dry up dampness that “feeds” viruses and bacteria.

Unani practitioners also use turmeric to expel phlegm or Kapha and to improve blood circulation by “opening” blood vessels.

The Essence of the Divine Mother

In India, turmeric is thought to bestow the energy—and carry the physical essence of—the Divine Mother. As such, it’s thought to cleanse the chakras and is a symbol of prosperity in Ayurvedic medicine. When the juice of turmeric is used as a “tikal” (orange dot) on the third eye, it is thought to increase intelligence, maturity, and wisdom (Herb Rally Turmeric Monograph).

In ancient Sanskrit texts, turmeric is described as “Gauri” (“The One Whose Face is Light and Shining”) and “Kanchani” (“Golden Goddess”).

In line wit this, it’s also traditionally considered an important herbal postpartum ally. Turmeric is often used in combination with other herbs to support breastfeeding and postpartum healing and mental well-being. More on this in the “Turmeric Research: Birth, Postpartum & Breastfeeding” and “Traditional Use While Pregnant and Breastfeeding” sections.

Turmeric vs. Curcumin

Turmeric is the dried rhizome of the Curcuma Longa plant and contains an array of minerals and different active compounds.

Dry turmeric powder contains 3-8% of the compound curcumin and up to 10% of curcuminoids. More than 50 curcuminoids have been discovered, and they give turmeric its bright yellow color. Aside from curcuminoids, turmeric contains over 200 other active ingredients (El-Saadony et al., 2023; Kunnumakkara et al., 2023).

So, curcumin is only one curcuminoid and one of the active ingredients of turmeric. Modern science considers curcumin to be the main active ingredient, and most research studies have been done with isolated curcumin, not turmeric powder.

Commercially available turmeric products include products with this normal percentage of curcumin and those modified to contain up to 95% curcuminoids (including curcumin and other similar compounds).

It’s important to mention—especially when considering turmeric during pregnancy or breastfeeding—that products with modified formulations and concentrations of selected compounds may be expected to have different physiological effects than traditional preparations of the herb.

For example, a dessert spoon of turmeric powder (an average of 3 g) will contain an average of 30–90 mg of curcumin and various other compounds (El-Saadony et al., 2023).

On the other hand, most clinical research studies use high doses of isolated curcumin. The dosages range from 80 to 1500 mg of curcumin per day. Some clinical studies use special curcumin formulations (such as Theracumin or liposomal curcumin), which have higher bioavailability and different actions in the body.

The animal studies reviewed in this monograph also commonly used high curcumin doses that are not comparable to using turmeric powder in food amounts or in occasional drinks, as it’s traditionally used.

The Turmeric Food Matrix & Gut Microbiome Link

Modern research sheds interesting light on how turmeric and curcumin may act in the body.

Since bioavailability is a big issue with curcumin, it’s often formulated with black pepper or BioPerine (a patented black pepper extract). Otherwise, curcumin is poorly absorbed from the gut (Nasef et al., 2019).

When used powdered or fresh, whole-plant turmeric rhizome may be better absorbed than isolated curcumin. This is likely because turmeric contains other active compounds that act together and naturally boost the bioavailability of curcumin. Turmeric powder is also better absorbed when used with foods, which has been called the “turmeric matrix effect” (Nasef et al., 2019).

But there’s more: one of the ways turmeric may affect the whole body is precisely via the gut.

When a person takes curcumin by mouth, high levels are detected in the gastrointestinal tract. Studies also reveal that curcumin and its metabolites strengthen the gut lining and boost good bacteria in the gut, balancing the gut microbiome. In turn, the gut microbiota further activate curcumin (Scazzocchio et al., 2020).

Since our gut microbiome can affect our immunity, lymphatic circulation, digestion, inflammation, mood, and pretty much every aspect of our health and wellness—curcumin’s gut action may underlie its wide spectrum of other benefits.

Turmeric Traditional Use While Pregnant and Breastfeeding

The traditional use of turmeric during pregnancy and breastfeeding differs across various cultures. In India, turmeric is used for vomiting in pregnancy. In the traditional medicine of Indonesia and Fiji, turmeric is given at childbirth and postpartum (Mills & Bones, 2012).

Turmeric has long been traditionally used as a galactagogue in India and Indonesia (LactMed®, Turmeric).

Some texts on traditional Chinese medicine contraindicate the use of turmeric rhizome in pregnancy (AHPA Handbook). In China, turmeric is traditionally used with cinnamon to ease painful menses and postpartum pain.

Some sources mention that, in India, it’s considered that taking turmeric when pregnant will ensure that the child will always have beautiful skin. It’s purported to “expedite a simple birth while increasing the health of the mother and child” when taken in the last two weeks of pregnancy in warm, organic milk. Thanks to its pain-relieving properties, it’s also sometimes used in natural childbirth (Turmeric: The Ayurvedic Spice of Life).

Based on its energetics, it’s said that women with more Kapha in their constitutions will be able to take turmeric more often than women with dominant Vata constitutions.

Turmeric is also believed by some to help cleanse the uterus, purify breastmilk, and help with lactation problems in general (Turmeric: The Ayurvedic Spice of Life).

Many Ayurvedic sources also mention adding a pinch of turmeric and honey to herbal teas that support lactation like fenugreek.

Turmeric Safety Classifications in Books & Associations

In a multinational study of the safety classification of herbal medicines published in BMC Complement Altern Med, turmeric is listed as a safe herbal that participants used during pregnancy (Kennedy et al., 2016).

In the professional database NatMed Pro, turmeric is classified as likely safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding when used in food amounts and unsafe during pregnancy in medicinal amounts.

They mention that turmeric may stimulate the uterus citing the American Herbal Products (AHP) Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook.

Another authoritative textbook (Mills et al., 2006) describes turmeric as a potential abortifacient, uterine stimulant, and emmenagogue (herb used to “bring on menstruation”). This is based on a 1975 review article about plants that may have anti-fertility effects (Farnsworth et al., 1975). However, there is no evidence of turmeric directly causing uterine contractions.

A lot of herbs seem to go under the “uterine stimulant” category without much proof or explanation of possible mechanisms. As we’ll see, turmeric is more of a uterine-lining-shedder, which may explain why it’s also traditionally viewed as a menstrual stimulant.

The AHPA Botanical Safety Handbook (2013) classifies turmeric as Safety Class 1: safe with appropriate use (with no contraindications in pregnancy and breastfeeding).

Other handbooks mention that turmeric should be avoided in pregnant or breastfeeding women since its “effects are unknown.” They classify turmeric as a menstrual stimulant that can induce miscarriage, but their references are lacking (Fetrow & Avila, 2004).

In Bone & Mills’ authoritative herbal textbook, turmeric is a Class A herb – “no proven increase in the frequency of malformation or other harmful effects on the fetus despite consumption by a large number of women as an item of diet.” (A Romm, 2017; Mills & Bones, 2012).

In Edward Mills’ textbook (Mills et al., 2006), turmeric is said to be nonteratogenic, nonmutagenic (doesn’t cause damage to DNA), and nontoxic in high doses. However, it’s described as a blocker of uterine stretching in pregnancy based on animal studies (evidence level 3).

Based on an explorative study of non-Bengali Muslim mothers who use turmeric as part of their diet, the textbook classifies turmeric as posing minimal risk during pregnancy and breastfeeding (evidence level 4) (Chaudhuri et al., 1989).

Animal studies suggest that the active compounds and metabolites of turmeric pass into breast milk (Singh et al., 1995; Singh et al., 1996).

An Indian natural medicine compendium reports that turmeric is of minimal risk during breastfeeding if used as a spice (Chopra & Chopra, 2006).

Turmeric Research: Fertility, Conception, Pregnancy

Overview

The research on the effects of turmeric on fertility, conception, and early pregnancy is very limited. Curcumin had mixed effects on pregnancy in animal studies.

In some studies, curcumin and turmeric seemed to have no negative effects on pregnancy. Several studies even suggest protective effects, especially in case of inflammation and obesity (Ghaneifar et al., 2020; Ganiger et al., 2007; Hsuuw et al., 2005; Vijayalaxmi, 1980; Soleimani et al., 2018; Kumar et al., 2015; Tiwari-Pandey & Sairam, 2009; Voznesens’ka et al., 1994; Lv et al., 2021).

Still, caution with turmeric while trying to conceive and in early pregnancy is warranted since other animal studies suggest that turmeric extract and curcumin may reduce fertility, implantation rates, and the viability of early pregnancies. It may mimic estrogen, thin the uterine lining, and prevent egg maturation, fertilization, and embryo development (Filardi et al., 2020; Saifi et al., 2022; Chen et al., 2012; Huang et al., 2013; Chen & Chan, 2012; O’Connell et al., 2021; Murphy et al., 2012; Garg, 1974; Garg et al., 1978; Yadav & Jain, 2010; Tossetta et al., 2021).

Based on this, turmeric extracts and curcumin supplements should be avoided while trying to conceive and in early pregnancy unless new safety data come out. 

Early Pregnancy/First Trimester

Potential Protective Effects

In a two-generation reproductive toxicity study in rats, curcumin had no evident adverse effects on pregnancy outcome in two successive generations even at a very high doses (850 mg/kg) (Ghaneifar et al., 2020; Ganiger et al., 2007).

In mouse embryonic stem cells and blastocysts, curcumin suppressed cell death caused by a toxic compound (methylglyoxal-induced apoptosis). It blocked the production of damaging free radicals, suggesting that it may be safe for the fetus (Ghaneifar et al., 2020; Hsuuw et al., 2005).

In a study on rats and mice embryos, 0.5% of turmeric (equal to 0.015% curcumin) didn’t change in the implantation rate, number of dead and live embryos, chromosomal abnormality, and body weight (Vijayalaxmi, 1980; Soleimani et al., 2018).

In another study on pregnant rats, high doses of curcumin had no teratogenic effects such as stunted growth, cleft palate, deformations of the tail, lip, wrist, brain, and bones in the offspring. This study even suggests that curcumin may decrease the mentioned fetal anomalies and potentially cause an increase in live births and body weight. It’s thought to act by reducing free radical damage and increasing antioxidant enzymes SOD and glutathione (Kumar et al., 2015).

Lower Rates of Implantation & Embryo Development 

Early pregnancy involves complex, orchestrated steps. Exactly how an implanted egg forms a zygote, divides into a blastocyst, implants into the uterine wall, and then continues to grow into an embryo is one of life’s greatest mysteries.

The whole process is highly susceptible to environmental influences. It’s reasonable to consider that the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiproliferative, and anti-blood-vessel-forming (antiangiogenic) properties of curcumin may interfere with the blastocyst stage, implantation and post-implantation development of embryos (Filardi et al., 2020).

In female animals, curcumin seems to reduce the maturation of cells into fertilizable eggs. It promotes the programmed cell death of developing eggs and blastocysts and seems to decrease embryo implantation and survival. At high doses, curcumin immobilizes sperm, and at even high doses, it seems to completely block pregnancy in the lab (Saifi et al., 2022).

When treated with curcumin, mouse blastocysts are more prone to cell death. When these blastocysts are transferred to a mouse uterus and treated with curcumin, implantation rates and fetal weight decrease. This study suggests that curcumin may impair embryonic development (Chen et al., 2012).

Similarly, another study showed that high-dose curcumin killed all embryos at the early post-implantation blastocyst stage (Huang et al., 2013).

Curcimin also reduced the rates of egg maturation, fertilization, and embryonic development in cells in the lab (Chen & Chan, 2012).

Scientists think that the same action is at play behind curcumin’s potential anti-cancer and its anti-fertility effects, at least based on how it acts on cells in the lab. For example, curcumin seems to halt the tumor cell cycle and trigger the death of fast-multiplying cancer cells. They hypothesize that, this way, it also triggers the death of fast-dividing blastocysts in early pregnancy, which may reduce the success of embryo development and implantation (O’Connell et al., 2021; Deng et al., 2016; Chen & Chan, 2012).

Some scientists consider turmeric to be an estrous cycle disruptor since it may also block ovulation (Koca et al., 2019).

Estrogenic Pregnancy Disruption

Curcumin is a sort of estrogen mimic. By taking estrogen’s place, it modifies the effects of estrogen in tissues like the uterus, cervix, and breast. It’s been used to treat endometriosis in research studies by blocking cells from over-multiplying (Zhang et al., 2016).

High doses of curcumin are sometimes recommended in estrogen-dependent breast cancers to block the division of cells and prevent estrogen from “feeding” breast cancer cells (Shao et al., 2020).

Curcumin also triggers the death of cervical cancer cells in the lab by reducing the formation of new cancerous blood vessels (Singh & Singh, 2011).

In one study, researchers have mice injections of a modified type of curcumin with increased solubility (pegylated curcumin). This formulation disrupted reproduction, possibly due to its estrogen-mimicking or androgen-antagonizing properties. Rats pregnant with males experienced fewer live births, suggesting that this curcumin formulation halted the development of male fetuses, possibly by blocking male hormones (Murphy et al., 2012).

Uterine Lining Thinning During IVF Embryo Transfer

One US case series suggests that turmeric supplementation during IVF may have negative effects on the endometrial lining, potentially preventing pregnancy (O’Connell et al., 2021).

The report talks about two women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) for IVF who were supplementing turmeric and experienced a thinning of the uterine lining, which possibly prevented the pregnancy. FET uses frozen embryos that are thawed and placed into the woman’s uterus, often along with hormone injections meant to thicken the uterine lining.

In IVF, unlike in natural conception and pregnancy, many factors are induced and controlled. Therefore, it’s quite possible that the whole process is more sensitive to outside influences, including herbs and supplements.

The author considers that curcumin’s estrogen-mimicking effects may interfere with the “artificially cultivated environment that FET aims to establish.”

In both cases, the hormones triggered a thickening of the uterus lining. At follow-up, both women who were taking turmeric without making any other lifestyle or dietary changes between visits experienced uterine thinning. The dosage, quality, and ingredients of the turmeric supplements they were taking is unknown.

Both women were advised to stop taking turmeric and not to ingest any herbs or supplements. One of the women (27, with a previous history of pregnancies as a surrogate) subsequently got pregnant. The other (47, with a history of unsuccessful IVFs) still suffered a pregnancy loss.

Fertility

Anti-fertility Effects 

In an old rat study, very high doses of turmeric petroleum and water extracts had 100% anti-fertility activity (Garg, 1974).

In another study, high-dose turmeric extracts almost completely blocked implantation and pregnancy. The ethanol extract blocked 70-80% of pregnancies, while the water extract blocked 80%-100% (Garg et al., 1978).

In a study on female rats, turmeric water extract reduced pregnancy and implantation rates and reduced the number of viable fetuses. The higher the dosage, the greater the effect was. Very high doses (500 mg/kg body weight) given over the first five days completely blocked pregnancy. Lower doses had a smaller anti-fertility effect. Based on these findings, the researchers even proposed that high-dose turmeric water extract has the potential to be used as a post-coital or emergency contraceptive (Yadav & Jain, 2010).

Fertility Support for Inflammatory States

Curcumin seemed to improve fertility in lab animals with inflammation, suggesting that it should be researched further in women with inflammation-related fertility problems.

Curcumin had positive effects on fertility in aging obese female mice with high levels of male hormones. In mice with this health issue, curcumin improved the quality of eggs, supporting fertility (Tiwari-Pandey & Sairam, 2009).

Similarly, curcumin protected the ovaries in mice with ovarian failure in mice. This study tried to model inflammation-induced ovarian failure in women, which is when the ovaries stop working before the age of 40 (Voznesens’ka et al., 1994).

Mixed Effects on Sperm Motility

In low doses, curcumin improves sperm motility and reduces testes damage. In very high doses used in the lab and unattainable by taking curcumin or turmeric by mouth, it has the opposite effect (Glombik et al., 2014).

In a cellular study, curcumin increased the motility of sperm coming from patients with low motility sperm (asthenozoospermia). It also reduced the formation of oxidative stress, which can damage the sperm. However, very high concentrations reduced sperm motility (Zhou et al., 2020).

Another study confirmed that the effects of curcumin on sperm quality depend on dosage. High levels of curcumin reduced fertilization and the motility of healthy, normal sperm. Giving curcumin intravaginally to lab animals also reduced fertility. The anti-fertility effects were reversible, so the authors considered curcumin an “ideal contraceptive.” (Naz et al., 2011).

In another study, exposing healthy sperm to curcumin had mild to strong anti-motility effects depending on the dosage. The authors considered it a potential new intravaginal spermicide for contraception. However, even the doses the scientists considered low for research purposes were high: 30 g of curcumin per mL sperm (Rithaporn et al., 2013).

The effects observed by treating sperm directly with turmeric or curcumin likely don’t apply to men taking small doses of turmeric in food or as a supplement. It’s impossible to take such as high turmeric dosage by mouth to attain the levels of curcumin used to reduce sperm motility in the lab (Glombik et al., 2014).

Plus, other studies suggest that giving curcumin orally to mice with metabolic dysfunction improves poor semen quality and boosts testosterone levels (Tsao et al., 2022).

May Help Maintain Ovarian Reserve

The ovarian reserve is the total number of healthy, immature eggs in the ovaries that can develop into eggs capable of fertilization resulting in a healthy pregnancy. The ovarian reserve is considered to be one marker of fertility in women.

In one recent study in aging mice, curcumin had a protective effect on egg follicles, helping to maintain the ovarian reserve. Long-term, curcumin helped normalize FSH, estradiol, and anti-mullerian hormone levels—all of which are important for fertility and pregnancy (Lv et al., 2021).

Curcumin may also protect ovaries exposed to free radicals from damage, according to studies in mice (Alaee et al., 2024)

The Bottom Line: Does Turmeric Cause Miscarriage in Early Pregnancy? 

Based on the available human and animal research data, there is no direct evidence that turmeric causes miscarriages in early pregnancy. However, it’s possible that turmeric may increase the risk of miscarriage.

Turmeric supplements have been shown to reduce the success of IVF pregnancies, possibly by thinning the uterine lining and mimicking estrogen. Something similar may happen in natural pregnancies, although no clinical data are available to confirm it.

Animal studies also suggest that high doses of curcumin and turmeric extracts may reduce the viability of early pregnancies.

It’s unlikely that using turmeric in small, food amounts can cause miscarriage.

Still, if you are worried about experiencing a miscarriage or have a history of miscarriages or pregnancy loss, it may be best to stay on the safe side and avoid turmeric altogether in early pregnancy. 

Turmeric for Reducing the Side Effects of Toxins, Drugs & EMFs During Pregnancy

Overview

The data on turmeric reducing the side effects of drugs and toxins is only from animal studies. We don’t know how it might translate to humans. Traditionally, turmeric is used to “mitigate the hallucinogenic effects of hashish and other psychoactive drugs.” This speaks to some overlap between the research and one of its traditional uses (Fuloria et al., 2022).

In animals, turmeric and curcumin (Tossetta et al., 2021; Kalantar et al., 2024):

• Reduced retinoic acid side effects in pregnant mice
• Reduced damage from PCBs and BPA in pregnant mice
• Reduced mercury, lead, and arsenic toxicity in pregnant mice
• Reduced damage from PCBs and BPAs (chemicals from plastic) in pregnant mice
• Helped prevent heart defects from alcohol in mice
• Reduced side effects of drugs in pregnant mice
• Protected against the harmful effects of EMFs in pregnant rats

Turmeric for Reducing Pregnancy Complications

Overview

As an anti-inflammatory, curcumin shows potential in animal and cellular studies in managing pregnancy complications such as (Tosseta et al., 2021; Ghaneifar et al., 2020; Filardi et al., 2020):

• Viral infections
• Preeclampsia
• Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)
• Fetal growth restriction
• Preterm birth
• The risk of certain cancers and metabolic and chronic diseases in babies whose mothers used curcumin/turmeric during pregnancy

The safety, tolerability, and nontoxicity of curcumin at high doses (up to 12 g/day) are well established by human clinical trials in nonpregnant populations (Gupta et al., 2012; Doyle et al., 2023; Naemi et al., 2021).

Studies on the use of curcumin in pregnancy are lacking, so it’s uncertain whether turmeric and curcumin are safe to use for these pregnancy complications in pregnant women. 

Turmeric Research: Birth, Postpartum & Breastfeeding

Overview

The only human study of curcumin was done on women with preeclampsia undergoing a C-section. In the study, curcumin appeared to be safe but didn’t reduce inflammatory markers. Based on this study and in line with traditional use, it’s likely safe to take small amounts of turmeric in food or tea during birth (Fadinie et al., 2019).

Based on many Indonesian surveys and observational and clinical studies on breastfeeding mothers, small amounts of turmeric are likely safe during breastfeeding.

In Indonesia, turmeric is traditionally used, often in combination with other herbs, to support breastfeeding, milk supply, and postpartum healing. Most breastfeeding women in Indonesia use turmeric daily, especially in the first few months postpartum (Sayuti & Atikah, 2023; Kumalasari et al., 2014; Prastiwi et al., 2018; Sumarni et al., 2019; Supriyo & Hidayati, 2016; Wulandari & Wardani, 2020).

Uyup-uyub is a popular postpartum and breastfeeding drink in Indonesia. It contains aromatic ginger, turmeric, temu giring (pale turmeric), temulawak (Javanese turmeric), and katuk leaves. Turmeric is also commonly used with tamarind (Wulandari & Wardani, 2020).

In one 2018 Thailand study, 25 exclusively breastfeeding women were given a supplement containing fenugreek, ginger, and turmeric; 25 took a placebo. Breastfeeding mothers receiving the supplement had a 49% increase in milk volume at week 2 and a 103% increase at week 4. This was greater than the placebo group. Milk nutrient content stayed the same, and no adverse effects were observed (Bumrungpert et al., 2018).

Based on this study, supplements or herbal teas containing turmeric, ginger, and fenugreek may also be a safe and beneficial combination for breastfeeding.

An Iranian study on breastfeeding women also suggests that a cream containing curcumin can help with mastitis (Afshariani et al., 2014)

Thai herbal compresses containing ginger, turmeric, and camphor have also been studied for shortening the time to breast milk production postpartum (Dhippayom et al., 2015).

Curcumin suppressed breast milk production in breast cells in the lab (Kobayashi et al., 2021). This is contrary to turmeric’s effects on breast milk production in breastfeeding women. There is no evidence of turmeric harming breast milk production in breastfeeding women when using the recommended, traditionally established dosages.

Turmeric is also traditionally used to support physical and mental well-being postpartum.

Turmeric and tamarind are considered to help with wound healing in parts of Indonesia. In one study of 28 women, a tamarind turmeric drink sped up perineal wound healing in postpartum mothers (Susanti et al., 2017).

Animal studies also suggest that turmeric may help with mood postpartum and should be researched in women with postpartum depression (Filardi et al., 2020).

Traditional Indonesian Turmeric and Tamarind Recipe 

People make this medicinal drink themselves or buy it directly from local herbalists. Here’s their traditional recipe, mentioned in the study, and modified to add honey instead of sugar (Wulandari & Wardani, 2020):

Ingredients:

3 ounces of turmeric

2 ounces of tamarind

Optional: 3 kg of brown sugar and 3 ounces of granulated sugar (can be substituted with a smaller amount of raw honey for a healthier alternative)

¼ tablespoon of salt

5 liters of water

Recipe:

Boil the tamarind (and optional sugar) with water until boiling while stirring. Let it cool and strain. Roughly grind turmeric using an iron or stone mortar and pestle. You can also cut turmeric into small thin pieces or ground it in a mixer instead of grinding it. Squeeze and strain to get the juice and immediately mix it with the tamarind solution while stirring. If using honey, add at this point. Put it in a clean and dry bottle then close it tightly.

Tamarind is a potent purgative, so those with kidney or gallbladder issues should avoid it. Consult a nutritionist or healthcare professional to establish a personal upper limit for tamarind consumption.

Turmeric in the Research Lab vs. the Human Body

Many studies use curcumin to test various effects on animals, tissues, or cells. The effects of high-dose isolated curcumin are not the same as using turmeric in food and mild medicinal doses. Some studies used turmeric extract, which is also much more potent and different than turmeric powder.

Also, the direct treatment of cells and tissues with curcumin/turmeric in the lab is very different to turmeric’s physiologic action in the body. Cellular studies often don’t translate to the same effects in humans because live human beings are so much more complex than isolated cells in a lab.

Many of turmeric’s active compounds are naturally fat-soluble. When taken orally, in the human body, turmeric is digested, absorbed, and metabolized in the liver. Its absorption depends on whether it’s taken with food or not. Turmeric also modifies the gut microbiome, and the gut microbiome in turn transforms the active compounds in turmeric (Scazzocchio et al., 2020).

Further, turmeric affects the immune and digestive system, blood flow, and inflammation. Via the lymph, turmeric may reach breast tissue and affect the breast milk microbiome. These whole-body actions are important when considering the overall effect of turmeric and its specific actions in the body (Hewlings & Kalman, 2017; Jabczyk et al., 2021).

We cannot directly compare the isolated effects of high doses of concentrated turmeric/curcumin on cells, tissues, or animals in the lab to the effects of whole-plant turmeric on the whole human body. 

Turmeric Side Effects & Precautions

Possible Liver Injury in Pregnancy Due to High-Dose Turmeric

One case report mentions possible liver injury in a woman 23 weeks pregnant due to using high-dose turmeric (Haloub et al., 2024).

The woman consumed turmeric 3-4 times per day (5–10 grams) due to sore throat and started experiencing itching. Blood labs showed high liver enzyme levels, suggesting liver damage. She was recommended to follow a restricted Mediterranean diet with no spices/turmeric. Her symptoms resolved and her liver enzymes went back to normal, suggesting that nigh-dose turmeric might have caused the liver injury. However, she started experiencing itching and high liver enzymes again at 35 weeks of pregnancy, and a new diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy was made. This was seen as unrelated, but it’s also possible that the initial symptoms and liver injury were unrelated to turmeric.

We also don’t know about the quality and purity of the turmeric that the woman was taking.

This case report cites that “Turmeric has years of traditional use, and there are some preliminary convincing research studies, but there is no standard dosage recommended, and it is suggested that 500−2,000 mg of turmeric extract per day is generally considered safe for pregnant women.” They cite WebMD and a non-existent page on “Cappucino Oracle.” The WebMD page actually says “If you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t use turmeric supplements”. Hello citation distortion again! (For a prime example of citation distortion, read about ashwagandha.)

In summary, although it’s uncertain if turmeric caused liver damage in pregnancy in this case, it’s not recommended to use such high doses in pregnancy. 

Other Side Effects

In Indonesian studies of breastfeeding women, side effects are considered to be mild. Turmeric and its herbal combinations were reported to occasionally cause nausea and dizziness (especially at high doses), dry mouth, bloating, and abdominal pain  (Sayuti & Atikah, 2023).

High doses and prolonged use of turmeric may also cause gastric irritation and is not recommended in women with peptic ulcers, bile duct obstruction, or gallstones.

Turmeric may interact with blood-thinning and lipid-lowering medications.

Allergic reactions to turmeric are possible but rare.

Powdered turmeric may be contaminated with heavy metals or adulterated with synthetic dyes. If considering using turmeric, it’s vital to find a high-quality, pure, organic source.

Turmeric Dosage

Turmeric affects everyone differently, but a general dosage suggested is ¼ – ½ teaspoon daily as a spice or in milk or tea. 

Buy

• Organic pure turmeric powder

What Is the Bottom Line?

• Turmeric (the spice) is safe in small amounts (¼–½ teaspoon daily) during pregnancy and breastfeeding but should be used cautiously in the first trimester.
• Curcumin supplements are not recommended during pregnancy and should be used cautiously while breastfeeding due to limited safety data.
• Turmeric may support breast milk production and postpartum healing, based on traditional use, but excessive amounts should be avoided.
• Always choose high-quality, organic turmeric to avoid contaminants like heavy metals.
• It may be best to consult a knowledgeable practitioner of your choice before using turmeric or curcumin supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

 

>>>>> Read the report on Ashwagandha safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Did you use turmeric while pregnant or breastfeeding?

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