Can pregnant women drink kudzu root water?

Generally, pregnant women are not advised to drink kudzu root water. The detailed reasons are as follows:

Kudzu root has cool properties and promotes blood circulation while removing blood stasis, which may stimulate uterine smooth muscle contractions. Particularly during early pregnancy, this could lead to unstable embryo implantation or miscarriage. Pregnant women exposed to cold-natured herbal medicines like kudzu have a higher risk of miscarriage compared to the general population. Isoflavones in kudzu root, such as puerarin, may interfere with progesterone balance, further increasing the risk of threatened miscarriage.

Kudzu root contains plant estrogens, and excessive intake during pregnancy may disrupt fetal gonadal development, increasing the risk of reproductive system abnormalities. High-dose prenatal exposure to isoflavones has been associated with a significantly increased rate of reproductive organ malformations in offspring. The cooling effect of kudzu may be transmitted from mother to fetus, potentially causing fetal restlessness or developmental delays.

Although kudzu root has certain medicinal and health benefits, pregnant women should consume kudzu root water cautiously to avoid adverse effects on the fetus. During pregnancy, women should maintain adequate sleep, appropriate physical activity, a balanced diet, and healthy lifestyle habits to ensure maternal and fetal well-being. If any discomfort or concerns arise, prompt medical consultation with a qualified physician is recommended.