Is Fenugreek seeds (methi dana) safe during pregnancy?
Nuts & seeds Also called Methi (Hindi); Venthayam (Tamil); Menthulu (Telugu); Uluva (Malayalam); Menthe (Kannada).
Not safe above food amounts
NIH NCCIH says fenugreek is not safe in pregnancy in amounts greater than those found in food.[1]
What official sources say
NIH NCCIH: Herbs at a Glance: fenugreek
Fenugreek is not safe for use during pregnancy in amounts greater than those found in food; its use has been linked to increased risks of birth defects in both animals and people.
[1]
Nutrition per 100 g (USDA)
| Energy | 323 kcal |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Fibre | 24.6 g |
| Iron | 33.53 mg |
| Calcium | 176 mg |
| Folate (DFE) | 57 µg |
| Folate, total | 57 µg |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 3 µg |
| Vitamin C | 3 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0 µg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 µg |
| Sodium | 67 mg |
USDA FoodData Central: Spices, fenugreek seed (FDC ID 171324), per 100 g. Public domain. Values describe that USDA record; composition varies with variety and preparation.
Sources
- NIH NCCIH: Herbs at a Glance: fenugreek · nccih.nih.gov. US government work, public domain; quoted. No endorsement implied.
Sources checked 26 September 2026.
Quotes are checked word for word against each source page, and paraphrases against the original text. Official bodies are named as sources only: none of them reviewed or endorses this page.
Educational information, not medical advice. Your own doctor or midwife may advise differently for you — follow their advice.