Is Garlic safe during pregnancy?

Vegetables Also called Lehsan (Hindi); Rashun (Bengali); Vellulli (Telugu); Lasoon (Marathi); Bellulli (Kannada); Lasan (Gujarati).

Larger-than-food amounts may not be safe

NIH NCCIH says garlic may not be safe in pregnancy when taken by mouth in amounts greater than those found in foods.[1]

What official sources say

NIH NCCIH: Herbs at a Glance: garlic

  • Garlic may not be safe for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding when taken orally in amounts greater than those found in foods.[1]

Related general rules

ICMR-NIN: Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024

  • Spices such as turmeric, cumin, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, pepper and cloves are rich in antioxidants and can be part of a balanced diet. (p. 5) (general-population advice, not specific to pregnancy)[2]

Nutrition per 100 g (USDA)

Energy143 kcal
Protein6.62 g
Fibre2.7 g
Vitamin C10 mg

USDA FoodData Central: Garlic, raw (FDC ID 1104647), per 100 g. Public domain. Values describe that USDA record; composition varies with variety and preparation.

Sources

  1. NIH NCCIH: Herbs at a Glance: garlic · nccih.nih.gov. US government work, public domain; quoted. No endorsement implied.
  2. ICMR-NIN: Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024 · nin.res.in. Printed page 5. Paraphrased and cited by printed page; the text is not reproduced.

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.