Is Cinnamon Safe While Pregnant? Benefits & Warnings
Pregnancy turns even the most routine ingredients into big questions.
Cinnamon may be typical in your kitchen, but when you’re expecting, safety comes first.
So, is cinnamon safe during pregnancy?
Let’s look at what the science says and how to make the best decision for you and your baby.
Is Cinnamon Safe During Pregnancy?
Cinnamon is generally safe to eat during pregnancy when used in small amounts as a spice (1).
The risk arises when cinnamon is consumed in large quantities or in concentrated forms like supplements, essential oils, or extracts.
The key concern with cinnamon is coumarin—a natural compound that can stress the liver at high doses.
Your liver is already working harder during pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid anything that might add extra strain.
That’s why it's essential to limit cinnamon intake and choose the right type.
Ceylon vs. Cassia: What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know
Not all cinnamon is created equal.
Ceylon cinnamon, known as “true cinnamon,” contains far less coumarin than the more common Cassia variety (2).
Cassia cinnamon, often sold in grocery stores, is cheaper and has a stronger flavor but comes with significantly higher coumarin content.
If you use cinnamon regularly while pregnant, switching to Ceylon is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take for safety.
Always check the label or ask your supplier to confirm the source.
Wild Foods offers organic, lab-tested Ceylon cinnamon that aligns with a clean pregnancy lifestyle.
Benefits and Risks of Cinnamon During Pregnancy
Cinnamon has potential health benefits when used in moderation.
It may help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is especially helpful if you’re at risk for gestational diabetes (3).
Cinnamon is also rich in antioxidants, which help your body manage oxidative stress during pregnancy (4).
Some women report that it soothes mild digestive discomfort, although there’s little scientific evidence to support it as a remedy for nausea.
But overdoing cinnamon—even the healthier Ceylon kind—can backfire.
Too much can lead to liver issues, allergic reactions, and even interfere with certain medications.
Stick with small amounts used in food, like oatmeal, smoothies, or warm drinks.
Never take cinnamon supplements or concentrated products without medical approval.
Safe Cinnamon Use by Trimester
In the first trimester, your baby’s organs are forming, and your body is adjusting to hormonal changes.
It’s best to be conservative during this phase.
Use cinnamon only in small culinary amounts and avoid teas, oils, or anything labeled as a supplement.
In the second trimester, your nutritional demands grow.
Cinnamon can support balanced meals and help with appetite and digestion.
Still, it should remain an accent, not a focal point of your daily diet.
In the third trimester, you may hear that cinnamon can induce labor.
This idea is not supported by scientific evidence (5).
No reliable studies prove that cinnamon can trigger contractions.
If anything, relying on high doses to induce labor could do more harm than good.
Keep using cinnamon for taste—not function—and always prioritize quality and moderation.
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is a time when quality matters more than ever.
Choosing Ceylon cinnamon from trusted brands helps you avoid unnecessary risks.
The general rule is to limit intake to around one to two grams of cinnamon per day.
That’s about half to one teaspoon.
If you enjoy cinnamon tea, brew it lightly and only a few times a week.
Avoid pre-blended herbal teas with added spices unless you know every ingredient is pregnancy-safe.
Trust your instincts, stay curious, and ask your healthcare provider about any concerns.
Wild Foods believes real food should nourish and never compromise your well-being.
Our mission is to support your journey with products you can feel good about—because motherhood starts with what you put in your body.
For pregnancy peace & flavor 🍂 reach for Ceylon, not compromise.
FAQs on Is Cinnamon Safe While Pregnant?
Is cinnamon safe during early pregnancy?
Yes, when used in small food amounts. Avoid supplements and oils in the first trimester.
Can cinnamon cause miscarriage or induce labor?
No. There is no scientific evidence that food-level cinnamon causes miscarriage or labor.
How much cinnamon is safe to eat during pregnancy?
One to two grams daily, or about half to one teaspoon, is considered safe for most pregnant women.
Which type of cinnamon is safest during pregnancy?
Ceylon cinnamon is the safest choice due to its low coumarin content.
Can I drink cinnamon tea while pregnant?
Yes, if made lightly with Ceylon cinnamon and not consumed in excess. Avoid strong or medicinal teas.
Related Studies
1. Title: Cinnamon: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH
Summary: Some studies of the use of Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon during pregnancy suggest it is safe in amounts commonly found in foods, but large doses should be avoided.
Link: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cinnamon
2. Title: Coumarin-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Narrative Review - PMC
Summary: Coumarin, found mainly in Cassia cinnamon, can cause mild to moderate liver toxicity in a small subset of individuals due to alternative metabolic pathways, whereas Ceylon cinnamon contains negligible coumarin.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9783661/
3. Title: The effect of cinnamon supplementation on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis
Summary: A meta-analysis of 24 randomized controlled trials found cinnamon supplementation significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C levels in type 2 diabetes patients, suggesting potential benefits for blood sugar management.
Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37818728/
4. Title: The Anti-Oxidant Effects of Ginger and Cinnamon on Spermatogenesis in Diabetic Rats
Summary: Cinnamon exhibits strong antioxidant properties by increasing key antioxidant enzymes and reducing oxidative stress, which may be beneficial for pregnancy health.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4202389/
5. Title: Pregnant women's attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine use during pregnancy
Summary: This study highlights the lack of scientific evidence supporting the use of cinnamon or other herbs to induce labor, emphasizing the importance of medical guidance during pregnancy.
Link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10760753/
