Sea moss is a type of seaweed that has many health benefits, such as supporting your immune system, digestion, skin, hair, energy, mood, and thyroid. You can consume sea moss by making it into a gel and adding it to your food or drinks, or by applying it to your skin and hair. But can you consume sea moss during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a special and delicate time for both you and your baby. You need to be careful about what you eat and drink, as some substances can affect your baby's development and health. Sea moss is generally considered safe and beneficial for most people, but it may not be suitable for pregnant women.

One of the main reasons why sea moss may not be advisable for pregnant women is its high iodine content. Iodine is an essential mineral that your body needs to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism, growth, development, and reproduction. However, too much or too little iodine can cause problems for your thyroid and your baby's.

During pregnancy, your iodine requirement increases to support your baby's brain development. The recommended daily intake of iodine for pregnant women is 220 mcg, which can be obtained from a balanced diet that includes iodized salt, dairy products, eggs, fish, and seaweed. However, sea moss contains much more iodine than other types of seaweed. One tablespoon of sea moss gel can provide up to 360 mcg of iodine, which is more than the recommended daily intake.

Consuming too much iodine during pregnancy can lead to iodine toxicity, which can cause symptoms such as swelling of the thyroid gland, irregular heartbeat, fever, weakness, and confusion. It can also affect your baby's thyroid function and development, leading to congenital hypothyroidism or cretinism. This is a condition where the baby is born with low thyroid hormone levels, which can cause mental retardation, stunted growth, deafness, and other problems.

On the other hand, consuming too little iodine during pregnancy can also have negative consequences. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism in both you and your baby, which can result in low birth weight, miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm delivery, or developmental delays.

Therefore, it is important to maintain a balanced intake of iodine during pregnancy. You should not consume sea moss or any other high-iodine food or supplement without consulting your doctor first. Your doctor can check your iodine levels and advise you on the appropriate amount of sea moss or other sources of iodine for you and your baby.

Sea moss is a wonderful natural product that can improve your health and wellness in many ways. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially pregnant women. Before consuming sea moss or any other food or supplement during pregnancy, you should always consult your doctor and follow their recommendations.