Is flax seed safe?

[Stayseeliz]

I've been adding 2 tablespoons of crushed flax seed (1 serving) to our nightly protein shakes for weeks. We weren't trying to get pregnant. I'm now 4 1/2 weeks and wondering if I need to stop the flax seed or not. So many articles and websites out there and they all say something different. Some say it's not been studied enough, others say it increases fertility, etc. I'm afraid to stop if it is helping with an unknown hormonal imbalance but I don't want to do anything unsafe.

Is there another DHA/EFA I can switch to that is considered safer? Maybe a good prenatal with DHA? Thanks!

[MissMorgan]

Flaxseed is safe.
Now would be a GREAT time to stop reading articles and websites about everything you eat. You will drive yourself CRAZY reading stuff.
If you are still concerned you should ask your OB/Midwife about it though.

[Stayseeliz]

I just called my OB and the nurse said it was NOT recomended during pregnancy and lactation. Ugh. What to do? I think if I switched to a good prenatal with DHA/EFA it should be fine but I hate switching to anything when I'm already pregnant. I don't want to mess anything up. lol

[nova22]

What??? My midwife specifically recommended flax seed, I have never heard of it being dangerous during pregnancy. Sheesh. I mean, if you're eating it by the pound, maybe you would wanna cut back, but I would ask for a second opinion from your OB's office if possible. Did they suggest an alternative? GNC sells Fish Oil with lemon and while I can't detect a hint of lemon at all, I never get nasty fishy burps when I take those. They're the only kind I can tolerate (I hate fish, so I have to use the supplements).

[Monarchgrrl]

Originally Posted by nova22

What??? My midwife specifically recommended flax seed, I have never heard of it being dangerous during pregnancy. Sheesh.

My midwife recommends it, too. I have a scoop in my protein shake every morning and the peanut butter and granola I eat everyday has whole flax seeds in it. There are so many healthy oils and vitamins packed in those little seeds and they keep me regular.

[Stayseeliz]

This is why I'm confused! So much conflicting info out there. I asked a friend who is a labor and delivery nurse and she said her prenatal had flaxseed in it. She also said she'd ask one of the dr's at work tonight what they think. She works at the hospital where my OB practice is so that should give me some insight instead of just getting the info from the nurse!