Herb
PREGNANCY RECOMMENDATION: Compatible
BREASTFEEDING RECOMMENDATION: No Human Data—Probably Compatible
PREGNANCY SUMMARY
Nutmeg, the dried aromatic seeds of the tree Myristica fragrans, is used as a common spice. The seeds contain a toxic chemical, myristicin, that has anticholinergic properties.
FETAL RISK SUMMARY
A 1987 case report described an accidental overdose of grated nutmeg in a pregnant woman at 30 weeks’ gestation (1). The woman used 1 tablespoon of the spice (equivalent to approximately 7 g, or one whole grated nutmeg) instead of the suggested amount of 1/8 teaspoon in a recipe for cookies (1). After ingesting some of the cookies, she developed a sinus tachycardia (170 beats/minute), hypertension (170/80 mmHg), and a sensation of impending doom, but no mydriasis. The fetal heart rate was 160–170 beats/minute with loss of long-term variability. It returned to its normal baseline of 120–140 beats/minute within 12 hours. A diagnosis of atropine-like poisoning was made based on the history and physical findings (1). Following nonspecific treatment for poisoning, the mother made an uneventful recovery and was discharged home after 24 hours. Approximately 10 weeks later, she delivered a healthy infant.
BREASTFEEDING SUMMARY
No reports describing the use of nutmeg during human lactation have been located. Because the herb is commonly used as a spice, the risk to a nursing infant is probably nil.
Reference
1.Lavy G. Nutmeg intoxication in pregnancy; a case report. J Reprod Med 1987;32:63–4.