Can You Drink Herbal Tea During Pregnancy?

Can You Drink Herbal Tea During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women are encouraged to drink plenty of water and follow a balanced diet in order to protect both themselves and their unborn babies from complications during gestation. But what if you want something relaxing like tea to help alleviate nausea during your pregnancy? In such instances it may be prudent to steer clear from certain herbal varieties as some contain caffeine which should generally be avoided as this could pose potential danger.

Caffeine can be found in several popular herbal teas, such as green and black varieties. According to NHS recommendations, pregnant women should limit their caffeine consumption during pregnancy to no more than 200mg per day (less than the amount found in one cup of coffee). So can pregnant women still enjoy tea with no caffeine content? Yes – but only if their chosen tea meets safety guidelines.

Unfortunately, there hasn’t been much reliable research conducted on herbal tea and its effect on pregnancy. Therefore, the FDA advises women-to-be to proceed cautiously when purchasing tea products until more research has been conducted on this subject.

Some herbs have been linked with increasing uterine contractions and increasing miscarriage or premature birth rates, such as spearmint, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), chamomile, red raspberry leaf and yarrow. Furthermore, taking too many herbal teas containing ingredients that sedate or stimulate can contribute to anxiety or depression.

But some teas can be safe during pregnancy. Most herbal teas should be safe if taken in moderation and only as part of an occasional ritual; one cup a day should suffice if that becomes your habit.

Most herbal teas contain moderate levels of caffeine, making them suitable for pregnant women to drink in moderation. If caffeine isn’t your cup of tea, there are also caffeine-free varieties of these beverages available.

Ginger tea is a highly recommended herbal remedy for pregnant women, said to reduce nausea and stomach upset during gestation, according to midwives. Additionally, it’s widely used as an aid against cold and flu symptoms; other tea options popular with expecting mothers include peppermint and chamomile. Both teas can help ease nausea and inflammation. But excessive consumption may cause stomach cramps or diarrhea in pregnant women. Furthermore, peppermint tea contains menthol that could possibly induce contractions during labor which isn’t safe. Before purchasing or brewing teas, it’s always wise to read their labels thoroughly. To reduce the chances of accidentally consuming an ingredient not suitable for pregnancy consumption, purchase from a reliable tea company and/or in bulk; doing this reduces the likelihood that other leaves might get mixed in that could affect you during gestation.