Tea During Pregnancy

Herbal Tea During Pregnancy

With all of the warnings about consuming caffeinated drinks during pregnancy, many moms-to-be are hesitant to drink their favorite tea. But is drinking tea during pregnancy safe? And if so, what types of tea are safe?

Drinking herbal teas during pregnancy is certainly a wise choice when compared with caffeinated beverages.   Caffeinated drinks may have a diuretic effect, reducing nutrient absorption and deplete the adrenal glands.  Herbal teas hydrate, provide nutrients and feed the body during pregnancy. Some are also packed with antioxidants and vitamin C which helps lower your anxiety and stress levels. Various types of herbal teas can also reduce morning sickness symptoms and even prepare the uterus for labor.

1. Ginger Tea 

Eases nausea aids the digestion process and relieves stomach issues . Add four or five slices of fresh ginger root to a cup of freshly boiled water and drink a maximum of three cups daily

2. Nettle Tea

Provides high levels of iron, magnesium and calcium and is described as a nutritive tea to sip while pregnant. Stick to one or two cups a day.

3. Raspberry Leaf Tea

A favorite of midwives, this tea prepares the uterus for labor and helps prevents post-partum hemorrhage. It's high in calcium and magnesium and is safe to drink from the second trimester onwards. 

4. Dandelion Leaf Tea

 Dandelion tea can be supportive in late pregnancy when fluid retention is an issue.  It is high in potassium and is a gentle but effective diuretic. Add dandelion leaf to another tea as it has a slightly bitter, grassy taste.

5. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is great for relaxing your stomach muscles to help settle an upset stomach as well as the nausea and vomiting common in early pregnancy.

6. Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is highly recommended in pregnancy. It is caffeine free, contains calcium, magnesium and loads of antioxidants. It also has positive effects on digestion and can ease colic and reflux. Children can also drink Rooibos, and it is lovely with milk and a little honey.

Teas To Avoid During Pregnancy

Caffeine consumption during pregnancy (particularly over has 200mg) has been directly linked with reduced birth weights.  While this research is by no means exhaustive, it does illustrate the importance of keeping an eye on your caffeine consumption during pregnancy. For this reason, teas that are particularly high in caffeine should be restricted while you are pregnant.

These teas include:

• Black
• Green
• Oolong
• LiChee
• Hong mao
• Earl grey
• Darjeeling

Other common teas and herbs to avoid during pregnancy include (but not limited to):

• St John’s Wort
• Don Quai
• Ginseng
• Yarrow
• Penny Royal
• Ephedra
• Licorice Root

Always speak to your midwife or herbalist if you have any concerns about which teas are safe to drink during pregnancy.

Suggestions and advice are not intended to replace advice from a qualified professional.