As part of their pregnancy journey, many expectant mothers search for natural solutions to ease nausea, insomnia or anxiety. Tea can often provide the remedy – but can it really be consumed while pregnant?
Most herbal teas are safe for pregnant women to drink in reasonable amounts; however, some varieties may not be recommended if made from herbs not tested in pregnancy or prepared differently than usual. It’s best if teas are prepared using ingredients used in your cooking and consumed at an amount similar to what would normally be consumed; rooibos is one such tea that’s recommended during gestation as it has digestive benefits but be wary when drinking excessive quantities since this can raise your blood pressure and risk miscarriage.
Black, green, white, matcha and chai teas all contain caffeine due to being made from Camellia sinensis plant leaves, meaning they contain this stimulant which should be limited during pregnancy as it crosses the placenta and has the potential to harm fetuses and infants alike. In general, no more than 200 milligrams should be consumed per day during gestation.
Some herbal teas may be safe for pregnant women to continue drinking during the first trimester of their pregnancy, such as chamomile, peppermint, lemon balm and ginger. However, larger amounts can stimulate menstruation and promote uterine contractions; diet cleansing teas containing black cohosh or ginseng as well as those containing parsley or sage should always be avoided during gestation.
As herbal supplements and teas are not subject to FDA regulation, so their safety cannot be approved. Furthermore, few herbs have been studied specifically during pregnancy so it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider prior to drinking any herbal teas during the first trimester of gestation.
Pregnant mothers can find many advantages to drinking herbal tea during gestation, including:
Have the appropriate tea to keep you feeling relaxed and comfortable during pregnancy. There are various herbal tea varieties to suit most tastes or needs; just remember that different teas have different effects on you and your unborn baby; to reap maximum health benefits from this beverage try drinking several varieties simultaneously.