Tea can be an ideal way to stay hydrated during pregnancy, but it’s important to note that not all herbal tea is appropriate. Natural ingredients found in certain drinks could harm the unborn baby or interfere with medications you are taking during gestation, so make sure to calculate caffeine content of all teas you plan to drink and discuss their consumption with your healthcare provider or midwife before making your choice.
Most expectant mothers are advised to limit the caffeine they consume during gestation and herbal tea is an increasingly popular way of staying hydrated during gestation. However, not all teas are appropriate due to lack of research from the Food and Drug Administration on which herbs may be safe for expecting mothers and their unborn children.
Even without enough research on some herbs, most experts would advise drinking herbal tea during your pregnancy. This is likely due to tea’s much lower concentration of herbs than tablets or capsules; hence they tend to be safer. There are certain teas which should be avoided such as nettle tea, parsley tea feverfew tea and yarrow tea which should all be avoided for these reasons.
Notably, these herbs have been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm labor and birth defects. While it is recommended to still enjoy several cups of herbal tea daily to get essential vitamins and nutrients into your system, any tea not approved by healthcare providers should be avoided as soon as possible.
There are various teas that have been proven safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, including green and black tea. Since these varieties contain minimal caffeine and plenty of antioxidants, it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy one from time to time.
Rooibos tea from South Africa is another great option, as it is caffeine free. This tea may help digestion as well as reduce colic pain and acid reflux risk, and has also been noted to be soothing to both mother and child alike.
Camomile tea is another safe herbal drink for pregnant women to consume during their gestation period, as its natural sedative qualities relieve stress and induce sleepiness while relaxing the mind and body. A great choice to drink before bedtime to induce relaxation and induce sleepiness simultaneously.
One can also enjoy other herbal teas such as chamomile tea, rooibos tea and ginger tea for maximum relaxation and health benefits. Chamomile can help with nausea and indigestion; rooibos tea can ease anxiety and insomnia; while ginger is said to strengthen your immune system and fight inflammation while providing energy boost.