Is It Safe To Drink Herbal Tea During Pregnancy?

Are you looking for the right tea that is safe during pregnancy? Do you know about the teas to avoid during pregnancy? Are you a tea lover, who can't give up on tea? Are you tired of researching the various kinds of teas yet can't find the right herbal tea during pregnancy?

Pregnancy has its own challenges and while you give up on a lot of things, you may want your day starter in that hot cup of tea. In this blog, I will be sharing answers to some important questions. Are herbal teas safe during pregnancy? Which herbal teas are safe during pregnancy? Which herbal teas are not safe during pregnancy? Worry not, Read on. 

Are Herbal Teas Safe During Pregnancy

Caffeinated drinks are big ‘NO's during pregnancy and the good news is herbal teas are not made from caffeine, they are made from leaves, seeds, fruits, and different parts of plants. Hence, it's better to choose herbal teas over caffeinated teas,(however, consult your Doctor to be doubly sure).

An important factor to keep in mind is to look out for herbal teas that are tested medically and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Remember, Herbal teas are considered safe when consumed in small amounts. It's important to moderate consumption, especially during the first trimester of your pregnancy. So,  Do not exceed the recommended amount.

Now some sad news. There are a lot of herbal teas that are not medically tested. You need to be cautious while picking up herbal tea.

Which Herbal Teas Are Proven Safe

Try a decaffeinated version of tea, although even decaffeinated teas have a small amount of caffeine. Remember all teas are unsafe if consumed in large amounts, so don't exceed the recommended amount.

Ginger Tea 

It’s recommended that one can drink up to 4 cups (950 ml) of ginger tea per day while pregnant. However, ginger tea should not be consumed close to labor, as it may increase the risk of bleeding. It may likewise be unsafe for women with a history of bleeding or miscarriages.No matter what, check with your Doctor, before you choose any of these herbal or decaffeinated teas. 

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea is accepted as being safe for pregnant women to drink. However, don't drink it without asking your Doctor.

Rooibos Tea

While the chances of anything bad happening because of a cup of rooibos are slim to none, it’s still a plant-based product, and you should make sure your Doctor is OK with you drinking it. 

Which Herbal Teas To Avoid During Pregnancy

Teas that have a high amount of caffeine need to be avoided during your pregnancy. Consuming caffeine in more than the recommended amounts could lead to consequences such as lower birth weight of the child, and miscarriage. The higher-than-recommended amount of tea leads to interference with the absorption of folic acid.

Sage and Parsley Tea

Because of the compounds and the metals found in Sage and Parsley tea, it is considered unsafe for pregnant women to consume during pregnancy. Hence, please be away from these teas and don't consume them even in small amounts. Please note that these teas have been associated with miscarriage and high blood pressure.

Valerian Tea

There is not enough research done on the use of Valerian tea during pregnancy. Hence, it is a wise decision to stay away from it during your pregnancy and consult your Doctor before consuming it.

Camomile Tea

Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory agents. These may be dangerous during pregnancy. It's important to note that not all herbal teas are safe, including the Camomile tea. 

Avoid Non-Herbal Teas like Black, Green, White, and Oolong Tea 

Black, green white and oolong teas are non-herbal teas and contain 50 milligrams of caffeine a cup. Caffeine is not ingested in babies. Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means it might make one urinate more often. So, please avoid it, 1 cup a day is considered safe, but consult your Doctor before consuming it.

Best Drinks For Pregnant Women

While you read on, please remember, that you should not have any drink, that has any ingredient to which you are allergic. Moreover, if you are taking any of this, it needs to be with your Doctor’s approval.  

Freshly Squeezed Fruit Juice

Orange juice has high levels of vitamins and minerals so it is considered safe during pregnancy. It provides plenty of nutrients and is a  rich source of vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, and potassium.

Pasteurized Milk

Pasteurized milk is considered safe during your pregnancy because all the harmful bacteria are killed during the process of heating. Hence, it's safe for you and your baby. Milk is an important part of your diet as it provides you with essential nutrients and proteins.

Soy Milk

Some of us can be lactose intolerant, and if you are one of them then don’t worry, soymilk is the answer for you. Soy milk is a low-fat, plant-based vegan option that has lesser cholesterol levels. Soy milk has essential nutrients such as protein and calcium. It is a good choice. 

Buttermilk

Buttermilk, also known as chhaach in India, is the go-to drink to boost your mood and gut health. It has probiotics. It is a great choice to include in your daily diet, Buttermilk is the ideal drink for expecting mothers as it tackles constipation which is quite common during pregnancy.

Coconut Water

Coconut has multiple health benefits and is good for pregnant women. While expecting a baby, it becomes crucial to retain electrolytes, and mineral salts in your body. This is because heat and high temperature can drain all that through sweat. So, coconut water hydrates and keeps dehydration and constipation at bay.

Smoothies

Vegetable Smoothies are one of the healthiest beverages. Be it summer or winter, just blend a few veggies and make a snack during the evenings. These vegetable drinks are loaded with iron, calcium, vitamin C, and fiber, which are crucial nutrients for pregnant women. All of them fulfill your body’s daily requirements. Green smoothies are considered a perfect option for nausea, heartburn, and digestion. Add some nuts and fruits to make it tasty. 

Lemonade

In case you are dealing with mood swings, this drink can work wonders to calm you down. A glass of water mixed with lemon juice not only prevents nausea but helps detoxify as well. Lemons have citric acid and contain vitamin C, which helps in a baby’s brain development. This cold drink can also soothe you during the summer.

Hot teas are very comforting and consuming it feels like a warm hug. However, please be cautious while picking up herbal tea during pregnancy. It’s better to stay away from teas that are caffeinated or are not tested appropriately. Also, please remember to limit the number of cups during pregnancy. Bring it down to 1 or 2 cups a day.
 

I am also sharing some FAQs related to herbal teas during pregnancy. Go through this ready reckoner and please take care. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Q- What teas should I avoid while pregnant?

A- Consider limiting caffeinated teas such as black, green, white, and matcha. All these teas contain caffeine which makes them unsafe to be consumed during pregnancy.

Q- Does herbal tea help with pregnancy?

A- There is a mixed opinion on whether herbal teas are safe during pregnancy or not. Since herbal teas contain antioxidants, there are some benefits of consuming herbal teas during pregnancy, but there are some disadvantages too. Your Doctor should have the last word. 

Q- Can herbs affect early pregnancy?

A- Several herbal medicines contain antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties and may be used in treatments e.g., for infections. In general, the use of herbs during pregnancy is not advisable due to their possible impact on fetal development.

Q- Can I drink Indian homemade chai during pregnancy?

A- On average, one eight-ounce cup of coffee has 95 mg of caffeine. Black tea, on average, has a range of 14-70 milligrams of caffeine. Since doctors agree that 200 milligrams daily during pregnancy is not dangerous, you can drink two cups of chai with your Doctor’s accord.

Q- What herbal tea is good for the first trimester?

A- Ginger Tea

One of the best-researched teas for use during pregnancy is ginger tea. This herb has several benefits, but it is most famous for its ability to combat nausea and ease morning sickness.