What Teas Can You Drink While Pregnant

What Teas Are Safe To Drink When You’re Pregnant From Green To Black Peppermint To Chamomile Here’s What To Steep When You’re Expecting

The ritual of making and drinking tea has been practiced for thousands of years, and with good reason. Tea contains polyphenols that protect your heart, antioxidants that may lower your risk of cancer, and nutrients that support your immune system.

When you’re expecting, the benefits can get even better: A comforting cup may help ease morning sickness or help you through labor. But while many teas are safe during pregnancy, some are potentially dangerous and should be avoided. Read on to find your best bets when it comes to drinking tea while pregnant.

Statement: Caffeine Causes Miscarriages

Facts: In 2008, two research on the impact of coffee on miscarriages revealed statistically significant differences in their findings. It has been shown in a research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology that women who use 200mg or more of caffeine daily are twice as likely as those who do not drink any caffeine to experience a miscarriage. According to a 2015 meta-analysis, the chance of miscarriage increased by 19 percent for every increase in caffeine intake of 150 mg per day, and by 8 percent for every increase in coffee consumption of two cups per day or more.

This is approximately the same as one 12 oz cup of coffee.

Likely Or Possibly Safe Herbal Teas

Peppermint tea: Peppermint is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines in pregnancy. Studies have shown it doesnt harm the mother or baby, although you should avoid very large amounts and avoid in the first trimester because it can promote menstruation.

Red raspberry leaf tea: Some women drink raspberry tea during the last trimester to help them prepare for the birth. It should be safe in pregnancy, but some studies have shown it can stimulate contractions so its a good idea to be cautious during the first trimester.

Ginger tea: Ginger can help relieve nausea. It should be safe in moderation while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Green tea: Green tea isn’t a true herbal tea. It contains caffeine, so you should limit how much you drink during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Chamomile tea: A cup of chamomile tea before bed may relax you, but again, avoid drinking large quantities. There is a suggestion it could stimulate the uterus or lead to circulation problems in your baby.

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What Tea Is Good For Constipation During Pregnancy

The relief of constipation during pregnancy can be achieved with a wide variety of teas. The most frequently suggested teas include chamomile, ginger, lavender, and peppermint. These teas can facilitate regularity and soothe the digestive system.

Its crucial to consume a high-fiber diet and drink lots of fluids if youre experiencing constipation while pregnant. It can be beneficial to increase your fluid intake and relieve constipation by adding one or two cups of tea per day.

Water Should Be Your Go

What are the health benefits of drinking water while pregnant? Water helps your body absorb important nutrients that youre getting from prenatal vitamins and that baby-friendly diet youve started.

Youll feel better drinking more water, too, as it can help reduce, even prevent, unwelcome byproducts of pregnancy, like cramps, constipation, fatigue and urinary tract infections.

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Can Smooth Move Tea Cause Miscarriage

One product designed to ease constipation is called Smooth Move Tea. However, there is some worry that it might result in miscarriage. This is due to the teas inclusion of laxative-effects-producing herbs like senna and aloe.

It is best to avoid this tea while pregnant because there havent been any human studies done to determine whether its safe for expectant mothers. Speak to your doctor about safe remedies if you are experiencing constipation.

It Can Combat Morning Sickness

Morning sickness is one of the most difficult pregnancy symptoms, making it a challenge to enjoy the early months.

Morning sickness most commonly occurs on an empty stomach, leaving pregnant mothers in a Catch-22 in which they need something in their stomach to make them feel better yet find it difficult to stomach a lot of food or beverages.

One of the most common pregnancy aversions is coffee, so if youre accustomed to waking in the morning and having a coffee first thing, you need to find a substitute that will not only satisfy but that youll also find palatable.

Ginger is an effective ingredient to soothe nausea, and there are lots of ginger teas on the market. If you find it difficult to stomach a cup of hot tea, pour it over ice and add pasteurized honey or sugar to make a sweet iced tea version. Cold and sweet foods are often easier to keep down if you struggle with morning sickness. Another type of tea that can ease morning sickness is lemon balm. If you are at high risk for miscarriage, avoid chamomile and peppermint tea, especially in the first trimester.

Read Also: Is Tea Good For Your Kidneys

Be Mindful Of Your Caffeine Intake

As you may be aware while growing a human being inside of your body is no small deal! Your body is changing a lot and taking on a way more responsibilities than prior. Something quite commonly recommended by doctors is to cut down your caffeine intake . Studies have shown caffeine easily crosses the placenta and it’s difficult for the new babys growing liver to break down normal amounts of caffeine. For this reason, it’s very important that you consume less caffeine and always consult your doctor if you have a concern. While true teas, from the Camellia sinensis plant, such as green teas, black teas, matcha etc always contain caffeine in varying levels. Matter of fact matcha contains the most with an average of 60-80 mg per cup, black tea contains about 47-53 mg, and green tea contains the least amount of caffeine with 29-49 mg per cup. Herbal teas or tisanes offer a lovely option as they are naturally caffeine free and deeply relaxing, especially for the evenings.

Teas To Avoid During Pregnancy

Before pregnancy, you may have sipped a cup of chamomile tea to help you nod off. During pregnancy, it’s not a good idea. Studies show that if you drink chamomile tea regularly, you may have a higher risk of miscarriage, preterm labor, or low birth weight.

Other herbal teas to avoid if you’re pregnant or nursing include:

• European mistletoe

This isn’t a complete list, so always ask your provider whether a particular herb is safe to consume during pregnancy. Note: You can still eat food containing some of these herbs, like rosemary and sage, because the amounts used in food are generally much smaller than those used in tea and not as potent.

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Is Chamomile Tea Safe To Drink During Pregnancy

There are two main types of tea: herbal and non-herbal. Non-herbal teas are made from the leaves of tea plants. They contain caffeine. Even the decaffeinated forms contain some caffeine.

Its generally recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women stay away from, or at least limit, the amount of caffeine that they consume each day. This is because a developing baby cant process caffeine in their system as well as an adult.

This recommendation includes any kind of caffeine, and not only the caffeine in tea. Theres caffeine in foods and drinks including chocolate, coffee, and soda. If you consume more than one source of caffeine per day during your pregnancy, youre increasing the amount of caffeine in your system.

Therefore, its important to be aware of all sources of caffeine.

The following categories include teas that are non-herbal and contain high amounts of caffeine:

Tip: Special Blend Pregnancy Tea

You can now purchase special blends of pregnancy tea!

Pukkas Motherkind Pregnancy Tea is a delicious blend of sustainably sourced, supportive herbs traditionally used during pregnancy, including Raspberry Leaf, Nettle, Chamomile, Peppermint, and Shatavari.

Pregnant mothers-to-be give Motherkind Pregnancy Tea the big thumbs up, rating it a 4.7 out of 5.

Some reviewers have said:

This tea is delicious and affordable. Used throughout my pregnancy.

Order some here.

Recommended Reading: Where Can I Buy Gold Peak Tea

What Are The Warning Signs Of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It can cause serious health problems for both the mother and baby if left untreated. Its important to be aware of the warning signs so that diagnosis and treatment can begin as soon as possible.

Common warning signs of gestational diabetes include:

Excessive thirst and frequent urination

Fatigue even after resting

Unusual weight gain or loss

Itching, yeast or bacterial infections

Slow-healing wounds

Darkening of the skin around the neck, armpits, and groin

Unusually high blood glucose, as indicated by abnormal results in glucose tolerance testing

These warning signs may differ from woman to woman and may or may not be present. The best way to confirm if you have gestational diabetes is to get tested. If you are pregnant and you experience any of these warning signs, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Green Tea Is Also Safe In Moderation

Green tea is also thought to be safe for pregnant people, Manglani told Insider. Once again, you should watch out for the caffeine content, but green tea has less caffeine than coffee or black tea.

Brewed green tea contains about 28 mg of caffeine per cup. Pregnant people are recommended to limit their caffine intake to 200 mg per day, according to , so you’d have to be a green tea fanatic to exceed the 6-7 cup limit.

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How Do You Heal A Torn Or Swollen Perineum After Labour

Besides drinking red raspberry leaf tea, other ways to help repair a torn or swollen perineum are to:

• Apply an ice pack for 10 minutes at a time
• Rinse the area with warm water following a visit to the toilet
• Air the region by not wearing underwear for short periods
• Wipe carefully after pooping

Postpartum bleeding is a regular occurrence while your uterus recovers after delivery. Bleeding is always heaviest immediately following birth. Red raspberry leaf tea may also slow the excessive bleeding experienced once the baby has been born. It may help your uterus return to a pre-pregnancy state quicker to reduce bleeding.

Which Herbal Teas To Choose During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

As a general rule, choose teas that are made from fruits and herbs you would use in cooking. Never make your own herbal tea from plants you’ve collected while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Large amounts of some herbs may possibly start contractions and increase your risk of preterm labour, or they may affect your baby.

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Can Pregnant Women Drink Milk Tea

Milk tea is a traditional beverage popular with people all over the world invented in Taiwan, China and is also known as bubble tea. Women should care about their diet since they feed their infants.

Is it safe for you and your baby if you drink milk tea during pregnancy?

As it is evident, milk is an essential nutrient in human life, but when combined with other ingredients like tea, they may turn into milk tea while pregnant, an unhealthy drink.

Pregnant women should avoid sugary drinks, especially ice-blended teas, which are high in sugar.

Pay attention to this tip homemade iced tea can be made with less sugar or honey.

If you dont drink alternative caffeine drinks, it is OK. Refrain from judging at first glance lets see whether Tapioca pearls or pudding is safe.

Tapioca pearls are offered with more sugar to be tasty for customers. As a result, it brings many calories and little nutrition.

An average cup of either tea milk during pregnancy or tapioca pearls contains about 340 calories.

Take care of your weight and calorie intake as a pregnant woman to protect your babys health.

Also Read: Peppermint Tea During Pregnancy

Drinking Tea While Pregnant

It is also important to note that many herbal teas commonly found in grocery store shelves are not regulated by the FDA, and some of these may contain substances that are harmful to pregnant women. It is advisable for a pregnant woman to consult her doctor or midwife before drinking any type of tea.

In conclusion, drinking tea can be safe during pregnancy, but it is important to be mindful of the caffeine content and to consult a healthcare professional before ingesting any type of tea.

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Can You Drink Tea When Pregnant

First published on Wednesday 27 May 2020Last modified on Friday 26 June 2020

Charlotte Thomas

Find out if its safe to drink tea during pregnancy, plus precautions to take to keep you and your baby healthy.

This article contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.

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Is Green Tea Dangerous To Drink During Pregnancy

Caffeine is considered a stimulant. It can freely cross the placenta and enter the babys bloodstream. Your baby takes a much longer time to metabolize, or process, the caffeine than a typical adult does, so doctors have had concerns about its impact on the developing baby.

Though some older research has shown conflicting evidence about the safety of drinking caffeinated beverages during pregnancy, more recent indicates theres no safe level.

Consuming high levels of caffeine may be related to problems, including:

• low birth weight
• childhood acute leukemia

Since its a stimulant, caffeine might help keep you awake, but it also can raise your blood pressure and heart rate. This might all be OK at first, but as your pregnancy progresses, your bodys ability to break down caffeine slows down. You might feel jittery, have trouble sleeping, or experience heartburn if you drink too much.

Caffeine is also a diuretic, which means it causes you to release water. Drink plenty of water to offset any water loss caused by caffeine.

When it comes to even moderate levels of caffeine, its worth talking with your doctor about how much you can drink, if any. This includes green tea and other caffeinated drinks. Your doctor may give you the OK to have a cup or so per day or a few times per week.

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Can Drinking Of Water Be Too Much During Pregnancy

Drinking too much water during pregnancy can be dangerous, as it can lead to a condition known as water intoxication. Water intoxication occurs when a woman consumes a huge amount of water in a short period of time, leading to an imbalance in her electrolytes, which can affect bodily functions such as cardiac rhythm, oxygen transport, and nerve transmission.

Water intoxication can cause nausea, vomiting, fatigue, confusion, seizures, and even coma. For this reason, pregnant women should consult their doctor to determine just how much water they should drink on a daily basis.

Generally, pregnant women should aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, but not more than 12 glasses. Additionally, they should avoid drinking very cold water, as this can cause abdominal cramps.

For added hydration, pregnant women can drink herbal teas and freshly-squeezed fruit and vegetable juices.

Should Pregnant Women Get The Green Light To Drink Green Tea

Did you know that the month of March is green tea month? Green tea has been said to have many health benefits, including: preventing memory loss, promoting bone health, decreasing risk of cancer, increasing dental health, reducing the chance of getting type 2 diabetes, and helping us lose weight. Green tea is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, and has been said to be the healthiest beverage on the planet. So, given all of this wonderful news, who wouldnt want to join Lucky the Leprechaun in the month of March and enjoy a cup of green tea?

As an information specialist with MotherToBaby, I recently had a pregnant mom named Lynn text me, asking: Can you drink green tea if you take your prenatal vitamin later? How much does green tea impact folic acid absorption? I am in my first trimester and have had some green tea throughout pregnancy, and I am now worried about it impacting my folic acid absorption. Wow, I thought, that is a great question! As the MotherToBaby specialist on the other side of the text, I started researching her questions so that I could give her the most up-to-date information out there.

I counseled Lynn that she can enjoy a cup of green tea now and then, as occasionally drinking green or black tea has not been shown to increase the risk for any problems during pregnancy. So, raise that cup of green tea along with Lucky the Leprechaun and enjoy going green in the month of March!

References:Gunners, Kris, , 1/17/18.

Read Also: Is Lipton Green Tea Good For Weight Loss

It Can Help Keep You Hydrated

Its easy to get out of the water-drinking habit when you cant keep anything down, have a stomach that is compressed by your baby, and feel the need to run to the bathroom every 20 minutes. As a result, dehydration can easily happen when youre pregnant.

Even if youre not dehydrated to the point you need medical attention, you may be walking around with less water in your body than you need.

Even minor dehydration can exacerbate common pregnancy complaints such as: