Can You Have Sweet Tea While Pregnant?
Pregnancy is an exciting as well as delicate time period in any woman’s life. You want to spend it in the healthiest way possible and this includes watching your diet. But can you enjoy a cold glass of sweet tea while pregnant?
Benefits of Sweet Tea
Though most healthy teas contain caffeine, black tea which is used for sweet tea does provide beneficial antioxidants. Benefits include the prevention of diseases like cancer and heart conditions. Sweet tea can also help with better digestion and aid in weight loss, which may not be necessary during pregnancy.
Risks of Sweet Tea
Though there are benefits of drinking sweet tea, there may be risks as well. Having more than 3 cups of sweet tea a day during pregnancy may lead to hypertension, preterm labor, and a low birth weight for babies. The amount of caffeine in the tea may not be the only issue – sugar intake should be kept in check during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Therefore, it is best to discuss with a healthcare provider before drinking sweet tea during pregnancy. It is important to keep a check on your sugar and caffeine intake while pregnant, so as to not have any risks or complications to you or the baby.
Tips for Enjoying Sweet Tea While Pregnant:
- Drink sweet tea in moderation, no more than 2 cups a day.
- Include a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet for their nutritional benefits.
- Opt for unsweetened tea to keep the sugar levels in check.
- Add milk or soy milk to the sweet tea for extra nutrition.
