Is Tea Bad for Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is a time of joy, but there is also a lot of uncertainty surrounding the foods and drinks that are safe to consume while expecting. One beverage in particular that tends to draw a lot of questions is tea. Is tea bad for pregnancy, or can it fit into a healthy diet?
The Good News: Certain Teas are Considered Safe During Pregnancy
Generally speaking, certain types of tea can be part of a healthy pregnancy diet. Plain and herbal teas, such as:
- Peppermint tea
- Ginger tea
- Lemon Balm tea
- Chamomile tea
- Red Raspberry Leaf tea
…are thought to be safe for pregnant mothers. Doctors may recommend some of these teas to help pregnant women manage symptoms such as nausea or indigestion.
The Bad News: Regular Black Tea is Best Avoided during Pregnancy
Because regular black tea contains caffeine, doctors advise pregnant women to minimize their intake. Caffeine has long been known to cross the placenta and may adversely affect the development of the fetus. If a pregnant woman decides to consume black tea, she should limit her intake to small, occasional servings.
Conclusion
For the most part, certain types of tea are considered safe for pregnant mothers to consume. Regular black tea and other caffeinated teas should be avoided or limited. Before consuming any form of tea during pregnancy, it is best to consult a doctor.
