Is Tea Good for Pregnant Women?
Pregnant women often want to know what they can and should drink throughout their pregnancy. Tea is an option that is delicious and has many benefits, but there are still certain considerations to keep in mind as it relates to pregnancy. Here is what you need to know about tea when it comes to pregnancy.
Benefits
Tea can offer several benefits to pregnant women. It can:
- Support morning sickness: Pregnant women can find some relief from the nausea associated with morning sickness with ginger tea or chamomile tea.
- Boost hydration: Women who are pregnant need to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Drinking tea can help you meet this goal.
- Loaded with antioxidants: Tea contains phytonutrients, flavonoids, and other antioxidants that are beneficial to the overall health of the pregnant woman.
Risks
The amount of caffeine in tea is significantly less than coffee, but it is still something you need to monitor. In most cases, pregnant women should not consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day due to the potential risk factors it can cause. Here are some of those risks to consider:
- Low birth weight: Caffeine has been linked to babies that have lower birth weight.
- Sleep disturbances: It is not uncommon for women who consume too much caffeine to have trouble sleeping throughout the night.
- Fertility implications: The effect of caffeine on fertility is not yet known, but some studies indicate it might have negative implications.
Therefore, it is best for pregnant women to stick to decaffeinated teas and only drink a few cups a day. Consult with your physician for further guidance.
