What Tea Is Safe for Pregnant Woman?
The advice about which teas are safe for pregnant women varies, so to be on the safe side, the sort of tea that most pregnant women should drink is plain, ordinary tea. Other teas, like herbal and green teas, may lack the calming effects of ordinary tea and may even contain ingredients that can be dangerous for a fetus.
Beneficial Teas
Plain black tea is generally considered safe for pregnant women. This tea contains antioxidants that can help reduce morning sickness and stress, while also helping with daily fatigue.
Decaffeinated teas are also safe for pregnant women, although it’s important to check the label to make sure the tea has not been flavoured with herbs, spices or other potentially harmful substances. Other less caffeinated teas such as white, oolong, or green tea are safe in moderation, as long as they have been decaffeinated.
Unsafe Teas
Herbal teas, in particular, can be risky for pregnant women, because some of the herbs used in these teas can produce uterine contractions that could hurt the developing baby. These teas may also contain ingredients that can cause birth defects. Examples of risky herbs used in herbal teas include:
- Sassafras – can cause heart defects in a fetus
- Cohosh – can stimulate contractions in the uterus and can cause preterm birth
- Ephedra – can cause birth defects, miscarriages and even death in an unborn baby
- Valerian – can cause liver damage to a fetus
- Comfrey – can cause defects in the lungs and intestines of the unborn baby
- Yohimbe – can cause seizures in a fetus
Therefore, it’s always best to check with a healthcare professional before consuming any type of tea while pregnant.
In conclusion, plain, ordinary tea is generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, it is advisable to avoid herbal teas, as the herbs used in them may contain substances that can be dangerous for a fetus. It is important to check with a healthcare professional before consuming any type of tea while pregnant.
