Drinking Tea While Pregnant – What You Should Know
A steaming cup of tea can be comforting, especially during pregnancy. But before reaching for the teapot, there are some important things to consider when it comes to drinking tea while pregnant.
Is Drinking Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
In general, tea is considered safe during pregnancy. But there are some types of tea that may have adverse effects during pregnancy and therefore should be avoided. This includes herbal teas, green tea, and black tea.
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas can be dangerous for pregnant women as many of them contain ingredients that can be harmful in large amounts. These are a few examples of unsafe herbs to consume during pregnancy:
- Peppermint: Peppermint can cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and can also lead to contractions.
- Ginseng: Ginseng can increase the risk of miscarriage.
- Rhubarb root: Rhubarb root can cause uterine contractions.
Green Tea
Green tea contains caffeine, which isn’t good to consume while pregnant in large amounts. Drinking too much green tea can cause you to become dehydrated, cause headaches, and cause insomnia.
Black Tea
Black tea also contains caffeine, so it should be consumed in moderation. As with green tea, excessive amounts of black tea can cause dehydration, headaches, and insomnia.
What Teas Are Safe to Drink During Pregnancy?
Not all teas are off-limits during pregnancy. Here are a few types of tea that are safe for expecting mothers to consume:
- Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea is known for its calming effects, and can help with insomnia, headaches, and other pregnancy symptoms.
- Rooibos Tea: Rooibos tea is caffeine-free, so it can be enjoyed without worry.
- Oolong Tea: Oolong tea can help lower cholesterol and provide important minerals like iron and calcium.
In conclusion, drinking tea during pregnancy is generally considered safe, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before deciding what teas are right for you. Also, stick to moderate amounts of tea, as excessive amounts can be detrimental to your health and the health of your baby.
