15 must-know facts about pregnancy tea: what’s safe and what’s not

Pregnancy is filled with excitement and anticipation, but it can also come with plenty of questions—especially when it comes to safe foods and beverages. If you’re an avid tea drinker, you might wonder which pregnancy tea options are safe and which to avoid. From herbal to caffeinated teas, many types of tea offer unique benefits, but not all are ideal during pregnancy.

In this article, we’ll dive into the details of popular teas, focusing on safe options and those to be cautious about. Whether you’re seeking relief from nausea, looking for a calming beverage, or curious about which teas are best avoided, we’ll cover everything from chamomile and spearmint tea pregnancy questions to the safety of jasmine tea during pregnancy and whether pregnant women can have oolong tea.

WHO guidance and research on tea consumption during pregnancy

The WHO has provided guidelines regarding caffeine and herbal teas during pregnancy and general recommendations for a healthy pregnancy diet. According to the WHO, caffeine intake should ideally be below 200 mg per day during pregnancy. This limit applies to all caffeinated sources, including coffee, tea, chocolate, and sodas, to minimize risks associated with fetal development and birth weight.

However, the WHO provides limited official guidance on specific herbal teas. Since herbal pregnancy tea options may contain compounds that affect uterine activity or hormone levels, the WHO advises that pregnant women consult healthcare providers about their tea choices.

Scientific evidence on the safety of pregnancy tea

Many teas have a long history of safe use during pregnancy, though modern studies continue to examine pregnancy tea effects in more detail. Research suggests that while some teas can benefit nausea, digestion, and even labor preparation, others contain compounds that might cause uterine stimulation or impact hormonal balance. Modern studies continue to examine the effects of herbal pregnancy tea options in more detail.

Chamomile Tea

Is chamomile safe during pregnancy? This question arises because chamomile contains compounds that, in large quantities, may stimulate the uterus. Chamomile tea has been widely studied for its calming effects and potential to ease insomnia, anxiety, and digestive issues. A study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2020) indicates that chamomile is generally safe in moderate amounts, though high doses should be avoided. Drinking chamomile in moderation is best, especially during the first trimester. Camomile during pregnancy, is supposed to help with disorders such as nausea, sleeplessness, and anxiety, but there hasn’t been enough research to verify its safety during pregnancy.

Spearmint Tea

Known for its refreshing taste, spearmint tea is commonly used as a morning sickness tea because it can help alleviate nausea. Studies have shown that spearmint tea pregnancy benefits extend to aiding digestion and reducing bloating. With no caffeine content, spearmint is widely regarded as safe during pregnancy when consumed in moderate amounts.

 

Nettle Tea

Nettle tea has historically been used for its nutrient content, as it contains iron, calcium, magnesium, and other beneficial vitamins. Some research suggests that nettle tea pregnancy benefits include support of maternal health. However, since nettle tea may stimulate the uterus, it’s generally recommended to consume it as a pregnancy tea in the second and third trimesters under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

Popular as a pregnancy tea, raspberry leaf tea has been studied for its potential to support labor preparation. It contains fragrine, which may help tone the uterus, making contractions more effective during labor. Scientific studies on raspberry leaf tea benefits and pregnancy show that it’s safe for consumption in the third trimester but should be used cautiously in earlier stages. Importantly, does raspberry leaf tea have caffeine? No, it’s naturally caffeine-free, making it a popular choice for pregnant women.

So, when to start drinking raspberry leaf tea?

Raspberry leaf tea is commonly recommended in the later stages of pregnancy, typically starting around the 32nd to 34th week. Drinking 1 cup daily initially, then gradually increasing to 2-3 cups as the due date approaches, is generally advised. However, because every pregnancy is unique, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting raspberry leaf tea to ensure it’s suitable and safe based on individual health factors and pregnancy progress.

Peppermint Tea

Often recommended to relieve nausea, peppermint tea has been extensively studied for its digestive benefits. Safe for consumption during pregnancy, peppermint pregnancy tea can reduce bloating and relieve symptoms of indigestion, which is common in later trimesters. Morning sickness tea options frequently include peppermint for its gentle and effective relief.

Caffeinated teas: evidence and recommendations

While herbal teas offer a variety of options, caffeinated teas such as black, green, and white tea remain popular. According to studies on caffeine intake during pregnancy, consuming up to 200 mg of caffeine daily is safe, allowing for limited consumption of caffeinated teas.

Black Tea

Black tea provides a familiar taste and a mild caffeine boost. Studies have shown that drinking black pregnancy tea is generally safe for pregnant women when limited to 1-2 cups daily. Within moderation, black tea is safe and can be a comforting drink. Be aware of other caffeine sources to keep your total intake below 200 mg daily.

Green Tea

Known for its high antioxidant content, green tea is generally safe but should be consumed in moderation due to its caffeine. A cup of green pregnancy tea contains roughly 30-50 mg of caffeine, depending on the brewing method. Studies suggest that green tea may interfere with folic acid absorption if consumed in high amounts, so many healthcare providers recommend limiting green tea in the first trimester.

Oolong Tea

Oolong tea combines elements of black and green tea and provides a unique flavor. Since it contains caffeine, oolong tea pregnancy recommendations align with those for green and black tea: enjoy in moderation. For those wondering is oolong tea safe for pregnancy, limited consumption (one cup daily) is generally considered safe, according to recent studies.

White Tea

White tea, which contains the least caffeine of the caffeinated teas, is a milder alternative. Studies indicate that its low caffeine content (about 15-30 mg per cup) makes it a good choice for those who want to limit caffeine while still enjoying a flavorful drink. Pregnant women who enjoy white tea can often consume 1-2 cups without concern.

Is jasmine tea safe during pregnancy?

Jasmine tea pregnancy concerns often stem from its caffeine content. For those questioning can you drink jasmine tea while pregnant, the answer is yes, but with a few considerations. Typically, 1-2 cups a day is considered safe as long as jasmine pregnancy tea fits within the 200 mg daily caffeine limit recommended by health experts. Some women find that jasmine tea while pregnant, can be a soothing beverage, as its gentle aroma can help reduce stress. It’s best to avoid stronger, highly caffeinated blends and stick to mild brews.

Teas to avoid during pregnancy

Certain pregnancy tea options contain compounds that may pose risks during pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid them. Alfalfa tea, for instance, can affect hormonal balance, while aloe tea may cause uterine contractions, increasing the risk of premature labor. Angelica tea may stimulate blood flow, potentially leading to complications. Both black and blue cohosh are known for their effects on the uterus and should be avoided for their potential to induce contractions. Barberry tea can interfere with fetal development, and boldo tea contains alkaloids that are unsafe for pregnancy. Finally, borage tea may impact liver health and cause uterine contractions. Always consult with a healthcare provider before consuming any pregnancy tea or herbal teas, particularly those with medicinal properties.

Why can’t you have a hibiscus while pregnant?

Known for its tart, fruity flavor, hibiscus pregnancy tea is best avoided during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Hibiscus may affect hormone levels and could stimulate uterine contractions, posing risks in early pregnancy.

Rosehip Tea

With its high vitamin C content, rosehip tea might seem beneficial, but in large amounts, it’s best avoided due to potential effects on hormone levels and digestion.

Passion Tea

This tea often includes hibiscus and should generally be avoided as well. Due to its potential effects on hormone levels and uterine activity, it’s best to skip passion tea until after pregnancy.

Importance of monitoring fetal heart rate

Monitoring fetal heart rate is crucial for assessing the health and development of your baby throughout pregnancy. A steady and regular heart rate indicates that the baby is receiving sufficient oxygen and is developing as expected. Regular monitoring can provide early insights into possible complications, allowing for timely medical intervention if necessary.

One popular tool for at-home monitoring is the Fetal Doppler by SonoHealth. This device allows expectant parents to hear and track their baby’s heartbeat from home, adding peace of mind between medical appointments. The SonoHealth fetal heart doppler is known for its ease of use, accuracy, and ability to detect fetal heart tones as early as 12 weeks. However, while this tool is convenient for occasional reassurance, it’s essential to follow up with a healthcare provider if there are any concerns or irregularities. Always use at-home fetal doppler in conjunction with professional prenatal care to ensure the best outcomes for you and your baby.

Word from SonoHealth

Choosing a pregnancy tea involves balancing benefits with safety considerations. Herbal teas, such as peppermint and ginger, are often beneficial for digestion and nausea. Caffeinated teas, like green, black, and white tea, can be safely consumed in moderation. By following WHO guidelines and consulting healthcare providers, pregnant women can enjoy the comfort of tea while prioritizing their health and their baby’s development.

Pregnancy tea FAQs

1. Can I drink sweet tea while pregnant?

Yes, you can enjoy sweet pregnancy tea during pregnancy, but be mindful of the caffeine content and added sugars. Opt for moderation to avoid excessive sugar intake, which could impact blood sugar levels, and limit caffeine to 200 mg per day for a safe pregnancy experience.

2. Is English breakfast tea safe during pregnancy?

Yes, English breakfast tea is generally safe in moderate amounts. As it’s a type of black tea, its caffeine content should be monitored. Keeping consumption to 1-2 cups a day allows you to enjoy black pregnancy tea without exceeding recommended caffeine limits for pregnancy.

3. Can I drink jasmine green tea while pregnant?

Yes, jasmine green tea can be safe during pregnancy in limited amounts. Its caffeine content requires moderation, so stick to 1-2 cups per day to avoid exceeding daily limits. Jasmine green tea’s antioxidants can offer benefits, but it’s best consumed within safe guidelines.

4. Is oolong tea safe for pregnancy?

Yes, oolong tea is generally safe during pregnancy when consumed in moderation. Its caffeine content should be monitored, so limit it to about 1-2 cups daily. This helps keep total caffeine intake within the recommended 200 mg daily for pregnancy safety.