Pregnancy is a time when women should limit or avoid certain foods and drinks, including popular ones like coffee and tea. But are herbal teas safe during gestation? Yes, with some restrictions.
Herbal teas are crafted from various plant parts such as roots, berries, and seeds; true herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. Peppermint, Chamomile, and Ginger teas are among the most widely popular. These popular herbal varieties may help alleviate common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, constipation, fatigue, as well as aiding digestion or relieving arthritis pain; additionally they may reduce miscarriage risk.
Most herbal teas are safe to consume during the first trimester if consumed in moderation and not excessively, due to containing smaller doses of herbs that are found in herbal medicines and therefore having similar effects. Drinking herbal tea in moderation should be fine; just remember to stay hydrated by drinking enough water as well.
As with any pregnancy-related activity, pregnant women should steer clear of teas that contain strong laxative effects as these can be dangerous to their health. They should also refrain from drinking teas made with plants with stimulating properties for the uterus such as pennyroyal, tansy and mugwort; diet cleansing detox and red raspberry leaf teas that contain thujone can induce contractions as well as red raspberry leaf tea which has the potential to induce early labor should also be avoided.
Pregnant mothers can safely enjoy herbal teas like rooibos, hibiscus and ginger during their pregnancies, including rooibos, hibiscus and ginger varieties. These teas may help with digestion by alleviating nausea or vomiting as well as relieving symptoms of indigestion or constipation. They’ve even been known to relax pregnant mothers so they can get some rest during gestation.
Herbal teas can generally be consumed safely during pregnancy; however, some herbs have not been fully researched and could pose potential dangers to expecting mothers. Before trying a new herbal tea blend, always consult with your healthcare provider or midwife first to be safe.
Though it is generally safe to consume herbal tea in moderation during pregnancy, you should consult with your healthcare provider first before trying anything new. If unsure, green and black tea are generally considered safe options.