Drinking Tea During Pregnancy: Its Benefits And Side Effects

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Drinking tea during pregnancy is safe, and it is not harmful to the baby. Most people love to sip a cup of tea every day in the morning or evening, and there is no risk of drinking a cup of tea every day. Some women may prefer to have a cup of tea when they want to feel refreshed. However, it is better to consume low caffeine-containing tea or pregnancy-safe herbal teas. Some herbal teas may refresh you while also providing health benefits.

Read on to know more about the safety of drinking tea during pregnancy and how much tea you should drink to avoid side effects.

Is It Safe To Drink Tea During Pregnancy?

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Yes, it is safe to consume a moderate amount of tea when you are pregnant. Tea leaves contain polyphenolsⁱA group of chemical substances in plants, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and lignane, that act as antioxidants. and antioxidantsⁱMolecules that prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. that protect your cardiac health and boost your immunity (1). However, they also contain caffeine, which you should consume no more than 200mg a day (2).

Amount Of Caffeine Tea Contains

The caffeine content in a cup of tea depends on factors such as origin, processing, brewing time, and brewing temperature. Generally, one cup of tea including milk tea, white tea, black tea, oolong or green tea contains about 40 to 50mg of caffeine whereas herbal teas contain negligible amounts of caffeine (3). Therefore, consumption of herbal teas during pregnancy is considered to be a safer option.

Point to consider

Decaffeinated non-herbal teas also contain negligible amounts of caffeine (0.4mg). However, consult your OB-GYN before consuming them (19).

Safe Tea Options During Pregnancy

Herbal teas also called “tisanes”, contain trace amounts of caffeine. They are made of leaves, roots, berries, flowers, seeds, and barks of various medicinal plants. Also, teas combined with other ingredients (such as mint or spices) have lower caffeine levels. If you’re pregnant and experiencing cravings for tea, here is a list of teas that are safe to consume during pregnancy.

1. Ginger tea: It eases morning sickness, heals cold, sore throat and congestion (4). Boil a few pieces of ginger in hot water, and take it with honey and/or milk. A mother, Woo Elaine, shares in her blog how drinking ginger tea eased her feelings of morning sickness. She observes, “I was trying not to drink too much coffee or tea, and I had a slight aversion to milk or dairy products, especially when my morning sickness occurred during weeks 7-8. I realized that drinking Ginger tea helped a great deal, reducing some nausea and indigestion. It is good to drink before or after meals. In fact, I still drink some ginger tea now to relieve mild heartburn and as a digestive aid (i).”
   

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2. Nettle tea: It is a nutrient-rich tea containing high levels of vitamins A, C, K and minerals including iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium (5). It is best to have it in the second and third trimesters as nettle tea may cause uterine contractions, which could harm the vulnerable fetus in the first trimester.

3. Raspberry leaf tea: It is rich in iron, calcium, and magnesium and is safe to consume from the second trimester. The rich mineral content of this herb tones the uterine muscles in preparation for labor, and also prevents postpartum hemorrhageⁱHeavy blood discharge from blood vessels after childbirth.  (6). However, women with gestational diabetes should take this tea with caution and after thoroughly consulting with the doctor.

Did you know?

Red raspberry leaf tea is also known as “pregnancy tea.” It is said to prevent deliveries that are too early or late (19).

4. Dandelion leaf tea: It is high in iron, calcium, and potassium. It has a diureticⁱA substance that enables the kidneys to produce more urine and get rid of the excess fluid from the body. effect and eases fluid retention in late pregnancy (7).

5. Spearmint and Peppermint teas: They alleviate nausea, vomiting and also treat digestive issues by effectively relaxing the stomach muscles. These teas can be taken either alone or combined (8).

6. Rooibos tea: It contains high levels of iron, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants. It eases acid reflux, aids digestion, combats free radicals and detoxifies the body. It improves iron absorption, fights allergies and infections, and greatly improves immunity (9).

7. Chamomile tea: It is a great source of calcium and magnesium, and thus eases joint inflammation. It is also useful in preventing insomnia and aiding labor contractions. You should avoid it if you are allergic to pollen and ragweed (8).

8. Lemon balm tea: It effectively fights insomnia, irritability, and anxiety with its calming effects, thus promoting relaxation (10).

You can combine any of these herbal teas with ingredients such as honey, cinnamon, citrus rinds, and cloves for added flavor.

Benefits Of Consuming Safe Teas During Pregnancy

Each tea has its set of properties, and you can select the best tea depending upon your requirement and mood. Most of the teas help alleviate common pregnancy issues and also serve as the best alternative to caffeinated drinks such as coffee. Herbal tea:

• Fights morning sickness and diarrhea
  

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• Supplies healthy antioxidants
• Lowers stress and anxiety levels
• Prepares uterus for labor
• Offers required nutrients
• Helps you stay hydrated

The right cup of tea can elevate your mood and also energize you. So what and how you choose can make a huge difference in the tea-drinking experience.

How To Choose A Safe Tea To Drink?

You may choose herbal teas over non-herbal teas as they are safe and beneficial. In any case, read the ingredient list before buying some tea. You can also talk to your health care provider to learn about the best teas you can have at this time for optimum prenatal care.

• Begin with a small amount of tea, and notice your body’s response. If you feel alright without any adverse effects, you can slowly add more quantities to your everyday regimen.

• Do not consume tea regularly if you are not aware of the ingredients. Also, avoid tea made of unfamiliar ingredients.

But even a healthy cup of tea could be bad when consumed in excess. Find out next, the ideal quantity of tea you can safely consume during pregnancy.

How Many Cups Of Tea Are Safe During Pregnancy?

You should limit your caffeine consumption to 200 milligrams a day during pregnancy as excessive tea consumption during pregnancy may lead to birth defects in the developing fetus besides causing other complications. As said above, a single cup of tea contains around 40 to 50 milligrams; you can take up to three to four cups of tea daily without worries (11).

What Teas Should You Avoid During Pregnancy?

Although it is alright to drink tea during pregnancy, some teas contain high caffeine levels and should be restricted during pregnancy for the safety of maternal health (12). Additionally, certain herbal teas may cause contractions and raise the risk of preterm labor.

• Black teas such as Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Ceylon
• Green or matcha teas
  

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• Oolong
• Lichee
• Hong mao
• Lapsang souchong
• Nilgiri tea
• Golden monkey black
• Quinshola clonal

Some teas that are to be avoided due to their risk of side effects (such as miscarriage, high blood pressure, laxative properties, etc.) are as follows (13):

• St. John’s Wort
• Ginseng
• Dong Quai
• Pennyroyal
• Yarrow
• Licorice root
• Ephedra

Not all teas are known to be safe or unsafe. Here is a list of teas which haven’t been studied enough to understand their effect on pregnancy, and are best avoided for your well being.

• Lime blossom
• Rosehip
• Comfrey
• Catnips
• Anise
• Yellow dock
• Alfalfa

Consume these teas, in minimal amounts, only on approval of your doctor.

• Sage tea
• Hibiscus
• Rosemary
• Mistletoe

Too long a list to remember? Keep in mind only the list of safe teas and enjoy them while you are pregnant. You can drink decaf tea during pregnancy instead of the stronger teas so that most of the caffeine is removed.

To decaffeinate tea, steep the leaves or bag for about 30 seconds, remove the water and again fill the cup with hot water. Repeat it one more time. You will get decaf tea.

Possible Side Effects Of Drinking Unsafe Teas

Moderate consumption of caffeinated tea is not known to cause adverse effects on fetal health. But, if caffeine consumption exceeds 200mg in a day, it is likely to affect the fetal development and growth. You may have a miscarriage, or give birth to babies with intrauterine growth restrictionsⁱPoor growth of the baby in the uterus due to lifestyle practices or specific health conditions. (IUGR). Excessive caffeine is known to cause vasoconstrictionⁱNatural or artificially induced constriction of blood vessels. of blood vessels and interfere with cell division that causes these ill effects (14).

Next, we answer some common queries about tea during pregnancy for your better understanding.

Infographic: Choosing The Right Teas In Pregnancy

A cup of tea is refreshing on any day, especially to soothe pregnancy-related discomfort. Keep this infographic handy to cross-check the safe and unsafe teas during pregnancy and the benefits of this beverage.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Key Pointers

• Drinking moderate amounts of tea during pregnancy is safe as excess caffeine intake can affect you and the developing fetus.
• Usually, one cup of black/white contains 40 to 50mg of caffeine, whereas herbal teas contain trace amounts.
• Hence, you can consume herbal teas, such as chamomile tea and ginger tea during pregnancy, after consulting a doctor.
• Consuming herbal tea could help you stay hydrated, lower stress, and supply antioxidants.

Illustration: Drinking Tea During Pregnancy: What Are Safe & What Are Not

Image: Dalle E/MomJunction Design Team

If you’re pregnant and wondering if you can continue drinking your favorite tea and if yes, how much should you drink? Watch this video to find out!

Personal Experience: Source

MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.

i. My 1st trimester must-haves;
https://elaine73.blogspot.com/2015/01/my-1st-trimester-must-haves.html

References

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Tea; Oregon State University
2. Planning a Pregnancy; Cornell Health
3. Caffeine Chart; Center for Science in the Public Interest
4. Vegetarian Times Jun 1994; Page 87
5. B M Adhikari, A Bajracharya, A K Shrestha; Comparison of nutritional properties of Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) flour with wheat and barley flours; Food Science & Nutrition (2016)
6. D C Neumann; Alternative Therapies for Perinatal Care: A Holistic Approach to Pregnancy; Grand Valley State University
7. Dr. Stacey Rosenberg; Natural Pregnancy, Natural Baby: Natural Remedies for Pregnancy, Birth and Post-Partum Discomforts; Page 50
8. Holly Roberts; Your Vegetarian Pregnancy: A Month-by-Month Guide to Health and Nutrition; Page 22
9. In-Sun Hong et al.; Anti-Oxidative Effects of Rooibos Tea (Aspalathus linearis) on Immobilization-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rat Brain; PLoS One; NCBI
10. Rosemary Gladstar; Herbal Healing for Women; Page 176
11. Fiona Wilcock; Super Easy Drinks, Soups, and Smoothies for a Healthy Pregnancy; Page 18
12. Samantha Feczko; The Non-Tea Drinker’s Guide to Tea; University Of Washington
13. Catherine E. Burns et al.; Pediatric Primary Care – E-Book; Page 1211
14. Shannon E. Perry et al.; Maternal Child Nursing Care in Canada – E-Book; Page 277
15. Sven Cnattingius et al.; Caffeine Intake and the Risk of First-Trimester Spontaneous Abortion; The New England Journal of Medicine
16. Mansoor Ahmed et al.;Safety classification of herbal medicines used among pregnant women in Asian countries : a systematic review; BMC Complement Altern Med; NCBI
17. Frank Minirth et al.; The Christian’s Guide to Natural Products & Remedies: 1100 Herbs, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements and More; Page 302
18. Ramesh C. Gupta; Nutraceuticals: Efficacy, Safety and Toxicity; Page 639
19. Herbal Tea and Pregnancy; American Pregnancy Association

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