While pregnant, many expectant mothers have questions regarding nutrition and wellness. One of the most frequently asked questions relates to which herbal teas are safe to drink during gestation. Although most teas can be safely enjoyed during gestation, it is wise to be vigilant. This article details which teas are suitable so you can experience this time with peace of mind.
Though drinking plenty of water during pregnancy is highly advised, some women find more pleasure in sipping on herbal tea instead. Herbal tea can provide much-needed comfort and relief from morning sickness, constipation, and other pregnancy-related discomforts, making this an appealing alternative to coffee or soda beverages with caffeine content. Furthermore, many herbal teas are caffeine-free so may offer a good caffeine-free solution as an alternative option; just be careful which teas to choose as certain herbs can have detrimental health impacts during gestation.
As your uterus expands, certain herbs can have uterotonic effects which cause contractions, increasing miscarriage risk and preterm labor risk. Women should therefore avoid drinking teas containing pennyroyal, tansy and mugwort as these herbs have potential uterotonic properties; furthermore they should take caution with other herbs such as sage, parsley and nettle teas as high concentrations may have embryotoxic effects. Ginkgo biloba can have embryotoxic effects.
As pregnancy can be risky, pregnant women should focus on selecting herbal teas which have been thoroughly investigated for safety during gestation. Popular choices include black, green, oolong, pu-erh, and white varieties; other safe choices could include rooibos with plenty of antioxidants or ginger that can relieve nausea and stomach ache.
Many herbal teas can provide essential nutrition during gestation. Rooibos tea, for instance, contains antioxidants and minerals while red raspberry leaf tea is thought to strengthen uterus muscles while softening cervixes and shortening labor time.
As a general guideline, it is generally safe to consume four cups of herbal tea each day without risk of overexposure to herbs that have uterotropic effects. However, for optimal results it’s advisable to sip these beverages throughout the day in small increments in order to limit any possible risk from their potential uterotonic properties.
Overall, drinking herbal tea can be an effective way to both relax and remain hydrated during pregnancy. But remembering to drink enough water and consume foods rich in fluids as well can be key. In addition to tea, other hydrating beverages like fruit juices, vegetable juices, broths and soups such as those found in broth can all add fluid intake during gestation – just avoid caffeine-containing drinks such as coffee soda energy drinks etc if possible and consult your physician or maternal child health nurse should any problems arise.