Drinking Tea While Pregnant
While drinking tea during pregnancy seems like a natural and healthy alternative to alcohol, it is still important to consider the impact it may have on you and the health of your unborn child. Asking questions about which teas are ok, which teas would be better to avoid, or whether or not herbal teas are your only option, are all valid questions.
Is it ok to drink tea while pregnant?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), drinking tea including Black, Green, White, and Oolong is safe for both you and the baby during pregnancy as long as you stay below the acceptable caffeine limit of 200mg a day. To understand the level of caffeine in the various types of tea, check out our caffeine-o-meter. However, other than caffeine, there may be other things to consider.
While herbal teas are celebrated during pregnancy for their health benefits and caffeine-free nature, even the most commonly consumed herbal teas are only safe when used in moderation. Drinking herbal teas in excess is not recommended because they can interfere with the various metabolic processes of the body. Some women may also have an allergic reaction to something in the herbal tea; therefore, it is important to consult your doctor before starting a regular routine of tea drinking during pregnancy.
What are the benefits of drinking tea during pregnancy?
Drinking tea even when not pregnant comes with a plethora of health benefits, but these benefits can become especially helpful during pregnancy. Staying hydrated is important and being even slightly dehydrated when pregnant can have compounding effects. Many expecting mothers suffer from constipation, fatigue, headaches, water retention, insomnia and dehydration will exacerbate these symptoms. Since tea is primarily just water, it can only help in maintaining your hydration.
Tea is also full of antioxidants. Drinking tea can help supplement the antioxidants the body already makes. During pregnancy, the placenta increases the amount of free radicals the body produces. In order to balance out these levels, it is important to increase the number of antioxidants through food and drink. The more antioxidants you consume, the better.
In addition, while inflammation is a normal response mechanism to infection, ongoing stress, or obesity, studies have shown that increased levels of inflammation can impact the brain development of the baby during pregnancy. Tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce this inflammation which can be helpful while carrying a baby around for 9 months.
Caffeine-Free Teas for the Childing Bearing Woman
Peppermint Herbal Tea
Morning sickness in the form of nausea and vomiting is common during the first trimester of pregnancy. Peppermint is known to help curb these symptoms. It also helps that this tea has tasting notes of creamy mint ice cream and peppermint candy.
Blueberry Ginger Herbal Tea
Heartburn is another common annoyance that rears its ugly head while pregnant and ginger is perfect for helping reduce the burps. With bright pieces of ginger smoothed out with apples as well as delicious and healthy blueberries, this tangy and floral tea is just what you need.
Chamomile Lemon Mint Herbal Tea
Heartburn, nausea, and other ailments associated with pregnancy sometimes make it hard to sleep. Chamomile tea is known for triggering synapses in the brain associated with sleep. It calms the body and the brain for the night sleep you need.
