5 Best Teas to Drink During Pregnancy Safely

Caffeine intake during pregnancy should be limited, so cutting back on coffee is most definitely a good idea. Herbal teas are often seen as a soothing remedy, but not all teas are created equal when you’re expecting. However, before you substitute your daily coffee with tea, let’s take a look at why caffeine during pregnancy should be avoided:

Caffeine during pregnancy: how much is safe?

When consuming caffeine during pregnancy, it moves from the mother’s body through the placenta and umbilical cord to her developing baby. Because babies cannot metabolise caffeine the way adults can, there is controversy on how much caffeine is safe, or if it should be avoided altogether. What is known is that the less caffeine you consume, the better it is for your baby.

Not all hope is lost, however, as not all tea is off limits. Certain teas have been deemed safe and even beneficial for expectant moms!

“Rule of thumb is to stay away from any tea sporting the words ‘weight loss’ during your pregnancy.”

Teas that are safe to drink during pregnancy!

• Ginger tea: This is a fabulous option for morning sickness and digestive problems. Make your own by adding four or five slices of ginger to freshly boiled water.
• Peppermint tea: Like ginger tea, this option will help ease nausea with the added benefit of relaxing your muscles.
• Rooibos tea: You can’t go wrong with a good old cup of rooibos! This tea is caffeine-free and often recommended for pregnant women. It is also a fantastic source of calcium and magnesium, and is packed with anti-oxidants.
• Dandelion leaf tea: This tea helps combat the fluid retention that you may experience in the later stages of pregnancy. It has a slightly bitter and grassy taste, so you may want to add it to another tea.
• Chamomile tea: This tea is safe, as long as you do not have a history of hay fever.

Teas to avoid during pregnancy

Green & Black Tea: While not strictly harmful, they do contain caffeine. Too much caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight. It’s best to keep your total daily caffeine intake under 200mg, which means no more than 1–2 cups a day.

Liquorice Root Tea: Liquorice root may raise blood pressure and is linked to developmental problems in babies if consumed in large quantities. Best to avoid completely.

Raspberry Leaf Tea: This tea is often recommended to tone the uterus, but only in the third trimester and under a healthcare provider’s guidance. It’s believed to help with labour, but should be avoided in early pregnancy due to its potential to stimulate uterine contractions.

Chamomile Tea: While some pregnant women enjoy it for sleep and relaxation, chamomile can act as a uterine stimulant in large amounts. Occasional use is generally considered safe, but always ask your doctor or midwife first.

Weight-loss tea: Most weight-loss teas have a high content of caffeine in them, so rule of thumb is to stay away from any tea sporting the words “weight loss” during your pregnancy.

Other teas to avoid during pregnancy due to their high levels of caffeine include earl grey, green tea, oolong tea and pennyroyal.

What about iced tea?

Lovers of iced tea may find their fondness for the soothing beverage increased during pregnancy. However, the ones you can purchase come with a high sugar content. If you want that cup of iced tea, it’s best to make your own from the safe teas already mentioned. Also, rather use honey than sugar to sweeten the tea.

They say that there is nothing a good cup of tea cannot solve. If you are pregnant, just make sure that tea is on the safe list.

Tips for Drinking Tea Safely in Pregnancy:

• Always check the ingredients — some teas are blends and may contain herbs that aren’t pregnancy-safe.
• Choose organic where possible to avoid pesticide exposure.
• If in doubt, consult your midwife or doctor before adding a new tea to your routine.