During pregnancy, it is generally safe to drink certain herbal teas in moderation, while some teas should be avoided or limited due to potential risks. Safe options include:
- Ginger tea: Helps soothe nausea and morning sickness, especially in the first trimester. Consume one to two cups a day to avoid heartburn.
- Peppermint tea: Eases digestion, gas, nausea, and headaches. Usually safe in moderate amounts, particularly in the second trimester.
- Rooibos tea: Caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, helpful for digestion and immunity, safe throughout pregnancy.
- Lemon balm tea: May reduce anxiety and improve sleep, especially in the second and third trimesters, but consult a doctor before regular use.
- Red raspberry leaf tea: Used in the third trimester to prepare for labor, but should be avoided earlier in pregnancy unless cleared by a healthcare provider.
Teas to be cautious with or limit include chamomile and caffeinated teas like black and green tea, which should be consumed with caffeine limits in mind (generally under 200-300 mg caffeine per day from all sources). Some herbal teas, such as licorice root, pennyroyal, and mugwort, are unsafe due to risks of miscarriage or hormonal effects. It is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new herbal teas to a pregnancy diet, especially in the case of a high-risk pregnancy or medication use.
