As an expectant mother, you want to do everything in your power to ensure the wellbeing of your unborn child. That means ensuring your diet contains all of the essential vitamins and nutrients for their healthy development – something which may prove challenging when told to avoid certain foods like caffeine. However, most herbal teas are generally safe options; just remember a few key points.
Herbal tea refers to any beverage prepared from steeped beverages made up of herbs, botanicals, fruits, flowers or spices and steeped together before being drunk as a beverage. A form of herbal medicine, herbal tea has long been consumed to soothe and relax during pregnancy; however in higher amounts some varieties can actually induce miscarriage! However it should be taken with care during gestation as some compounds in plants can stimulate your uterus, potentially leading to miscarriage.
Spearmint, feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), chamomile, sage, eleuthero and Siberian ginseng are considered unsuitable for pregnant women during gestation due to increased risks for miscarriage, menstrual bleeding and preterm birth; additional concerns include laxative properties that alter electrolyte levels that could harm an unborn fetus.
Most herbal teas can be enjoyed safely during gestation in moderation and should ideally be enjoyed between the second and third trimesters of gestation. There are some pregnancy teas marketed as helping with nausea and vomiting symptoms; however, no clinical studies have been done to support such claims; thus it would be prudent to stay away from such products unless specifically advised by your healthcare provider.
Most herbal and fruit teas are safe to consume in moderation, provided your caffeine consumption remains reasonable. One or two cups per day should provide all of their potential health benefits; try switching up which varieties you drink each day so as to get maximum vitamin and mineral benefit from each variety.
Pregnancy teas can also be purchased at supermarkets and health food stores, typically made of herbal extracts blended together and designed as remedies for some pregnancy-related condition or symptom. Unfortunately, many of these teas have yet to be researched thoroughly; so if you opt to purchase pregnancy tea be sure to read labels carefully to stay within the recommended maximum daily caffeine limit of 200 mg.