Some health care providers believe consuming  certain herbal tea during pregnancy  is good for pregnancy health. Herbal tea can  provide an additional source of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and iron. However due to lack of studies on most herbs , the FDA encourage cautions  when consuming these herbal teas.

Differences between herbal and non herbal tea

Non herbal tea

• black tea is the most common form of non herbal tea.
• green tea is a more delicate taste than black tea
•  oolong teas are a combination of green tea and black tea
• non herbal teas contain varying amounts of caffeine and antioxidants
• non herbal teas are made of leaves of tea plants
• the longer the fermentation of the leaf, the higher the caffeine content
• caffeine content is also influenced by the brewing time, size of the leaf and type of tea leaf
• decaf versions of non herbal tea still contains a little bit of caffeine

Herbal tea

• it is made from roots, berries, flowers, seeds and leaves of a variety of plants not the actual tea plant leaves
• true herbs do not contain caffeine
• these teas can also be used for medical remedies

What teas are safe to consume during pregnancy ?

Non herbal teas

These teas are assumed to have great benefit due to the antioxidants . However they also contain caffeine which pregnant women are advised to cut down on or eliminate. Decaffeinated non herbal tea  still contains a little bit of caffeine , however the amount is only 0.4 milligrams.

Caffeine can cross the placenta and reach the developing baby. Babies can’t metabolize caffeine like adults can. Consuming caffeine during breastfeeding can contribute to infant sleep disorders. The less caffeine consumed, the better. Talk to your doctor or midwife about how much caffeine you should consume during pregnancy.

Herbal teas

These are  caffeine free however, the concern is lack of data available on its effect on the developing baby. There are mixed opinions about the safety of its use for both pregnant and non pregnant women.

Most commercial brands are thought to be safe when consumed in reasonable amounts. Those that are not considered safe are those that are not made commercially, those made with excessive amounts of herbs  and those made with herbs that are known to be toxic.

It is always best to talk to your doctor or midwife before consuming it during pregnancy.

Pregnancy teas

These teas are considered beneficial during pregnancy and often contain red raspberry leaf. Midwives and professionals who work with herbs believe that regular consumption of these teas may prevent pregnancy complications such as premature labor, preeclampsia, prolonged labor  and postpartum  hemorrhage.

NOTE

ALWAYS consult your doctor or midwife before you take anything including herbal teas during pregnancy.