The use of infusions during pregnancy is a highly controversial issue, since no research has yet been done on it. all herbs during pregnancy to understand how they affect the woman’s body or the development of the baby. Is herbal tea safe during pregnancy?
Actually, it is recommended to refrain from consuming herbal teas without consulting a gynecologist or herbalist, even if they are natural products to relieve common problems such as nausea, restlessness, constipation or even flu symptoms.
Despite their naturalness, the infusions are made from plants that contain active substances that can seriously alter the body and, therefore, cause complications during pregnancy, such as miscarriages, malformations or bleeding. Even teas, which are considered harmless a priori, should only be consumed under the supervision of a doctor and in an amount of 2-3 cups a day.
For pregnancy-related problems, these are the safest teas
Although most herbs should not be used during pregnancy, there are some that can be used in certain dosages and under the supervision of a doctor to treat some common pregnancy problems:
- Ginger: heartburn, nausea and vomiting
Ginger is an excellent natural remedy for heartburn or nausea and can be used during pregnancy as long as a dose of 1 gram of dried root per day in 200 ml of boiling water is not exceeded for 4 consecutive days.
Therefore, if you choose to drink a tea with 1 gram of ginger, it should only be taken once a day (and for no more than 4 days), usually in the morning, since it is the time when it is most nausea is likely to occur.
- Cranberry: urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infections are a relatively common problem during pregnancy, especially due to hormonal changes in a woman’s body. Blueberries can be an excellent solution to prevent this problem, since they can be consumed during pregnancy in quantities of 50 to 200 ml of juice once or twice a day.
See other tips to prevent urinary tract infections during pregnancy.
- Green tea: fatigue and lack of energy
Although green tea, like coffee, contains caffeine, it may be a safer alternative. If possible, other options should be used to treat fatigue during pregnancy.
However, green tea can be consumed at the rate of one tablespoon of leaves in 250 ml of boiling water once a day for 4 consecutive days, following the advice of your doctor.
- Plum for constipation
Most laxative infusions, such as Sen, are dangerous during pregnancy and should be avoided. However, prunes are an excellent, highly effective natural option that can be used during pregnancy.
To use prunes, simply eat 1 prune 30 minutes before the three main meals or infuse 3 prunes in a glass of water for 12 hours, and then drink the mixture on an empty stomach.
5 teas that pregnant women should not drink
Pregnant women should drink at least 2 liters of fluid a day, but some cannot drink plain water and prefer tea.
People who like to drink hot or iced tea should be careful, as some teas are not recommended during pregnancy.
As with medicines, there are also restrictions on teas and infusions. If you like this drink and have questions, ask your doctor.
It also depends on how much you drink and where the tea comes from. Some teas can cause, among other things, contractions and increased heart palpitations. That teas should avoid pregnant women.
Mint tea
Can pregnant women drink peppermint tea?
Peppermint can interfere with the production of breast milk. If in doubt, it is best to avoid it even during pregnancy.
Cinnamon tea
Cinnamon is often associated with the possibility of miscarriage. Excessive consumption of this abortive infusion can cause blood stasis and contraction of the uterine muscle, with the consequent risk of premature delivery.
Bold tea
Pregnant women should avoid boldo tea. This tea is not abortifacient, but it does contain a substance that can cause premature labor.
black tea
Black tea should be avoided as it contains caffeine and can speed up the heart rate.
Green Tea
Made from the same plant as black tea, it also contains high levels of caffeine.
Teas that pregnant women can drink
If you like to drink tea, don’t worry, there are some infusions that are allowed during pregnancy. There are teas that do not cause any harm to pregnant women. Listed below are the teas that can be consumed by pregnant women:
- chamomile tea
- lemon grass tea
- lemon grass tea
- fennel tea
However, before taking any tea, you should familiarize yourself with its ingredients and seek advice from your doctor, who can best advise which teas are suitable for you and your baby.