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Tea from the Camellia sinensis plant, including White Tea, Green Tea, Oolong Tea and Black tea all contain caffeine, which pregnant women are often recommended to eliminate or reduce from their diet during pregnancy. There is however, some controversy surrounding how much caffeine is safe. Please consult your doctor or health care professional about how much caffeine is safe for you in order to make an informed decision on how much tea to drink.
Herbal teas, which include most Fruit Blends, Wellness Blends and all Rooibos teas are naturally caffeine free and therefore safe to drink during pregnancy. However some concern may lie with herbs used in some of these blends. Herbal teas that may be unsafe are those that are not commercially made, those made with excessive amounts of herbs (larger than what can be found in common foods/drinks), or those made with herbs considered to be toxic. It is still recommended that you consult your doctor or health care professional regarding herbal teas you are considering drinking.
| Herb | Safety Rating | Common Use | | | | Red Raspberry Leaf | Possibly Safe | Morning Sickness, Facilitating Labor. Rich in iron, tone uterus, increase milk production, decrease nausea, eases labor pains. Often recommended after first trimester. | | Peppermint | Likely Safe | Morning Sickness. Relieves nausea/morning sickness and flatulence. | | Ginger Root | Possibly Safe | Morning Sickness. Helps relieve nausea and vomiting. | | Camomile | Insufficient Reliable Information | Morning Sickness. High in calcium and magnesium and helps with insomnia. | | Lemon Balm | Likely Safe | Calming effect, relieves irritability | | Nettles (Stinging Nettle) | Likely Safe | High in vitamins A, C, K, calcium, potassium and iron. Rating depends on which part of the nettle is used. Others encourage this herb during pregnancy. Check with doctor or health care professional. | | Rose Hips | Insufficient Reliable Information | Good source of Vitamin C, helps boost the immune system. | | Fennel | Insufficient Reliable Information | Stimulates Lactation. | | Calcium | Likely Safe | Leg Cramps associated with pregnancy. May decrease the risk of pregnancy related hypertension and pre-eclampsia. | | Magnesium | Likely Safe | Leg Cramps associated with pregnancy. |
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