Is black tea safe for pregnancy
Is Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
Tea is one of the most popular beverages worldwide — and one that many women continue to enjoy during pregnancy.
Some drink it to simply decompress or help meet the increased fluid needs of pregnancy. However, a proportion of women appear to use tea as a natural remedy for pregnancy-related symptoms or as a tonic to prepare for childbirth in the last weeks of pregnancy (1).
Many may believe that tea is probably safe to drink while pregnant because it’s natural. In reality, women may benefit from reducing their intake of certain teas, while completely avoiding others throughout their pregnancy.
This article discusses the safety of tea during pregnancy, including which teas pregnant women may continue to drink, and which they may want to avoid.
Black, green, white, matcha, chai, and oolong teas are all sourced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. They contain caffeine — a natural stimulant that should be limited during pregnancy.
They each provide approximately the following amount of caffeine per cup (240 mL) (2, 3, 4, 5, 6):
- matcha: 60–80 mg
- oolong tea: 38–58 mg
- black tea: 47–53 mg
- chai: 47–53 mg
- white tea: 25–50 mg
- green tea: 29–49 mg
Caffeine can easily cross the placenta, and your baby’s immature liver has difficulty breaking it down. As such, infants are more likely to experience side effects from amounts of caffeine that would otherwise be considered safe for adults.
Research suggests that infants exposed to too much caffeine during pregnancy may have a higher risk of being born preterm or with a low birth weight or birth defects. High caffeine intake during pregnancy may also increase the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth (7, 8, 9).
These risks appear minimal when pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to a maximum of 300 mg per day (8).
However, some women’s genetics may make them more sensitive to the ill effects of caffeine. For instance, research suggests that this small proportion of women may have a 2.4 times higher risk of miscarriage when consuming 100–300 mg of caffeine per day (8).
Caffeinated teas contain less caffeine than coffee and are generally considered safe to drink during pregnancy. However, their intake may need to be limited to avoid consuming too much caffeine per day (10, 11).
summaryBlack, green, matcha, oolong, white, and chai teas contain caffeine, a stimulant that should be limited during pregnancy. Although they’re generally safe, women may benefit from limiting their daily intake of these caffeinated teas during pregnancy.
Herbal teas are made from dried fruits, flowers, spices, or herbs and therefore contain no caffeine. However, they may contain other compounds considered unsafe during pregnancy, which may result in risky side effects.
Miscarriage or preterm labor
Teas that may increase your risk of miscarriage or preterm labor include (11, 12, 13, 14, 15):
- fennel
- fenugreek
- sage
- vervain
- borage
- pennyroyal
- licorice
- thyme
- motherwort
- lovage
- blue cohosh
- black cohosh
- frankincense (in large amounts)
- chamomile (in large amounts)
Teas that may stimulate or increase menstrual bleeding include (12, 16, 17):
- motherwort
- lovage
- frankincense
Birth defects
Teas that may increase the risk of birth defects include (12):
- motherwort
- borage
Other side effects
Moreover, in rare cases, eucalyptus tea may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. What’s more, a case report suggests that regularly drinking chamomile tea during pregnancy may result in poor blood flow through a baby’s heart (1, 12).
Certain herbal teas may also contain compounds that interact with medications. Therefore, pregnant women should inform their healthcare providers of any herbal teas they are currently consuming or planning on consuming at any time during pregnancy (1).
Keep in mind that, due to the limited amount of research on the safety of herbal teas, a lack of evidence of negative side effects shouldn’t be seen as proof that the tea is safe to drink during pregnancy.
Until more is known, it may be best for pregnant women to remain cautious and avoid drinking any teas that have not yet been shown to be likely safe during pregnancy (18).
summaryCertain herbal teas may be linked to a higher risk of upset stomach, menstrual bleeding, miscarriage, birth defects, or preterm birth. Pregnant women may benefit from avoiding all teas not yet deemed as likely safe for pregnancy.
Teas are not strictly tested or regulated. This means that women may be inadvertently drinking teas contaminated with unwanted compounds, such as heavy metals (19, 20).
For instance, one study tested common off-the-shelf black, green, white, and oolong teas. It found that 20% of all samples were contaminated with aluminum. Moreover, 73% of all samples contained lead levels considered unsafe during pregnancy (21).
In another study, women with the highest intake of green and herbal teas during the first trimester of pregnancy had 6–14% higher blood lead levels than those who drank the least. That said, all blood lead levels remained within the normal range (20).
Due to the lack of regulation, there’s also a risk of herbal teas containing ingredients not listed on the label. This increases the risk that pregnant women end up inadvertently consuming a tea tainted with an undesirable herb, such as the ones listed above.
It’s currently impossible to eliminate this risk. However, you may somewhat minimize it by only purchasing teas from reputable brands.
What’s more, it’s likely best to avoid purchasing teas in bulk, as they have a higher risk of becoming mixed with tea leaves that may be contraindicated during pregnancy from adjacent bulk bins.
summaryThe manufacturing of teas is not regulated. As a result, teas may become tainted with unwanted compounds, such as heavy metals or herbs that have been linked to poor pregnancy outcomes.
Most caffeinated teas are considered safe to drink during pregnancy, as long as they do not cause a woman’s total daily caffeine intake to exceed 300 mg (8, 11).
Women who are particularly sensitive to caffeine may benefit from aiming for a maximum of 100 mg of caffeine per day (8).
When it comes to herbal teas, there’s not a lot of research regarding their effects during pregnancy. As such, most health professionals advise pregnant women to avoid consuming any herb in amounts greater than you would find in foods (1, 12, 18).
That said, according to a few studies, herbal teas containing the following ingredients may be safe to consume during pregnancy:
- Raspberry leaf. This tea is considered likely safe and believed to shorten labor and help prepare the uterus for birth.
Research shows that it may shorten the length of the second stage of labor, but only by about 10 minutes (11, 22). - Peppermint. This tea is considered likely safe and commonly used to help relieve gas, nausea, stomach pain, or heartburn. However, no studies could be found to support these benefits (12).
- Ginger. Ginger is one of the most studied herb remedies during pregnancy and considered possibly safe. Research suggests it reduces nausea and vomiting but, when consumed dried, should not exceed 1 gram per day (1, 12).
- Lemon balm. This tea is considered possibly safe and commonly used to relieve anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. However, no study could be found to support these uses, and its safety hasn’t been studied in pregnancy (11).
Although generally considered safe, raspberry leaf may promote uterine contractions while peppermint may stimulate menstrual flow. Therefore, there’s some controversy regarding whether these teas are safe during the first trimester of pregnancy (12, 23).
Therefore, it may be best to avoid drinking these two teas in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
summaryHerbal teas considered to be possibly safe or likely safe during pregnancy include raspberry leaf, peppermint, ginger, and lemon balm teas. However, it may be best to avoid raspberry leaf and peppermint teas in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Despite their widespread popularity, not all teas are deemed safe for pregnancy.
Caffeinated teas like black, green, white, matcha, and chai teas are generally considered safe. However, their intake may need to be limited to avoid ingesting excessive amounts of caffeine.
Most herbal teas should be avoided. Raspberry leaf, peppermint, ginger, and lemon balm tea are the only ones currently deemed as potentially safe. However, women may benefit from avoiding the first two during their first trimester of pregnancy.
Can you drink black tea during pregnancy?
Black tea is a beverage with many health benefits that many French people enjoy in their daily lives.
It has an aroma, a taste, an intense colour and is rich in antioxidants.
But can you drink black tea during an event as exceptional as pregnancy? When a woman is pregnant, she generally has to change her eating habits to preserve the health of her baby. It is therefore difficult to find your way through the list of permitted and prohibited foods and drinks. We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor for advice.
Can you drink black tea during pregnancy? Can a pregnant woman drink a cup of tea without risk? If so, in what quantity? We tell you more.
The health benefits of black tea
Black tea leaves undergo greater oxidation than other types of tea (green and white teas) and therefore have a stronger flavour. Note that black tea does not necessarily have more theine than green tea.
Focus on the caffeine in tea: theine
The caffeine in tea, theine, is said to stimulate the central nervous system and cardiovascular system, but without inducing a feeling of excitement like coffee.
Yes, tea is considered to be a stimulant, whereas coffee is a member of the stimulant family. That is why coffee should be avoided during pregnancy. For black tea, we recommend that you consult your doctor about its consumption. If your doctor authorises it, it should be consumed in moderation!
Black tea, rich in L-Theanine
The presence of L-theanine (an amino acid) is said to have relaxing effects on the body, calming the nerves and helping to get rid of stress.
Black tea, a powerful antioxidant
Black tea, rich in antioxidants, is also said to improve blood circulation and may help digestion.
But can you drink it during pregnancy?
Black tea during pregnancy
Drink in moderation and on medical advice
During pregnancy, certain foods and drinks should be consumed in moderation.
For example, it is very important to control the portion size of each food and drink containing caffeine.
Remember that chocolate and some soft drinks also contain caffeine...
Although pregnant women are not categorically advised against drinking black tea, it is strongly recommended that they control their consumption and seek medical advice before drinking.
It is indeed important to take into account the effects that tea can have on the body of a pregnant woman during pregnancy in case of excessive consumption (anemia, hypertension, insomnia...).
Official recommendations on caffeine consumption
The Santé Publique France website states that the amount of caffeine in tea is half that in coffee.
If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to consult your doctor and replace the tea with rooibos, an infusion or an herbal tea that is free of caffeine. This way you can be sure that you are not taking any risks during your pregnancy.
Alternatives to black tea for pregnant women
Rooibos, herbal tea and infusions
Herbal teas and rooibos are good alternatives for black tea lovers during pregnancy.
Why? Because they are soothing, caffeine-free drinks. They do not affect sleep or nervousness levels and are suitable for any time of the day. Verbena, lime blossom and chamomile are your allies.
The option of decaffeinated tea
Detoxified tea is also a good alternative. It's very easy to de-tea your tea: simply steep your tea once in hot water, then discard it and repeat the process a second time. Why? The caffeine is released during the first 30 seconds of the infusion.
Kusmi Tea, an organic black tea made in France
Enjoy every moment of your pregnancy by tasting our delicious infusions made in our workshops in Normandy. As part of our commitment to sustainable agriculture and a healthy lifestyle, all our products are certified organic.
Although black tea has many virtues, it is important to limit its daily consumption during your pregnancy.
You should take into account your doctor's recommendations, as caffeine can be harmful if consumed in excessive quantities. For a moment of well-being, discover our range of Kusmi Tea infusions.
Read also on the same theme :
Can you drink black tea while breastfeeding?
Drinking too much black tea
Does black tea have an impact on anemia?
Is black tea good for digestion and the stomach?
Does drinking black tea reduce anxiety and stress?
Does black tea have a positive effect on water retention?
Does black tea help to lose weight or calories?
Is it possible to drink tea during pregnancy, contraindications Articles about tea
« Back Is tea good for pregnancy? 17. 06.2020 21:23 Content:
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This caffeine-free health drink is beneficial for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. Comments
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Is it possible to drink tea during pregnancy and which varieties to pay special attention to - an article on STK
During pregnancy, women have many questions about what they can and cannot do. Including many, it is important to know how to build their relationship with tea during an interesting situation. What is the best tea for pregnant women? How much and when? In this article, we have collected all the most important information regarding this issue.
Classic tea during pregnancy (black, green, pu-erh, etc.) is 200-300 mg per day. Of course, no one carries a special tea calculator in their pocket, and calculating exactly how much caffeine you get with each cup is quite difficult. That is why it is better to brew black tea weakly (by pouring for 10-15 seconds) or diluted with more water (if you prefer this method of preparation).
The same rules apply for those who like to drink green tea, as well as white, yellow, oolong and pu-erh. There is no less caffeine in these types of tea than in classic black (and even more in matcha). General medical advice for healthy women comes down to the advice not to drink more than 3 cups of regular tea made from the leaves of the tea bush.
Caffeine can easily cross the placenta and the baby's immature liver has difficulty breaking it down. Thus, infants are more likely to experience side effects from amounts of caffeine that would be considered safe for adults.
It is important to remember that caffeine is also found in many carbonated drinks, chocolate, cocoa and coffee itself. Therefore, when measuring for yourself the allowable amount of tea, consider other products that you consume per day.
Pregnancy tisanes
If you can give up traditional tea without compromising your quality of life and mood, consider other types of drinks.
The undisputed leader in this hit parade is rooibos - tisane, which does not contain caffeine and is allowed for both pregnant and lactating women, as well as children.
Hibiscus, kuqiao, anchan and ivan tea are also considered safe, but, like any herbal drinks, these tisanes should be alternated without getting carried away by any one type.
Herbal teas for pregnant women (herbal teas)
Although it is common to think that herbal teas are more beneficial for pregnant women than classic ones, this is actually a very controversial issue. As with the traditional tea leaf, a pregnant woman should use any herbal drink in moderation, as even the safest plants in large quantities can harm the baby.
The most useful herbal tea for pregnant women
You may be surprised, but this tea is made from raspberry leaves. Medical studies have shown that red raspberry leaf can be safely consumed during pregnancy. Many midwives and herbalists believe that regular consumption of raspberry leaf tea can help prevent pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, preterm labor, prolonged labor and postpartum hemorrhage, as well as reduce the duration of labor and the number of interventions used, including caesarean section.
. In addition, raspberry leaf helps prevent too early or too late delivery.
Teas for toxemia
For many women in the early stages of pregnancy (and sometimes longer) it is very important to find their own way to cope with nausea caused by toxemia. Properly selected tea can be a good way to solve this problem.
Tea with mint
The fresh cool aroma of mint becomes a real salvation for many pregnant women during toxicosis - the essential oils of this plant can alleviate the symptoms of the disease. Not recommended in the first trimester.
Ginger tea
Ginger root helps to relieve nausea and vomiting, it is also considered the first aid in toxicosis. Use with caution if you have stomach problems.
Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is also good for women suffering from toxicosis, and in addition, it has a positive effect on the nervous system and helps with thrush. Despite the fact that it is considered useful for pregnant women, you should not get carried away with it - an overdose can have an abortive effect.
Healthy supplements for tea
It is very important for a pregnant woman to get the maximum amount of nutrients per day (without fanaticism, of course). That is why adding a little honey, berries or fruits to your tea can be a good idea.
Tea with lemon
This tea is worth drinking to prevent the symptoms of toxicosis and to strengthen the immune system in general. Not recommended if a woman has stomach problems (gastritis, heartburn, etc.).
Tea with honey
A spoonful of honey will always make your drink better and healthier (at least if you are not allergic to honey components). It is a good source of antioxidants, natural prebiotic and antibacterial.
Tea with berries
Raspberries, cranberries, sea buckthorn, currants, strawberries - you can continue this list according to your taste. By adding berries to tea, you enrich it with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Which tea should not be drunk by pregnant women?
According to doctors, women should beware of the use of teas, which are largely contained by the following plants:
-
Cencé
-
Verbena
-
Cucumber
thyme -
motherwort
-
lovage
-
ginseng
-
celandine
-
sagan-daila
These plants have abortive properties or can harm the baby (delayed development, risk of intrauterine defects).
