Benefits of Drinking Tea During Pregnancy
Drinking herbal teas during pregnancy is certainly a wise choice when compared with caffeinated beverages.
Caffeinated drinks have a diuretic effect, reduce nutrient absorption and deplete the adrenal glands.
Meanwhile, herbal teas hydrate, provide easily assimilated nutrients and feed the body during pregnancy. They are also packed with antioxidants and vitamin C which helps lower your anxiety and stress levels. Various types of herbal teas can also reduce morning sickness symptoms and even prepare the uterus for labour!
The Safe Tea List
1. Ginger Tea
2. Nettle Tea
3. Raspberry Leaf Tea
4. Dandelion Leaf Tea
5. Peppermint Tea
6. Rooibos Tea
Teas To Avoid During Pregnancy
According to research, caffeine consumption during pregnancy (particularly over has 200mg) has been directly linked with reduced birth weights. According to this study:
“Caffeine is rapidly absorbed and crosses the placenta freely. After ingestion of 200 mg caffeine, intervillous blood flow in the placenta was found to be reduced by 25%. Cytochrome P450 1A2, the principal enzyme involved in caffeine metabolism, is absent in the placenta and the fetus.”
BMC Central has published research this year (2013) which again produced results showing that caffeine is implicated with low birth weight. They found that for a baby expected to be of average birth weight (3.6kg), it equated to a loss of 21-28 grams per 100mg of caffeine consumed per day. Caffeine also extended the length of pregnancy by 5 hours per 100mg of caffeine per day, however if you’re also a coffee drinker the news is even worse! Coffee was associated with an even longer pregnancy – 8 hours longer for every 100mg of caffeine per day.
This research illustrates the importance of keeping an eye on your caffeine consumption during pregnancy. For this reason, teas that are particularly high in caffeine should be restricted while you are pregnant.
- Inputs from Dr Priyamvada Senior InfertilitySpecialist, Genesis IVF
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