Tea in pregnancy

Eva Rudolf-Müller is a freelance writer in the medical team. She studied human medicine and newspaper sciences and has repeatedly worked in both areas - as a doctor in the clinic, as a reviewer, and as a medical journalist for various specialist journals. She is currently working in online journalism, where a wide range of medicine is offered to everyone.

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Tea is highly recommended during pregnancy: in addition to water and diluted fruit juices, herbal and fruit teas can cover the increased fluid requirement during this time. In winter, tea is also good for warming up, and in summer you can refresh yourself with a chilled tea. But are all types of tea allowed during pregnancy? Or should you avoid certain varieties? Read more about tea during pregnancy here.

Raspberry leaf tea

Many midwives recommend raspberry leaf tea during pregnancy. It is designed to loosen the tissues and muscles in the pelvic area, strengthen the uterus and stimulate the uterine muscles. Because of its labor-inducing effect, raspberry leaf tea should only be drunk regularly from the 35th week of pregnancy (in consultation with the midwife or gynecologist). Three to four cups are then allowed throughout the day.

Mint tea

Pregnancy is often accompanied by nausea and heartburn, at least at times. Mint tea can help here, because the essential oils of the plant have an antispasmodic effect on the stomach, intestines and the biliary tract. As with raspberry leaf tea, peppermint tea is also associated with the occurrence of uterine contractions when it is drunk in large quantities. So ask your midwife or doctor for advice first.

Sage tea

Pregnancy is often associated with indigestion. A cup of sage tea has an antispasmodic effect and calms the stomach and intestines. Sage tea should only be drunk in small quantities and under no circumstances over a long period of time. Otherwise, the tannin contained in sage (e.g. rosmarinic acid) and its contracting effect may cause the uterus to contract - premature labor and even premature births or miscarriages could not be ruled out. Sage also contains thujone, a substance that is toxic in high doses. If sage tea is medically necessary, the use must be discussed with the doctor.

ginger tea

Pregnancy is generally a phase in which, to be on the safe side, no type of tea should be drunk in large quantities or over a long period of time. This also applies to ginger tea: it is actually very helpful, as it relieves nausea, stomach upsets and vomiting. However, ginger is said to have a slight effect on labor, which is why ginger tea should not be drunk, especially from the third month of pregnancy.

Camomile tea

Pregnancy often makes women sleep poorly. A cup of chamomile tea can help and promote a peaceful sleep. Above all, chamomile is recommended for inflammatory or spasmodic gastrointestinal diseases, irritation, heartburn and gastric ulcers.

Black tea

Pregnancy is a time when women should only drink caffeinated beverages in moderation. In addition to coffee, these include black tea. The reason for the recommendation is the content of stimulating caffeine (formerly called tein), which also unfolds its effect on the unborn child. Black tea also affects the absorption of iron from food and promotes constipation. Therefore, drink a maximum of two to three cups a day.

Green tea

In contrast to black tea, green tea is not fermented. It contains numerous minerals and many bitter substances, which stimulate the production of bile and promote digestion. Due to the caffeine content, it has a general stimulating effect like black tea, but less strongly. In addition, the stimulating effect of green tea sets in less quickly. However, the same recommendation applies to the amount you drink: a maximum of two to three cups of green tea per day is allowed.

Pregnancy: Be careful with other types of tea

Caution should also be exercised with other types of tea during pregnancy. For example, pregnant women should not drink large quantities of fennel, anise and lemongrass tea for a long time. Because all plants contain substances which, in animal experiments, can cause cancer in high concentrations.

Other types of tea, such as raspberry leaf tea, should only be drunk in the last few weeks of pregnancy because they are also supposed to stimulate labor. This applies, for example, to infusions of blackberry leaves, yarrow, verbena, cumin, wormwood and lady's mantle.

In addition, pregnant women should not drink more than two to three cups of herbal tea blends with licorice root. Licorice root is found in liquorice and often in herbal tea as well. Its ingredient glycyrrhizin, in very high quantities, presumably increases the risk of premature birth.

Tea during pregnancy: variety and measure

As with food, the following also applies to tea during pregnancy: Provide variety - change the type of tea more often and do not drink the same tea in large quantities over a long period of time. This prevents possible undesirable effects. If you are unsure which tea and how much of it you should drink, you should contact your midwife or doctor!

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