HELP! What tea can I drink?

caleighjean

Hi ladies,

Before I was pregnant, I used to drink tea ALL THE TIME - but I've been nervous about it's effect on the pregnancy, so I've been avoiding it all together.  I feel like I hear all sorts of conflicting information on the internet about what's safe and what's not, so I'm hoping to find a straight answer here.  

I already know that herbal teas are out, but it seems like all non herbal teas are caffeinated (I can't have caffeine), so I feel backed into a corner.  Does anyone have any insight on this?  Maybe a specific type/brand of tea you can recommend that would be safe?  I've read practically every article I can find, and it's no help at all!

Any help would be appreciated!  

TheyCalledHerKate

I only drink pure peppermint tea now. I don't feel other herbs have been studied enough in pregnancy.

BabyBowers2013

caleighjean:

Hi ladies,

Before I was pregnant, I used to drink tea ALL THE TIME - but I've been nervous about it's effect on the pregnancy, so I've been avoiding it all together.  I feel like I hear all sorts of conflicting information on the internet about what's safe and what's not, so I'm hoping to find a straight answer here.  

I already know that herbal teas are out, but it seems like all non herbal teas are caffeinated (I can't have caffeine), so I feel backed into a corner.  Does anyone have any insight on this?  Maybe a specific type/brand of tea you can recommend that would be safe?  I've read practically every article I can find, and it's no help at all!

Any help would be appreciated!  

Tea is the only thing I drink besides milk & water. I haven't had pop in 6+ years! I've been drinking decaff green tea & I do still get unsweetened tea. I am going to ask my doc how much caffeine is ok since I've heard several different answers as well. I only have tea though a couple times a week if even, so I don't worry too much! I figure if women drink wine daily while pregnant tea won't hurt a couple times a week ;-) Not that I was much help, but just thought I'd let you know what I do since I love tea as well!! 

pepomntpat

Herbal teas are not out.  Some herbs may be dangerous in pregnancy, but you won't find most in a tea bag from Celestial Seasonings.  I also drink red raspberry leaf tea almost every day.  

Regular tea-black or green is also fine. Much less caffeine than coffee and up to 300 mg a day is safe. 

PrimRoseMama

You can drink black tea.

Herbal teas are only an issue in medicinal amounts. Meaning, highly concentrated and taken in very intense doses over the course of the day. Most commercial herbal teas are perfectly fine to consume once or twice a day.

I'm just curious why you can't have caffeine?

When in doubt, hot water with lemon and honey is really great. You can even add milk for a sleepy time treat.

bananatiff

TheyCalledHerKate:

I only drink pure peppermint tea now. I don't feel other herbs have been studied enough in pregnancy.

This.  And once I get to 33-34 weeks, I'll slowly add in red raspberry leaf tea. 

caleighjean

Oh, no specific reason - just every time I have caffeinated beverages, it makes me sick (nauseated, headaches, etc) so I avoid it.

Thanks everyone for all the advice! 

ScarletOflaherty

If it's a tea you can buy in the grocery store, it's safe.

Aiylin

Talked to my doctor about this and she would stick to peppermint and chammomile. Wouldn't do any others-precisely because they haven't been studied sufficiently during pregnancy.

JBMarq3

I'll drink any tea! I like decaf green and lemon zinger! I do both of them in the same cup with a spoon full of honey!!

avcs302008

I buy fresh mint leaves and boil hot water , let it steep and it is a nice peppermint tea!  you could do it with vanilla bean, lemon, etc...

TheyCalledHerKate

It should also be noted that green tea reduces folic acid absorption. If you do choose to drink it during pregnancy, don't do so close to the time you take your prenatal vitamin.

Carnation77

I personally like black teas.  I drink decaf Earl Grey and Red Rose teas.  They still probably have a few milligrams of caffeine (3-5) but it's extremely low compared to the normal 30-50 mg's of caffeine normally found in a cup of tea.

Jasmineeelizabeth

Aiylin:

Talked to my doctor about this and she would stick to peppermint and chammomile. Wouldn't do any others-precisely because they haven't been studied sufficiently during pregnancy.

I thought camomile was a no no?

imoan

I drink decaf Earl Gray a lot and peppermint (naturally decaf).  But yes, any of the herbs that are an issue would have to be taken in a stronger dose than you would ever get in a tea bag purchased in your local grocery store.

AlexisLA

Roobios tea is another one you can drink. It comes in some yummy flavors but I'd drink any tea in moderation, 1 or 2 cups a day.

HarleyKins

I drink Yogi Women's Mother to Be Tea. I read about it here on a board. I like it and you can get 6 boxes pretty cheap on amazon.