Should Pregnant Women Take Tea in Pregnancy and what type of tea should be preferred. Gynecologist in Noida explains

Should I take Tea During Pregnancy? Which type of tea I should prefer? Get answer from a reputed Gynecologist, Dr Uma Mishra.

Tea is one of the most commonly consumed beverages around the world. Pregnant women often wonder whether tea is safe for them to consume and which types of tea are best during pregnancy. In this article, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of drinking tea during pregnancy and which type of tea is most suitable for pregnant women. First of all, taking tea in moderation, especially green tea is acceptable in pregnancy except when contraindicated especially in some cases.

Advantages of tea during pregnancy:

• Reduces stress and anxiety: Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and tea has been shown to have calming properties that can help reduce stress and anxiety.

• Provides hydration: Drinking tea can help keep pregnant women hydrated, which is essential during pregnancy.

• Boosts the immune system: Some teas, such as green tea, contain antioxidants that can help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infections.

• Relieves morning sickness: Ginger tea is a natural remedy for morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy.

• Improves digestion: Peppermint tea is known to aid digestion and can help relieve constipation, a common problem during pregnancy.

Disadvantages of tea during pregnancy:

• Contains caffeine: Many types of tea contain caffeine, which is not recommended during pregnancy. High caffeine intake during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight and other health problems in babies.

• Can interfere with iron absorption: Tannins found in tea can interfere with the absorption of iron, a vital nutrient during pregnancy.

• May increase the risk of miscarriage: Some studies suggest that high caffeine intake during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage.

Which type of tea is best during pregnancy?

• Herbal tea: Herbal tea, such as chamomile, ginger, and peppermint, are safe to consume during pregnancy. These teas are caffeine-free and provide various health benefits.

• Green tea: Green tea is another safe option for pregnant women, but it contains caffeine, which should be consumed in moderation. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and can help boost the immune system.

• Black tea: Black tea contains caffeine and should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy. It is also rich in antioxidants and can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Should pregnant women consume tea with milk or without milk?

Pregnant women can consume tea with or without milk, depending on their preference. However, it is essential to note that the calcium in milk can interfere with the absorption of antioxidants found in tea. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid adding milk to tea.

Should pregnant women consume tea with ginger or without ginger?

Ginger tea is a safe and natural remedy for morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy. Pregnant women can consume tea with ginger to alleviate these symptoms.

As a conclusion, tea can provide various health benefits for pregnant women, such as reducing stress, boosting the immune system, and relieving morning sickness. However, pregnant women should consume tea in moderation and choose caffeine-free options, such as herbal tea, to avoid any potential risks. Pregnant women can consume tea with or without milk, but it is recommended to avoid adding milk to tea to maximize the absorption of antioxidants. Ginger tea is a safe and natural remedy for morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy.

References:

1. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2010). Nutrition during pregnancy. https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/pregnancy/nutrition-during-pregnancy

2. National Institutes of Health. (2020). Iron. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/

3. Klaiber-Ergen, W. F., & Ketchum, N. S. (2018). A review of the efficacy and safety of green tea catechins in cardiovascular disease, cancer, and liver disease: A review of the literature. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5946303/

4. Zhou, S. S., & Zhou, Y. M. (2017). Green tea polyphenols and iron metabolism. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 61(6), 1600955. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201600955

5. Cabrera, C., Artacho, R., & Giménez, R. (2006). Beneficial effects of green tea: A review. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 25(2), 79-99. doi:10.1080/07315724.2006.10719518

6. Norwitz, E. R., & Schust, D. J. (2020). Overview of the etiology and evaluation of vaginal bleeding in pregnant women. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/overview-of-the-etiology-and-evaluation-of-vaginal-bleeding-in-pregnant-women