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When you're expecting, it feels like the list of things to avoid grows longer by the day. Coffee, soft cheese, sushi—many of your favourite treats suddenly come with warning labels. But what about that comforting cuppa? If you're a tea lover wondering whether your daily brew is still on the menu, you're not alone.
At Myrtle & Maude, we understand the importance of making informed choices during pregnancy. That's why we've formulated our range of organic pregnancy teas with the guidance of expert herbalists who specialise in supporting women through their pregnancy journey.
Let's explore what you need to know about drinking tea during pregnancy, from caffeine concerns to beneficial herbal options that might actually support your wellbeing during these precious nine months.
That morning cuppa might be your ritual, but when you're pregnant, it's important to understand how caffeine affects both you and your baby.
Caffeine is a stimulant that crosses the placenta to your baby. While your body can process caffeine efficiently, your baby's developing system processes it much more slowly. This means caffeine can accumulate in your baby's bloodstream and potentially affect their heart rate and sleep patterns.
Research has shown that high caffeine consumption during pregnancy may be associated with:
The NHS and most international health organisations recommend limiting caffeine intake to 200mg per day during pregnancy. To put this in perspective:
Dr. Jane Thompson, Consultant Obstetrician at London Women's Health Clinic, explains: "Moderate caffeine consumption within guidelines is generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, every pregnancy is unique, and some women may be more sensitive to caffeine than others." [1]
Many pregnant women don't realise how quickly caffeine can add up throughout the day. A morning tea, a midday chocolate bar, and an afternoon cuppa can push you over the recommended limit before you know it.
Consider keeping a simple caffeine diary for a few days to get a realistic picture of your intake. Many pregnancy apps now include caffeine trackers to help you stay within safe limits. (Or if you can take it out of your diet completely so you don’t require to track and seek alternative non caffeine drinks)
The good news? Not all teas contain caffeine, and many herbal options offer potential benefits during pregnancy. Here's what you should know about herbal teas during pregnancy:
Ginger Tea: A time-honoured remedy for morning sickness, ginger has been shown in multiple studies to help reduce nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. A 2014 review published in the journal Nutrition found that ginger significantly improved symptoms of nausea when compared to placebo. [2]
Myrtle & Maude pregnancy tea range - Organic certified, Vegan certified, Natural solutions with biodegradable tea bags
Raspberry Leaf Tea: Traditionally used in the third trimester (from week 32), raspberry leaf tea has been associated with strengthening the uterine muscles and potentially easing labour. It's important to note that raspberry leaf tea is generally not recommended during the first two trimesters. Myrtle & Maude Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea - Traditionally used in the third trimester to tone the uterus
Other Teas that are typically safe in Pregnancy
Peppermint Tea: Helpful for digestive discomfort and heartburn, which are common pregnancy complaints. [BUY HERE]
Rooibos Tea: Naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, making it an excellent alternative to regular tea.
Lemon Balm Tea: May help with relaxation and sleep challenges during pregnancy.
At Myrtle & Maude, our pregnancy tea range is formulated by expert herbalists specifically for the pregnancy journey. Our Morning Sickness Tea combines ginger with lemon balm for natural relief, while our Raspberry Leaf Tea is perfect for those final weeks of pregnancy.
Quality Matters
When selecting herbal teas during pregnancy, quality becomes even more important.
Look for:
Remember that "natural" doesn't automatically mean "safe for pregnancy." Always check with your midwife or doctor about specific herbal teas, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
While many teas can be safely enjoyed during pregnancy, there are some that should be approached with caution or avoided entirely:
Chamomile Tea: Though often recommended for sleep, some medical professionals advise limiting chamomile during pregnancy due to its mild uterine stimulant effects.
Hibiscus Tea: Contains compounds that might affect hormonal activity. Most experts recommend avoiding it during pregnancy.
Liquorice (Licorice) Tea: Contains glycyrrhizin, which has been linked to preterm birth in some studies.
Sage Tea: May affect blood pressure and potentially impact milk supply later.
Some herbal teas contain compounds that could stimulate the uterus or potentially affect development:
Black Cohosh Tea: Black cohosh stimulates uterine contractions and has been linked to premature labor, making it unsafe during pregnancy.
Blue Cohosh Tea: Blue cohosh contains compounds that can increase blood pressure and heart rate in both mother and baby, potentially causing serious cardiovascular complications.
Dong Quai Tea: Dong quai has blood-thinning properties and can stimulate uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage and excessive bleeding.
Pennyroyal Tea: Pennyroyal contains pulegone, a highly toxic compound that can cause liver and kidney damage and has been associated with miscarriage.
Thyme Tea (in large amounts): In large quantities, thyme can stimulate menstrual flow and potentially affect hormone levels, risking pregnancy complications.
Parsley Tea (in large amounts): Concentrated parsley tea contains compounds that stimulate uterine contractions and has historically been used to induce miscarriage when consumed in large amounts.
Black, green, white, and oolong teas all contain caffeine, though in varying amounts. They can be enjoyed in moderation during pregnancy, keeping within the recommended 200mg daily caffeine limit.
If you're a dedicated tea drinker who typically enjoys multiple cups throughout the day, consider these approaches:
Tea can remain a comforting ritual during pregnancy with a few thoughtful adjustments:
Tea time can be more than just a beverage—it can be a moment of mindfulness and self-care during pregnancy:
Fun Pregnancy Facts
Did you know? The amount of blood in your body increases by about 50% during pregnancy, requiring you to stay well-hydrated throughout those nine months.
Source: Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists [3]
Most pregnancy-safe herbal teas can be enjoyed daily in moderation. However, it's best to rotate between different herbal teas rather than drinking large quantities of any single variety. This reduces the risk of overexposure to any particular plant compounds. As always, discuss your tea consumption with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or take medications.
Raspberry leaf tea has been traditionally used for centuries to prepare the uterus for labour. Some small studies suggest it may help shorten the second stage of labour and reduce the need for interventions, but the evidence is not conclusive. If you're interested in trying raspberry leaf tea, most midwives recommend waiting until 32 weeks and starting with one cup a day, gradually increasing to no more than three cups daily.
Ginger tea is one of the most well-researched natural remedies for morning sickness, with multiple studies supporting its effectiveness. Myrtle & Maude's Morning Sickness Tea combines organic ginger with lemon balm for a soothing effect. Some women also find that the simple act of sipping warm (not hot) tea can help settle their stomachs, regardless of the variety.
Black, green and some herbal teas contain compounds called tannins that can inhibit iron absorption. With iron deficiency being common in pregnancy, it's wise to separate your tea drinking from your iron-rich meals or supplements by at least an hour. This is less of a concern with many herbal teas that are naturally low in tannins.
Decaffeinated tea is not 100% caffeine-free but contains very small amounts—typically about 2-5mg per cup compared to 40-50mg in regular black tea. This makes it a good option for pregnant women who enjoy the taste of traditional tea but want to minimize caffeine intake. Look for naturally decaffeinated teas that use the CO2 or water process rather than chemical solvents.
Tea can absolutely remain part of your pregnancy journey with some thoughtful adjustments and informed choices. Whether you're managing morning sickness with ginger tea, preparing for labour with raspberry leaf tea in your third trimester, or simply enjoying the comfort of a warm cup between your hands, tea offers both pleasure and potential benefits during pregnancy.
At Myrtle & Maude, we're committed to supporting women through every stage of their pregnancy journey with organic, vegan-certified teas formulated specifically for pregnancy needs. Our biodegradable tea bags and commitment to natural solutions mean you can enjoy your daily cuppa knowing you're making a choice that's good for both you and your baby.
Remember that every pregnancy is unique, and what works wonderfully for one woman may not be right for another. Always discuss your tea consumption with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or particular health concerns.
Here's to nine months of well-informed, comforting cups of tea as you prepare to welcome your little one!
[1] Thompson, J. (2023). "Nutrition Guidelines for Pregnancy." London Women's Health Clinic. https://www.londonwomenshealthclinic.org/nutrition-pregnancy
[2] Viljoen, E., et al. (2014). "A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect and safety of ginger in the treatment of pregnancy-associated nausea and vomiting." Nutrition Journal, 13(20). https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-13-20
[3] Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. (2022). "Your Body in Pregnancy." Patient Information Leaflet. https://www.rcog.org.uk/for-the-public/pregnancy/your-body-in-pregnancy/
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Every pregnancy is unique, and individual needs may vary. While we strive to provide accurate information based on current research, we are not healthcare providers. Always consult with your midwife, obstetrician, or healthcare provider before making changes to your diet during pregnancy or trying new herbal remedies. The herbs and teas mentioned in this article may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with high-risk pregnancies, pre-existing medical conditions, or those taking medications. Myrtle & Maude products are food supplements and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
