Pregnancy is a time when the body has several cravings and temptations, but one needs to know what is good and what is bad for the mom and the child. While, there has been a lot of talk about what food to eat and what food to avoid, women have always considered herbal teas to be safe. But, now, there is a lot of research and studies which proves that drinking caffeinated drinks while being pregnant, might not go down well with the baby. But, how does one know which drink is good and which is bad? While herbal teas are supposedly good for the body, there are a few herbal teas, which should definitely be avoided during pregnancy.

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Statistics associated with caffeine drinks during pregnancy:

• As per research, drinking more than 200mg of caffeine during pregnancy can lead to reduced birth weight of the child.
• Every 100mg of caffeine consumed could lead to extension of pregnancy by almost 5 hours.

Why do people drink herbal tea?

Herbal tea has a therapeutic effect on the mind and the body. It can soothe the upset stomach, and can help in energizing and rejuvenating the mind and the soul. But, when there is a child in the tummy, this same tea might not prove to be as beneficial as it might seem. While some teas are still quite safe to consume, there are some, which might cause some problems for the mother and the child.

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11 Herbal Teas to Avoid During Pregnancy

There are some herbal teas, which have a high quantity of caffeine in them, and these should definitely be avoided:

1. Hibiscus herbal tea

This herbal tea is quite aromatic and rejuvenating, but the root extracts in the tea might end up interfering with the oestrogen levels in the body, and can prevent implantation. This tea should definitely be avoided during the first trimester, as it can deeply impact the hormonal activities.

2. Ephedra/Ma Huang tea

This herbal tea contains alkaloids related to ephedrine, which can lead to an increase in the blood pressure. Also, it can increase the heart rate and stimulate the uterine muscles.

3. Blue and Black Cohosh tea

These herbs are known to induce labour, so the pregnant ladies should avoid this herbal tea, as it might lead to premature birth.

4. Don Quai

This is an herbal tea, which can stimulate the uterus, and is usually prescribed for easing out problems related to menstruation. Due to this reason, this is another herbal tea to be avoided during pregnancy.

5. Green Tea

Though, green tea is considered to be the most popular herbal tea, it is not all that good for the expectant mother. It contains a high amount of caffeine, which is known to reduce the absorption of folic acid. If you are addicted to green tea, try to limit yourself to a maximum of one cup every day. Or, try getting a tea, which is free of caffeine, and that should be alright for you and your baby.

6. Lemongrass

Though, lemongrass is supposedly a fantastic herb and is quite popular for making herbal tea, the herb can prove to be dangerous for the pregnant ladies. This is because it can decrease the blood pressure and can cause contraction in uterus.

7. Ginseng

Ginseng is another herb, which might turn detrimental for the foetus. It can cause problems with the foetal growth, especially if it is taken in the first trimester.

8. Liquorice Root

Though, this root has wonderful herbal properties, it has some ill effects of oestrogen, which might not be good for the pregnant lady. Estrogen is a female hormone, which can lead to premature labour.

9. Pennroyal

Pennroyal is an herb, which has been used for many centuries, for regulating the menstrual problems. But, this is can also cause miscarriage, which is one of its bad side effects. And, it can lead to damages to liver and kidneys.

10. John’s Wort

This is one anti-depressant herb, which can wade away all the depressions and stress. But, is it safe for the mother and the baby inside? The answer is not very conclusive, but as per some of the studies, it might cause birth defects in the child and stimulus to the uterus. It is better to be safe than to be sorry, especially when you know about the side effects.

11. Yarrow

This is a muscle relaxant herb, but is strongly linked with miscarriage. It would be better for the lady not to have this herbal tea, while she is carrying.

These were some of the herbs, which should be avoided during pregnancy. Though, herbal teas are supposed to be very good for the system, it might cause more harm than good, while one is expecting. It would be good for the pregnant lady to exercise some caution, while she is carrying. After all, it is only a matter of 40 weeks, which will get over in a jiffy, and she can continue to have her favourite drinks, once she has delivered. So, before you drink or eat anything, just be careful and check the label out carefully.

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Other herbs to be avoided during pregnancy

Some of the other herbs that you should avoid during pregnancy include: Anise, aloe vera, alfalfa, agrimony, barberry, bloodroot, calendula, catnip, celery, cinnamon, chamomile, fennel, fenugreek, ginkgo, juniper berry, mistletoe, nutmeg, oregano, etc. Try to avoid these or have them in moderate amount.

We wish you a healthy pregnancy, and we hope that nothing endangers the child in the womb. Do things in moderation, and exercise a positive outlook, which will make you feel much better about things, and the 40 weeks will get over sooner than you thought or dreaded. There are some herbal teas, which will calm you, your nerves and your tummy, but just be careful about what herbs you use. Check with your doctor before you sip your next cup of herbal tea.

References:

https://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancy/herbal-teas-to-avoid-during-pregnancy/

https://koalabubs.com.au/blogs/magazine/tea-two-herbal-teas-avoid-pregnancy