Herbal Tea during pregancy?

[Daynee]

Hey ladies: I was just wondering if herbal tea is okay to drink while I'm preggers. I normally drink chamomile tea, and green tea as well. Any advice?

[NewbeeMummy]

I've been drinking Rooibos tea, I was told by a South African Dr who is a close family friend that it was ok.

Have to admit to having stayed clear of any other herbal teas as I just didn't want to rick it.

Have been making decaf iced tea with lemon and honey which is a nice alternative in this hot weather.

[BeckyBook]

Hi
I'm a herbalist. Most of your supermarket-variety herbal teas are perfectly safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I don't recommend raspberry leaf tea until 12 weeks, although there is no clinical evidence that it is unsafe at any point.
Chamomile is perfectly fine. Green tea does contain caffeine, so bear that in mind if you want to avoid caffeine during your pregnancy (some women do, some don't). If you like green tea try white tea - very high antioxidant levels, similar taste although less bitter. Rooibos is also a high antioxidant caffeine-free tea with a lovely flavour.
closer to birth you can start taking some of the galactagogue (milk-increasing) teas like fenugreek and fennel. They have a strong but not unpleasant flavour.
Be aware that liquorice tea has the theoretical potential to increase blood pressure. I would avoid that if you are at risk of pre-eclampsia.
Good luck with your pregnancy and continue to enjoy your tea {smile}

[orangehead]

Beckybook is fennel ok in early pregnancy? It is what I drink most of the time now and ttc.
I found fennel brilliant for reducing swollen ankles after birth of ds2

[Freyfreysmum]

FYI Raspberry leaf tea had no effect on me first time round lol, I drank it all the way through pregnancy. Also drank Rooibos, and various others - wouldnt worry about it at all! x

[Daynee]

Thank you ladies - I appreciate the wonderful info. I'm headed out to the store now!