There has been some controversy over the safety of pregnancy tea as a means to promote a healthy pregnancy. Alternative medicine practitioners believe that several herbal teas available are effective at supporting optimal pregnancy health. Nutrients often found in these teas include iron, calcium and magnesium. The concern with herbal teas is the lack of studies done with most herbs. Therefore the FDA advises caution when consuming herbal teas.

The best way to understand which teas are safe for pregnancy and which are not is to first look at the different types of tea available. There are two categories of tea: non-herbal and herbal teas.

Non-herbal teas can belong to three groups: green, oolong and black tea. These teas contain varying amounts of antioxidants and caffeine. Although the antioxidants in these teas can be beneficial for a healthy pregnancy, the caffeine content is high enough ( approximately 45mg) to be considered a health risk to your baby. Some recent studies claim that moderate caffeine intake from tea ( 3 or less cups a day) is considered safe, but it is best to be safe and avoid it all together.

Herbal teas do not contain caffeine so caffeine is not an issue when consuming them. Certain herbal teas are considered beneficial for pregnancy in reasonable amounts. Commercial brands available such as Celestial Seasonings state that they never use herbs considered to be dangerous and only use those from guidelines published by the FDA. Herbal teas considered to be unsafe are those made with herbs believed to be toxic or containing excessive amounts of various nutrients.

There are a number of teas available that are marketed as pregnancy tea because they are considered to be effective at preventing many pregnancy complications. Alternative care professionals believe that regular consumption of these teas may help with preterm labor, long term labor, postpartum hemorrhage and preeclampsia.

Red raspberry leaf is commonly used in pregnancy tea. Studies have shown that it is likely to be safe during pregnancy and can decrease the length of labor and seems to be effective in preventing early and late deliveries. Nutritional benefits include eased labor pains, increased milk production and the high iron content. Many pregnancy teas contain red raspberry because of its ability to promote uterine health during pregnancy. There is some debate over whether it should be used during the entire pregnancy so many health practitioners only recommend using it after the first trimester.

There are several other herbs that are often used because of their health benefits during pregnancy. Some are considered safe and some are considered questionable. They have been rated by the Natural Medicines Database. Common ingredients in pregnancy teas include Stinging Nettles which is rated likely unsafe, even though it is used in many pregnancy teas and is recommended by most herbalist and midwives. It is high in vitamin A, C, K, iron, potassium and calcium.

Alfalfa is rated possibly unsafe. It contains D, E, K and A. Considered particularly good to help prevent postpartum hemorrhage. Lemon balm is rated likely safe. It helps prevent insomnia, anxiety and irritability.  Peppermint leaf is rated likely safe. It helps relieve morning sickness, and flatulence. Ginger root is rated possibly safe. It helps relieve vomiting and nausea.

Yellow Dock is rated possibly unsafe. It is used to treat anemia and contains vitamin A, C and calcium. It can also be used as a laxative. Rosehips is rated insufficient reliable information available. It is a very good source of vitamin C and it boosts the immune system. German Chamomile is rated insufficient reliable information available. It is high in calcium and magnesium and also helps with inflammation of the joints and insomnia.

Dandelion is rated insufficient reliable information available. It is high in vitamin A, iron and calcium and helps nourish the liver and relieve mild anemia. As always, first consult with your healthcare practitioner before beginning a pregnancy tea regime.