Drinking Black Tea While Pregnant – Is it Safe?

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Black tea in a cup and dried leaves on wooden background

Pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life but it is also the period where extreme precaution and care are needed to ensure the health and safety of both mother and the baby. Experts say that white, green, and black teas, when consumed in moderation, are safe to drink while pregnant. We will look at whether drinking black tea during pregnancy is safe. Black tea contains caffeine (Around 10-50mg per 250ml cup) and hence it is necessary to remain mindful of the amount you consume while pregnant. Caffeine is a natural stimulant and hence should be limited during pregnancy (and under all other circumstances too)

It is always best to check with your gynaecologist before brewing that cup of black tea, to ensure that it is safe for both mother and baby. Some teas, herbal teas included, are linked to complications during pregnancy, which is why caution is important.

Tea is the favourite beverage for a large population across the globe, it would probably tough to give it up and you may find yourself reaching out for your black tea even while pregnant. Tea has a soothing effect and also keeps you hydrated. It contains large amounts of antioxidants that boost immunity and help to combat heart disease and even cancer. Black tea works great as a substitute for coffee (contains about 81-179mgs of caffeine per 250ml cup – depending on the kind of coffee), especially if you crave a morning beverage.

Expert Advice

The Kaiser Permanente’s Northern California Division of Research conducted a study, which revealed that consuming over 200mgs of caffeine while pregnant doubled the risk of complications and miscarriage when compared with those who did not consume caffeine. While some experts believe that there is no ‘safe amount’ of caffeine while pregnant, others say that less than 200mgs per day is fine. It is important to understand that caffeine in any form is highly stimulating during pregnancy since it places added pressure on the liver – over and above the processing of pregnancy hormones. Hence, if you do wish to consume black tea while pregnant, do check with your doctor.

Benefits of Black Tea

Black tea contains rich amounts of L-theanine, an amino acid, which helps to calm the nerves and the body and also reduces stress. It is also rich in antioxidants that boost digestion and blood circulation.

Black tea While Pregnant

Just like with any other food and beverages, black tea should be consumed only post advice from your doctor, and consume it in moderation if permitted. You could change to decaffeinated black tea, which would still contain caffeine (about 2mg per 250ml cup), but a lesser amount than regular black tea. Also, to reduce the amount of caffeine in black tea, steep the tea leaves/bag for less than 30 seconds, and throw this water. Then refill the cup with hot water and steep again. You could also try black tea as a cold brew, which has less caffeine than hot black tea.

Read Also: How Much Green Tea Should You Drink to Avoid Side Effects?

If you wish to add sweeteners to your black tea while pregnant, it is best to avoid artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and aspartame and choose safer options such as sugar, honey, or jaggery. Again, it is important to check with your gynecologist before consuming anything.

Finally

Black tea is a low-calorie and low-caffeine beverage, which has a strong and distinct flavor. The antioxidants help with better gut health, lowering blood pressure and bad cholesterol, and many other health benefits. You can choose from the many varieties available in the market today. Being pregnant is a delicate and unique situation that requires several changes and adjustments to one’s diet and lifestyle. It makes sense to check with your doctor on whether you can continue drinking black tea while pregnant and reap its many benefits. Happy motherhood!