Many pregnant women turn to warm, soothing beverages to relax, and chamomile tea is one of the most popular options. While it offers several benefits, concerns about its effects during pregnancy have prompted experts to advise against consuming it without medical consultation.
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What’s the Difference Between Herbal and Non-Herbal Tea?
Before drinking any kind of tea during pregnancy, it's essential to distinguish between herbal and non-herbal teas, as their ingredients and effects differ—making one relatively safe and the other potentially risky.
Non-Herbal Tea: Includes black, green, and oolong teas, which are made from tea plant leaves and contain caffeine—even decaffeinated versions have trace amounts. Pregnant women are advised to limit caffeine intake since the fetus cannot metabolize it as efficiently as adults.
Herbal Tea: Made from plant parts like roots, leaves, or seeds, and often caffeine-free. However, not all herbal teas are safe during pregnancy due to the lack of studies confirming their safety.
Benefits and Risks of Chamomile Tea During Pregnancy
According to Healthline, chamomile tea offers both potential benefits and risks, and it is important to examine them before consumption during pregnancy.
Benefits of Chamomile Tea
Chamomile, which resembles the daisy flower, is known for its calming properties and has been used since ancient times. Its key benefits include:
Promoting better sleep and reducing stress
Soothing inflammation due to its antioxidant content
Supporting the immune system and helping prevent colds
Aiding in hydration
Despite these advantages, caution is advised due to limited scientific evidence confirming its safety for pregnant women.
What Are the Potential Risks?
Chamomile contains anti-inflammatory compounds that could pose risks depending on the woman’s medical history, dosage, and the type of tea consumed. Commercially prepared chamomile is generally safer, while homemade or unregulated blends may be more dangerous.
Can Chamomile Tea Induce Labor?
Though some believe chamomile tea can trigger labor, there is no solid scientific evidence supporting this claim. It’s also recommended to avoid certain herbal teas like black and blue cohosh, especially during early pregnancy.
Herbal Teas That May Be Safer
While general caution is advised, some herbal teas are considered relatively safe when consumed in moderation and under medical supervision:
Nettle Tea: Often included in herbal blends for its nutritional benefits and is considered relatively safe.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: Commonly used by midwives in the final stages of pregnancy, though evidence of its effectiveness and safety remains inconclusive.
Conversely, teas marketed for weight loss or those containing supplements should be avoided due to the risk of complications or drug interactions that may affect both mother and baby.
Final Word
There is still insufficient research to confirm the safety of drinking chamomile tea during pregnancy. As a precaution, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new herbal tea to your diet.
