Pregnancy Teas

Herbal teas are very healthy to drink during pregnancy. They provide hydration, provide easily absorbed nutrients and feed the body during pregnancy. They are also packed with antioxidants and vitamin C which helps lower your anxiety and stress levels. Various types of herbal teas can also reduce morning sickness symptoms and even prepare the uterus for labor!

To prepare tea from dried herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon of dried herb to 1 cup boiling water, or 1/2 cup dried herb (or 2oz) in 2 quarts of boiling water.

  • Steep for 30 min or so. Strain into a sealable pitcher, and refrigerate for later use. You can add a small about of honey or sugar or dilute ¼ lemonade to ¾ tea for a nice ice tea.

Raspberry Leaf Tea

This is the best known, most widely used, and safest of all uterine/pregnancy tonic herbs. It contains fragrine, an alkaloid which gives tone to the muscles of the pelvic region, including the uterus itself. Most of the benefits are credited to regular use of this tea throughout pregnancy. Of special note are the rich concentration of Vitamin C, the presence of vitamin E, and the easily assimilated calcium and iron. Raspberry leaves also contains vitamin A and B complex and many minerals, including phosphorus and potassium.

Benefits of drinking raspberry leaf tea throughout pregnancy include:

  • Preventing miscarriage and hemorrhage. Raspberry leaf tea tones the uterus and helps prevent miscarriage and postpartum hemorrhage from a relaxed or atonic uterus.

  • Easing morning sickness. Many women attest to raspberry leaves’ gentle relief of nausea and stomach distress throughout pregnancy.

  • Reducing pain during labor and after birth. Tones the muscles used during labor and delivery. It does not, however, counter the pain of cervical dilation.

  • Providing a safe and speedy delivery. Raspberry leaf tea works to encourage the uterus to let go and function without tension. It does not strengthen contractions but does allow the contracting uterus to work more effectively and so may make the birth easier and faster.

  • Assisting in production of breast milk. The high mineral content of raspberry leaves assists in milk production, but its astringency may counter that for some women.

Ginger Tea

Eases nausea (goodbye, morning sickness!), aids the digestion process and relieves stomach issues.

  • Add 4-5 slices of fresh ginger root to a cup of freshly boiled water.

  • Drink a maximum of three cups daily.

Peppermint Tea

This tea is great for relaxing your stomach muscles to help settle an upset stomach as well as the nausea and vomiting common in early pregnancy.

Nettle Tea

Provides high levels of iron, magnesium, and calcium. Stick to 1-2 cups a day.

Dandelion Leaf Tea

This tea is wonderful support in late pregnancy if fluid retention is an issue. Dandelion leaf tea is high in potassium and has a gentle but effective diuretic effect. A suggestion is to add dandelion leaf tea to another tea as it has a slightly bitter, grassy taste.

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is highly recommended in pregnancy. It is caffeine free, contains calcium, magnesium and many antioxidants. It also has positive effects on digestion and can ease colic and reflux. Children can also drink rooibos tea, and it is lovely with milk and a little honey.

Multi-Herb Pregnancy Tea

Buy equal parts by weight (start with 6oz) of each of these herbs:

  • Red Raspberry

  • Nettle

  • Alfalfa

  • Hibiscus

  • Rose Hips

  • Red Clover

Mix all the herbs together in dry form and store in a sealable container. Drink up to 1 quart of tea per day, hot or cold.

cover photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash