Can I Drink Tea While Pregnant?

If you are a die-hard tea drinker and are expecting, you don’t want to miss this read! There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about whether you should or should not drink tea while pregnant. So, how do you know what to believe?

Medical Disclaimer

Evidence-Based Data: Drinking Tea During Pregnancy 

According to Penn Med News, studies are limited in confirming a direct link between drinking tea and the outcome of an unborn fetus. A study entitled “Caffeine and Miscarriage Risk” mentions zero pregnancy loss among test subjects who consumed a daily intake of 200 mg of caffeine. 

Likewise, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) published a study noting caffeine is passed to the placenta. Caffeine does not cause a reduction in oxygen to the fetus. Miscarriage or premature birth was not found to be the result of consuming 200 mg (or less) of caffeine per day, nor does caffeine contribute to intrauterine growth restriction.

Caffeine Intake While Pregnant

Penn Med News mentions that a recommendation for caffeine consumption during pregnancy should be no more than 200 mg daily. With this in mind, we have outlined caffeine levels in true tea (black, green, oolong, white) to give you a snapshot of how much caffeine various teas have.

Can I Drink Black Tea While Pregnant?

Black tea is considered to be the highest caffeinated true tea (Matcha green tea is as well.) Iced tea drinkers may not realize this, but all of those glasses of tea a day can easily add up when it comes to caffeine. Moderation is a must during pregnancy.

• Serving size: 6 oz.
• Caffeine: 35.6 mg

Can I Drink Green Tea While Pregnant?

Consuming green tea may be fine for you providing you stay within the recommended 200 mg of caffeine per day or less.

Regular brewed green tea. Caffeine may vary because of the multitude of different green teas. 

• Serving size: 8 oz.
• Caffeine: 24.9 mg

Matcha green tea contains almost twice the amount of caffeine as other green teas.

• Serving size: 8 oz.
• Caffeine. 44 mg

Oolong Tea

• Serving Size: 8 oz.
• Caffeine: 38.4 mg

White Tea

• Serving Size: 8 oz.
• Caffeine: 30-60 mg

Tisanes (Herbal Teas)

Herbal tea is caffeine-free unless it has a blend of true tea (such as Masala Chai.) It’s best to talk to your doctor about safe/unsafe herbs during pregnancy when it comes to drinking tisanes. 

One of the most common questions our expectant readers ask is, “Can I drink peppermint tea while pregnant?” Peppermint, as well as other herbs or true teas, should be enjoyed in small amounts. This is especially important to remember when you have a nasty cold and go to reach for your favorite mint tea to help relieve the symptoms.

What Tea Can I Drink While Pregnant?

We don’t have the medical background or experience to recommend or provide advice on whether or not to drink tea while you are expecting. We have provided you with data from research studies to help guide you in deciding whether to drink tea or not. 

With this in mind, there are some yummy and beneficial teas that you may want to enjoy while waiting for your bundle of joy.

Black Tea

• English Breakfast Decaf (an anytime tea to enjoy)

Green Tea

• Organic Peppermint Green (soothes the tummy during morning sickness)

Oolong Tea

• Orchid Oolong (a floral tea for afternoons when you need a bit of pampering)

White Tea

• Organic White Peach (a beautiful, light, fruity tea that lifts the spirit)

Tisanes (Herbal Teas)

• Chocolate Mint Truffle (chocolate infused rooibos for those times when the tummy is upset yet you have a craving for something yummy)
• Lemon Verbena Mint (a nice calming tea that also helps with upset stomach)
• Turmeric Ginger (the perfect marriage of two helpful herbs for aching back/hips and bouts of nausea/vomiting)

A Final Thought

Finding a few teas to drink while expecting is possible. The key to enjoying tea safely during pregnancy is staying within the boundary of moderation. If in doubt, talk to your doctor.