Tea for two
Go on grab your favorite mug and relax with a hot cup of herbal tea. It will do wonders to soothe your spirit, as well as many pregnancy-related ailments you may be suffering from. But first be savvy about what you are drinking as some teas are not recommended whilst you have a baby on board.
I don’t recommend caffeine during pregnancy because research has shown that caffeine is rapidly absorbed and crosses the placenta freely. An enzyme called Cytochrome P450 1A2, is the principal enzyme involved in caffeine metabolism & is absent in the placenta and the fetus, therefore dumping a huge load of stimulating caffeine on your growing baby is not an ideal situation!
Herbal tea is a great way of keeping hydrated and relaxing, while at the same time applying some of the healing properties of herbs, but not all teas are safe during pregnancy.
Some herbal teas are unsafe when you’re expecting; these include blends for PMS, weight loss, cleansing and detoxification, as well as St John’s Wort, Don Quai, Ginseng, Yarrow Pennyroyal (known to cause miscarriage), Ephedra & Licorice Root.
Chamomile tea is fine as long as there is no history of hayfever, Its from the same family as feverfew which isn’t recommended during pregnancy. You’d need to drink a huge amount of chamomile to have any issues. Also avoid herbal laxatives.
I always tell my clients if in doubt, leave it out.
There are some teas that are highly beneficial during pregnancy.
Probably the most well known tea for pregnancy is red raspberry leaf tea. It is commonly recommended by professionals to pregnant mothers for it’s uterine stimulating qualities. Red raspberry leaf tea is believed to help tone and strengthen the uterine muscle, allowing for a more efficient labor. However, red raspberry leaf tea does more than just aid pregnant women’s womb. It is also high in all the pregnancy loving nutrients like magnesium, potassium, b-vitamins and iron. Red raspberry leaf tea is also a great tool for women suffering from menstrual cramps and anyone with stomach issues.
Due to uterine stimulating abilities it is suggested to drink red raspberry leaf tea during the 2nd and 3rd trimester and to avoid it during the first trimester.
Nettle tea during pregnancy is the shiz, it is high in magnesium, calcium and iron, which are all excellent and essential minerals during pregnancy. It also helps with numerous stomach issues such as IBS, constipation and bloating.
If you’re looking to try nettle tea, look for one that contains the leaf and not the root. Nettle tea is known for it’s stimulating effects during pregnancy, and for that reason, I recommend it alongside raspberry leaf tea in the 2nd & 3rd trimester.
You will also find nettle in most mother’s tea for pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it aids in the production of breast milk.
Rooibos is a caffeine-free tea. I love that Rooibos tea has such high anti-oxidant qualities, which help fight free radicals, which also means it is great for the skin! It has a high source of calcium and helps to aid in digestion and stomach issues. Rooibos tea, unlike other teas, actually helps your body absorb iron, an essential mineral for pregnancy and postpartum.
Peppermint has more than breath-freshening qualities. Peppermint tea can be used for stomach issues of different kinds, from IBS to infant colic. Peppermint tea can be very soothing and relaxing as it calms the stomach. We know that, with pregnancy, comes heartburn and morning sickness, therefore this tea may be the perfect option. Peppermint also helps to relieve gas and bloating, as well as diarrhea.
Ginger! This “belly-friendly” tea is a great tea to add to anyone’s diet. Ginger (tea) is not only great for pregnancy, but it is also an effective remedy for colds and sore throats as it helps to clear up congestion. The reason why ginger is a great aid in pregnancy is due to the fact that it helps the process of digestion, as well as nausea, making it the perfect drink for the mummy-to-be, especially in the first trimester where some women suffer from morning sickness.
To enjoy this tea, chop a few slices of fresh ginger and add it to a teapot filled with water, once it boils, remove and enjoy. Try it with a little bit of honey and lemon, especially if you are feeling a little under the weather.
Lemon Balm is a great herb to drink to help you relax. It can also settle the stomach, making it especially good for nervous indigestion. The little hairs on the leaves contain an essential oil that is strongly anti-viral, but this evaporates if the leaves are roughly handled so it can only be relied on in fresh herbs. Lemon Balm is part of the mint family so it tastes yummy, and it is also very easy to grow.
My very favourite Pregnancy Tea is LOVE TEA and I drank it throughout both my pregnancies. It tastes delicious!! So get yourself a big hug form a mug and rub that beautiful bump of yours.
I know everyone has their opinion on pregnancy. Some hate the nine month process because of how brutal it can be on our bodies. While others have these harmonious pregnancies and gasp in the wonderfulness of those nine months.
For me pregnancy is by far the most beautiful experience one could ever be part of. This goes not just for mothers, but for fathers as well. It’s one of the most unique and special types of bonding and love that exists. For a woman to create, grow, and give birth to another life is rather extraordinary.
We are mothers, we are the safe place for our children, we have created life and we are simply beautiful. All of this is what makes it worth it and what makes pregnancy such a beautiful experience.
Gina xx