Which brings the question, what tea is safe to drink whilst pregnant, and better yet, what teas will actually be beneficial?

In this post, we’ll have a look at which teas are generally considered to drink in moderation during pregnancy. We’ll look at what they offer, what stage of pregnancy they’re helpful with, and things to be mindful of when it comes to safe dosage.
 
We’ll also look at what teas you might want to avoid (or limit) during pregnancy. Finally, we’ll look at Tea Tonic pregnancy blends that can be safely enjoyed during pregnancy.

What is Pregnancy Tea?

Pregnancy teas include herbs known for their nutritional benefits or therapeutic effects for pregnant women. Pregnancy teas are blended with ingredients that are caffeine-free and known for their ability to alleviate a range of common pregnancy symptoms such as indigestion, morning sickness, and cramping. Some can even help prepare the body for labour or support milk production after birth.

Certain pregnancy teas also contain important nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium and a variety of vitamins.

Tea Tonic Pregnancy Tea Favourites:

• Apple Tree Tea
• Chamomile Tea
• Peppermint Tea
• Turmeric Beetroot & Ginger Tea (Post Partum)

Pregnancy-Friendly Herbal Tea Ingredients

Whilst some herbs are off-limits for pregnant women, some are considered to be safe in moderate quantities. Pregnancy-safe herbs include:

• Ginger – Supports digestion and circulation, and is excellent for easing nausea and vomiting, especially during the first trimester.
• Peppermint – Soothes digestive issues like bloating, gas, and nausea. Helpful throughout pregnancy—particularly early on.
• Spearmint – Mild digestive support and nausea relief; also has gentle calming effects. Suitable throughout pregnancy.
• Rose Petals – Mildly calming and soothing; adds gentle aroma and may help ease emotional tension.
• Carrot (dried pieces) – Offers beta-carotene (vitamin A), which supports fetal development and immune function.
• Apple (dried pieces) – Naturally sweet, high in vitamin C; gentle on the stomach and adds a hydrating element to blends.
• Butterfly Pea Flower – High in antioxidants, supports circulation and eye health. Considered safe in small quantities.
• Bilberries – Antioxidant-rich; supports blood vessel integrity and vision.
  Black Pepper (in small amounts) – Enhances nutrient absorption, especially curcumin from turmeric. Safe in minimal quantities.
• Lemon Balm – Calming and mildly sedative; supports stress and anxiety relief, especially useful in the second and third trimesters.
• Chamomile (in moderation) – Promotes sleep, reduces anxiety, and eases indigestion. Safe in small amounts, particularly later in pregnancy.
• Nettle Leaf – Nutrient-dense; high in iron, calcium, and magnesium. Supports blood volume and energy in the second and third trimesters.
• Alfalfa – Rich in vitamin K, iron, and calcium, supporting blood clotting and bone development, especially in late pregnancy.
• Moringa – High in vitamins A, C, and calcium. Supports maternal nutrition and energy levels, especially helpful in the second and third trimesters.
• Fennel Seed – Helpful for easing bloating and indigestion, especially in the second trimester. Also supports lactation post-partum. (Avoid large doses as it may have estrogenic effects.)
• Turmeric (in small amounts) – Anti-inflammatory and supports immune function. Safe in tea-sized doses, particularly post-partum.

Tea Tonic Blends for Pregnancy

Tea Tonic offers a number of herbal teas that are considered safe to consume during pregnancy. In saying that, we recommend you research ingredients, and if you have any pregnancy complications, be extra cautious. It’s best to consult your health practitioner, especially if you have any health conditions. Also, adhere to recommended dosage.

Our pregnancy teas are all caffeine free and have benefits for different stages of pregnancy. Teas include:

Apple-Tree Tea

Flavour: Naturally sweet, full-bodied apple with a crisp finish.

Pregnancy Benefits: Great for hydration and sugar cravings; caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants.

Ingredients & Benefits:

• Apple Pieces: High in antioxidants; helps support digestion and natural energy.
• Vitamin C: Enhances iron absorption and supports immune function.
• Citric Acid: Aids digestion and preserves freshness.

Blue Magic Tea

Flavour: Mild, floral and lightly sweet with rose and chamomile notes.

Pregnancy Benefits: High in antioxidants to support skin and eye health. Provides 3% of your iron RDI per cup—boost absorption with lemon.

Ingredients & Benefits:

• Butterfly Pea Flower: Antioxidant-rich; supports skin, hair, and eye health.
• Chamomile: Eases stress and aids sleep (safe in moderate amounts).
• Rose Petals: Soothing for mood and skin; naturally fragrant.
• Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus):

Rich in iron, magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins. Believed to tone the uterine muscles, potentially making contractions more effective during labour. Also supports hormonal balance and may aid postpartum recovery.

Safety:
Safe for use in the third trimester, however avoid in early pregnancy unless specifically recommended by your healthcare provider, due to its potential to mildly stimulate the uterus.

To Drink Post Partum:

Turmeric Beetroot & Ginger Tea

Flavour: Earthy and spiced with a warming, vibrant finish.

Pregnancy Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and restorative. Ideal post-illness or post-partum for recovery.

Ingredients & Benefits:

• Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory; supports immunity and healing.
• Ginger: Eases nausea and supports circulation.
• Beetroot: Boosts iron and supports liver function.
• Carrot & Moringa leaf: Nutrient-dense; supports eye health and energy. (Moringa leaf is safe during pregnancy, however moringa root and bark may cause contractions. This tea contains the leaf only)
• Fennel Seed: Eases digestion and bloating.
• Hibiscus: Can affect blood pressure so avoid during pregnancy, and for post-partum support, limit amounts. (Consult with your doctor before consuming.)
• Bilberries: High in antioxidants for eye and vessel health.
• Black Pepper: Enhances absorption of turmeric.

(Always check the full ingredient list before consumption and discuss with your healthcare provider.)

Caffeine During Pregnancy

Not all teas are safe to drink during pregnancy, particularly those containing caffeine, which is best avoided. Caffeine freely crosses the placenta to the baby, and a developing fetus can’t metabolise it efficiently, so it stays in their systems for longer periods of time than it does for adults, and can have more of an impact. Being a stimulant, your baby's activity levels can be impacted by caffeine, and it can potentially disrupt their sleep-wake cycles in utero.

In addition, studies have linked high caffeine intake during pregnancy with an increased risk of low birth weight in a child. This is thought to be a result of caffeine’s impact on placental blood flow and subsequent reduction of nutrient delivery. Additionally, excessive caffeine consumption has been associated with a higher risk or miscarriage and preterm labour.

Which teas contain caffeine? English Breakfast tea, Orange Pekoe, Earl Grey and Green Tea. 

Do you need to avoid caffeinated teas altogether when pregnant? Not necessarily, however the NSW Government Health Authority recommends that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg per day, which equates to approximately 4 cups of medium strength tea.

Some women choose to avoid caffeine completely during pregnancy. If you’re one of them, but still want to enjoy hot beverages, certain herbal teas from Tea Tonic offer a great caffeine-free alternative.

Tea Ingredients to Avoid During Pregnancy

Some herbal tea ingredients may affect hormone levels or even induce contractions. Others may have negative impacts on women experiencing pregnancy-related conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or hypertension. 

Tea ingredients to avoid include:

During both pre-conception and pregnancy:

• Dong Quai – Can stimulate uterine contractions.
• Black Cohosh – Not recommended, due to its effect on the uterus.
• Sage – Contains thujone, which can be harmful in high doses.

Avoid during pregnancy:

• Licorice Root – May raise blood pressure and affect hormone balance. (Particularly important to avoid if you have gestational hypertension or preeclampsia)
• Yarrow – May lead to miscarriage if taken in large amounts.
• Ginseng – Can cause hormonal effects and is best avoided.
• Skullcap – Could stimulate the uterus.

If you have gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, avoid any herbs that increase blood pressure. 

For gestational diabetes, stay away from teas that contain added sugars or overly-sweetened dried fruit.

Research Ingredients & Talk to Your Doctor

Even with ‘safe’ herbal tea ingredients, every pregnancy is unique. Always read labels carefully, research individual herbs, and consult with your GP, OB or midwife before adding a new tea to your diet.

What About Dosage?

As a general rule, limit herbal teas to 1-3 cups per day. Overconsumption should be avoided, because even safe herbs can have adverse effects in high doses. Moderation is key. Always start with a small amount and observe how your body responds.

In summary…

Pregnancy teas can be a wonderful support throughout your journey to motherhood. With the right ingredients, they offer comfort, relief from common pregnancy symptoms, and a moment of calm in your day. 

Choose reputable blends like those from Tea Tonic, aim for organic ingredients, and always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions about ingredient safety during your pregnancy.

Also see our Mum and Bubs teas.