Infusions You Can Drink During Pregnancy

Being pregnant isn't necessarily a synonym for deprivation. If you like drinking tea, we'll tell you about some infusions you can drink during pregnancy, with the consent of your doctor of course.

Reviewed and approved by the nutritionist Saúl Sánchez Arias.

Written by Saúl Sánchez Arias

Last update: 09 November, 2022

Drinking tea or other hot beverages made with herbs and plants have always been considered healthy. During gestation, when you usually feel certain discomfort, being able to enjoy a hot drink is comforting and ideal. Learn about some of the infusions you can drink during pregnancy.

Of course, your doctor should approve of whatever you consume during pregnancy, without exception. Therefore, in this informative article, we’ll list the beverages that, according to nutritionists, shouldn’t affect your health. However, it’s still important to consult with your doctor before consuming them.

First considerations

There are several varieties of infusions that you can drink on a daily basis that contribute to overall health. Although you can also drink them while you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t drink them as frequently. 

Just like there are varieties of plants suitable for consumption during pregnancy, many infusions can be harmful because of their effects on blood pressure or because of their laxative, abortive or stimulant effects.

Examples include black tea, green tea or coca leaf tea, which are very common in some South American countries. Let’s start, then, by identifying which drinks are strictly prohibited.

Infusions prohibited during pregnancy

The plants listed below are absolutely forbidden if you’re pregnant. In fact, drinking them sporadically won’t diminish their adverse effects on your body nor your baby. Pay attention and eliminate them from your pantry for awhile.

• Rhubarb: Causes uterine contractions and can lead to miscarriage.
• Aloe vera and ginseng: They have diuretic effects that can cause diarrhea and, as a result, dehydrate you.
• Licorice root: Its effects increase blood pressure.
• Ginkgo Biloba: It can cause your baby to have heart conditions; it can also cause the mother to have gastrointestinal problems.
• Eucalyptus: Induces vomiting and diarrhea; you shouldn’t take it while breastfeeding the baby.
• Boldo: It’s also considered an abortive plant.

Among the prohibited plants, these also stand out: pennyroyal, sage, rosemary, valerian, fennel, Gotu Kola, juniper, celery, and verbena.

Infusions you can drink during pregnancy

The list of prohibited infusions may have left you disappointed because it contains many of the most popular teas. However, here is some good news: you still have some delicious and healthy options:

1. Rooibos tea

This infusion is beneficial for its excellent flavor and because it belongs to the family of legumes. Because of this, it doesn’t contain tannins – typical in most teas – that hinder the absorption of iron.

2. Jasmine infusion

Its aroma provides an immediate tranquilizing effect. Likewise, its properties help alleviate various common discomforts associated with pregnancy.

3. Lemon tea

It’s delicious and helps to ease stomach discomfort. It’s also straightforward to prepare, and it’s irresistible when adding some honey to it.

4. Thyme

This herb provides many vitamins to the body; it’s a good source of antioxidants, iron, manganese, and calcium.

5. Nettle infusion

It contains many essential nutrients for the body. Its benefits are reflected in the liver and the central nervous system. It works as a uterine tonic, increases hemoglobin and activates metabolism.

6. Ginger tea

It’s ideal for combating nausea during pregnancy and, at the same time, it’s good for multiple respiratory and throat conditions.

The advantage of drinking ginger tea is that, along with other spices used for cooking, it doesn’t harm gestation at all.

7. Raspberry tea

Raspberry infusion is very popular among pregnant women, as it tones the muscles in the uterine wall and thus helps to prevent miscarriages. On the other hand, it is also a source of iron, phosphorus, potassium and several essential vitamins such as C, E, and B.

Finally, we want to remind you that there are many infusions you can drink during pregnancy, but you have to consult your obstetrician first because only he or she knows your medical history.

Your obstetrician will know what infusions you can drink during pregnancy based on your clinical history of diseases or the moment of gestation you are in, even when it seems harmless.