The day I found out I was pregnant, I put the teapot down. After all, I did not want to do anything that could possibly harm my growing baby. I put it down because most of what I read advised against it. After what I read, I ultimately reasoned that pregnant women had been drinking tea for years before there were studies conducted, so therefore, I would as well.
I spoke to my midwife and she advised moderation – as with everything while pregnant. I trusted that advice and my instinct and continued enjoying my tea. I instantly felt better. My morning sickness started to fade. It seemed that the month I did not drink tea was the month during which I felt the worst.
I continued with my daily tea ritual, but I did eliminate pu-erh and black tea. These two teas have always been a bit strong for me, so I figured I better leave them out during the pregnancy.
I did not have a single side effect that the studies warned about. On the contrary, I think there were benefits to drinking tea. I did not have gestational diabetes, I had normal blood pressure, my son was average weight, and I maintained an energy level that kept me active throughout my pregnancy.
My son is now two months old. He was born at home with the help and care of midwives and I am thrilled to report that he is a happy, healthy, alert, and calm baby.
Following my instinct was the right choice for me. To many, tea is another beverage, simply another option at breakfast. For me, it’s a way of life. It’s one that has taken the role of work, hobby, and ritual.
What’s in my cup now? Silver Needle (hot) and Jade Oolong (cold).
Sage advice from a true tea lover and new mom!
Thanks so much for sharing your story. I get so angry when physicians, without any knowledge of tea or herbs, make blanket statements like “don’t drink tea” during pregnancy, or if you have this condition or that. As you point out, women have been consuming this health beverage for thousands of years. Why don’t they tell pregnant women to eliminate soda during pregnancy? I was told, 34 years ago to drink a glass of wine every day – I wasn’t even a wine drinker so this was encourage as a means to relax the mother to be. I feel that physicians have an obligation to educate themselves about tea and herbs, given its popularity in this country. Offering only a few hours of nutritional information during 4 years of medical school is outrageous.
Dear Susana,
Thanks for this blog post! I completely agree with your position, and it’s great to see someone have the courage to come out and say it. This topic is dear to my heart right now because I am one month pregnant myself and really want to drink tea during my pregnancy, like you.
My husband is very worried though, because like you say, most of what one reads advises against it… I used your argument that pregnant women had been drinking tea for years before there were studies conducted, but he was very dismissive and uncommunicative, saying that the same argument could be made for smoking (since “people have been smoking for years before there were studies showing smoking to be harmful”…).
How can I make him see common sense?
Thanks again,
Elise
Hi Elise,
CONGRATS!! What an amazing time in your journey. I wish you the very best in your pregnancy. It will go fast and if you are like me, you will miss it dearly!
I am glad you enjoyed the post!
I think you might want to point out to your husband that most of the information out there states that over consumption of caffeine is to be avoided not necessarily caffeine altogether.
I think that is a very important point to make!!! Tea is also low on the caffeine scale and is released at a slower pace than other caffeine.
What does your health care provider say? My midwife and Dr both saw no problem with it.
It’s the beginning of many choices you will have to make together that will affect your family. It is important to be fully aware of both sides and everyone’s feelings before drawing conclusions.
Maternal instinct is strong. And it’s usually going to guide you to do what is good for your baby!
With all this said. Drink organic tea! :)
Best wishes for you and baby!!
~Susana