Caffeine is one of those no-no foods to avoid when expecting, so many women have taken to drinking tea in pregnancy. Many varieties of tea have less caffeine than a traditional cup of coffee, so brewing yourself up a nice, steaming cup of tea sounds like a wonderful alternative. But just how safe is drinking tea in pregnancy? And can it harm your unborn baby?

Many holistic practitioners recommend pregnant women drink certain herbal teas to support their pregnancy. It’s believed that some herbal teas can provide a pregnant woman with important pregnancy nutrients – such as iron, calcium and magnesium. They can also be full of antioxidants, which protect the body from free radicals and reduce a woman’s cancer risk. For example, rooibos (red bush) tea is an herbal tea that is caffeine-free and high in antioxidants and minerals.

The benefits of drinking herbal tea in pregnancy haven’t been well studied; so the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages that you use caution if you decide to drink these pregnancy teas. [Read more…] about Pregnancy Tea: Should You Drink Tea When Pregnant?