Can you drink oolong tea while pregnant [Explained]

Can you drink oolong tea while pregnant?

Yes, pregnant women can drink Oolong Tea. It is safe, but you need to make sure to consume a moderate amount as this tea contains caffeine. Although pregnant women are recommended to stay away from caffeinated drinks, if you are a tea addict, then consuming a limited amount would be fine for you.

The good news is that drinking Oolong tea during pregnancy is beneficial as it contains active ingredients. The antioxidants present in the tea help get rid of free radicals from the women’s bodies, thus preventing the risk of severe conditions like cardiovascular diseases and arthritis.

The consumption of oolong tea can relieve inflammation and minimize the chances of developing a tumor in the woman’s body. Stress is another common pregnancy side effect that can be reduced by drinking oolong tea, as it gives you a soothing effect. Furthermore, a cup of light-brewed tea keeps pregnant women active and fresh all day.

Weight management is also a challenging task during pregnancy. The polyphenol components present in the oolong tea help with effective weight management. It also helps to regulate metabolism.

What teas can I drink while pregnant?

There are many teas that you can safely enjoy during pregnancy. For instance: ginger tea, peppermint tea, and black or white tea.

During pregnancy, ginger tea is very effective in lowering the symptoms of morning sickness. The studies also approve that it is an effective and safe drink for pregnant women.

It is also important to know that the regular consumption of ginger tea can increase the risk of vaginal bleeding. Therefore, it is essential to discuss its risk factor with your doctor before starting to drink it.

Peppermint tea is another safe drink that gives a promising result to ease your upset stomach. However, taking a high amount can be associated with heartburn.

Black or white tea is also very popular among pregnant women. But make sure to avoid overdose as the tea contain some ratio of caffeine.

How much caffeine is in an oolong tea?

Oolong tea includes 37 to 55 milligrams of caffeine per 8-ounce serving. It means one small cup of Oolong tea can have 16 to 55 mg of caffeine which is by the way, safe for pregnant women.

What herbal teas are safe during pregnancy?

Nearly all herbal teas are safe during pregnancy. The most commonly used herbal teas by pregnant women include raspberry, fennel, peppermint, ginger thyme, linden, peppermint-lemon, and ginger tea. Many women enjoy these herbal teas in their first and second trimesters, and there are no reported side effects.

Red raspberry leaf is largely consumed by pregnant women throughout the world because it is assumed that it helps to stimulate labor. Similarly, peppermint tea is used for its antispasmodic and breast milk-enhancing characteristics. It is also used to prevent morning sickness.

Teas that cause miscarriage during pregnancy

Women should be aware that not all teas are safe to drink while pregnant. There are some teas whose consumption can lead to serious complications, including miscarriages.

Following are some of the teas that need to be avoided during pregnancy

• Chamomile tea
• Licorice tea
• Parsley tea
• Cinnamon tea
• Saffron tea
• Sage tea
• Green tea

Conclusion 

Drinking Oolong tea is safe and brings health benefits to pregnant women. However, the very human body reacts and behaves differently. Therefore, it is better to consult your healthcare provider to know how much Oolong and other teas are safe for you during pregnancy.

Sources:
https://www.garfieldmedicalcenter.com/GMC-Blog/2016/October/Different-Types-of-Tea-and-Caffeine-Content.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7384490/
https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/diet-and-fitness/herbal-teas-during-pregnancy_3537#articlesection3
https://parentingwithhumility.com/teas-that-causes-miscarriage-during-pregnancy/