Herbal teas are often encouraged during pregnancy by midwives and other healthcare providers who support a more natural approach to pregnancy health. According to the American Pregnancy Association, some herbal teas are thought to strengthen the uterus, prevent postpartum hemorrhage, and support a healthy level of blood pressure during pregnancy. Herbal teas are not closely monitored by the FDA and thus caution should be used when drinking any herbal tea. Some herbal teas are safe when taken in low concentrations and others should be avoided altogether because of possible side effects from ingredients contained in the tea. Other teas are questionable because they haven't been studied sufficiently and should be avoided because they have not been proven to be safe.
Concentration-Dependent Herbal Teas
Some herbal teas can cause uterine contractions and possibly stimulate a miscarriage when taken in large concentrations or quantities. According to Baby Center, herbal teas that contain herbs such as catnip, anise, comfrey, ephedra, European mistletoe, lemongrass, licorice root, hibiscus, pennyroyal, mugwort, rosemary, sassafras, sage, stinging nettle and yarrow should be avoided in high concentrations. Red raspberry leaf, while often recommended by midwives, may cause the same effect when taken in excess. These teas should be avoided in high concentrations during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage or preterm labor from occurring.
Herbal Teas Not Proven Safe
Any substance that hasn't been proven to be safe during pregnancy should be avoided or approached with extreme caution during pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association explains that dandelion, chamomile and rose hips have not been proven safe for consumption during pregnancy. Other teas are thought to be unsafe during pregnancy and those include alfalfa and yellow dock teas.
Herbal Teas with Unsafe Ingredients and Harmful Side Effects
Herbal teas may contain substances that are harmful to the pregnancy. Tea containing coca, or mate de coca, is considered unsafe because of the presence of cocaine in small quantities. Nicotine is found in teas containing lobelia and caffeine is found in large quantities in mate or yerba mate teas. Other herbs may carry harmful side effects, such as comfrey, kava, skullcap and valerian, which may be harmful to the liver.
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