Chamomile is a very commonly used infusion. It is known, above all, for its digestive properties.
Being especially recommended to relieve stomach discomfort such as nausea or gas.
Traditionally, chamomile has also been used as a natural tranquilizer to reduce anxiety and help you fall asleep.
At the “nutritious” level, chamomile is also recommended for people with low-fat diets as it helps lower cholesterol.
And finally, and due to its anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties, chamomile infusion can help reduce menstrual cramps.
Related article: Is Green tea bad for pregnant women?
Is chamomile tea safe during pregnancy?
In the first trimester, above all, moderate consumption is advised and monitored by your doctor.
During this period, the infusion of chamomile can be an interesting palliative of the annoying morning sickness that many women suffer and that, in some cases, extend throughout the day.
During the third trimester, the pregnant woman usually suffers from heartburn and heavy digestions caused by the displacement of her stomach upwards.
This movement causes a lower stomach capacity; that is, the pregnant woman can eat a smaller amount of food and feels full faster.
Even suffering from indigestion compared to a moderate consumption of food.
On the other hand, stomach acids can rise more easily because they are closer than usual to the oral cavity.
Heartburn is one of the most common discomforts described in the obstetrician’s office during the last months of gestation.
Drinking chamomile tea would be useful to calm nausea and vomiting, thanks to its antispasmodic effect.
At the same time, it improves bowel movements, allowing better digestion, fighting acidity and allowing the expulsion of gases.
In addition, the pregnant woman may suffer from insomnia during the last months. In these cases.
The calming effect of chamomile tea would be perfect to help the expectant mother fall asleep and get the rest she needs.
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How much chamomile tea can you drink daily?
This is one of the most common doubts raised by chamomile pregnant woman tea, as well as all other infusions.
In general, moderate consumption is recommended, that is, do not exceed two cups a day.
As there is no scientific evidence to support its 100% safety, it is possible that your doctor will indicate a maximum of one cup per day.
During the first trimester of pregnancy, surely the doctor will tell you to consume this infusion only a few times a week when you have stomach discomfort and alternate it with others, to minimize the supposed risks.
Teas to avoid during pregnancy.
There are different types of tea (matcha tea, green, red, black, white…) and each of them has different properties.
In general, during pregnancy it is advisable to moderate the consumption of tea (also during breastfeeding), as it contains caffeine.
A substance, not recommended at this stage and that can influence the weight of the baby at birth, trigger premature delivery or even increase the risk of abortion.
In addition, normal tea could hinder the absorption of iron and folic acid, two fundamental elements for mother and baby.
Thus, experts usually recommend an intake not exceeding two cups of tea a day, as this amount would be considered safe and would not increase the risks during pregnancy.
In any case, if you consume tea on a regular basis and you have become pregnant.
It is recommended that you consult with your doctor.
Herbal infusions contain different properties that at any given time can help us relax, improve night’s rest, improve digestion or improve the circulatory system.
But pregnancy is an especially vulnerable stage in which it is very important to monitor what we consume.
Because certain foods, drinks or medications could harm the baby.
When we talk about natural infusions or herbs it is important to keep in mind that they do not always have to be harmless to the body.
In fact, if we stop to think, a multitude of poisons used since ancient times come from plants.
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Safe herbal teas to drink when pregnant.
- The infusion of thyme, for its ability to relieve nasal congestion, which makes it highly recommended when the woman has the flu or sinusitis and cannot be medicated.
- Infusions of mint leaves and ginger to prevent nausea during the first trimester of pregnancy and to soothe stomach upset.
- Peppermint is recommended to naturally eliminate frequent discomfort such as headache.
- Orange blossom, passion flower and lemon balm can be relaxing and help you fall asleep.
- Chamomile, taken in low amounts and eventually, can also help you relax and sleep better.
Related article: What type of tea is good for pregnancy?
Does herbal tea help induce labor?
When the woman has reached 40 weeks of gestation, but has not yet gone into labor, we can take a series of measures that help trigger the process naturally, and thus avoid induction.
Recommendations to induce labor naturally, and also pointed out certain infusions as a remedy to which we can resort.
Although it made it clear that there is no scientific evidence that they work, although consumed in moderation do not pose risks for mother and baby:
Raspberry leaf and ginger infusions are also highly recommended to stimulate the uterus and generate contractions.
There is no scientific evidence that they work, but having no risk to the mother and baby.
If we like it and we want to take an infusion of this type it is okay to do it.
Contraindications to drinking chamomile tea.
As we have already mentioned, there are very few studies on the possible effects of chamomile tea during safe pregnancy and on the development of the baby.
However, this herb has been proven to have anti-inflammatory agents.
Therefore, it could be inferred that excessive consumption during pregnancy.
Especially by people who manifest certain chronic diseases, could be dangerous.
On the other hand, you have to distinguish between “normal” chamomile and chamomile tea.
The second is contraindicated in pregnant women, especially if she has less than 15 gr. of chamomile or if the woman is in the first trimester of gestation.
Although it is not an abortifacient drink in itself, this tea can be stimulating and it is best not to drink it excessively early in pregnancy.
In any case, we recommend you consult with your doctor before including chamomile infusion on a regular basis in your diet for pregnant women.
In this way, a professional can guide you, answer your questions and monitor the effects of the infusion on your body and that of your baby.
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