Chamomile Tea and Pregnancy

On hearing the term 'highly refreshing tea', the first thing that comes to our mind is chamomile tea. Basically chamomile is a herb, a flowering plant whose flowers are commonly used to prepare tea. To improve digestion, sleeping disorders and relieve stomach cramps due to indigestion, a well-known remedy involves intake of chamomile tea. However, can pregnant women also drink chamomile tea or do they have to think twice to have this beverage. Chamomile tea and pregnancy has been a hot topic of debate in recent years due to some reports of abortion as a result of chamomile intake.

Should Pregnant Women Avoid Chamomile Tea?
Will it be safe to drink chamomile tea at the time of pregnancy? Well, it all depends on the user. Drinking chamomile tea is an enjoyable experience, thanks to its unique flavor. However, if that is tempting women to take chamomile tea, one cup after another, then certainly it is cause for worry. Excessive consumption of any herbal tea during pregnancy is dangerous and chamomile tea is no exception. Taking herbs in large doses in the form of several cups of chamomile tea can bring complications in pregnancy.

How Many Cups to Drink
Chamomile tea and pregnancy are not enemies of each other, if and only if the beverage is not abused. The key to stay away from pregnancy problems resulting from chamomile tea is moderate intake. Now, the question arises how many cups of chamomile tea can be considered as moderate consumption. One or two cups a day is generally recommended dosage for herbal teas. To be on the safer side, one can drink, just one cup of chamomile tea everyday. Half a cup in the morning and the remaining in the evening, would be the safest way to drink chamomile tea.

Benefits
Nausea and vomiting are some of the common issues associated during pregnancy. Chamomile tea is commonly used to get rid of that nauseating feeling, common during pregnancy. As chamomile tea is refreshing, it immediately relieves nausea and vomiting sensation.

Herbal Medicines Vs Chamomile Tea
Is there any difference between the herbal content of chamomile tea and medicinal herbs? Enormous! Low herbal content is the characteristic feature of chamomile tea. On the other hand, medicinal herbs prescribed for the treatment of various health problems, are highly concentrated. Hence, herbal medicines during pregnancy are never recommended. The amount of herbs used in making tea is far less, than found in medicinal herbs. These herbs only act as flavor enhancers, when mixed with tea.

Side Effects
The uterus (womb) where the baby grows during the nine months of pregnancy, can be susceptible to chamomile side effects, if the tea is taken inappropriately. Chamomile tea will transform into an abortion causing drug, when there is too much intake. Basically chamomile is an abortifacient that causes contraction of uterus. Although uterus contracts at the time of delivery, which is normal, but early uterine contractions may lead to miscarriage.

The Verdict
Considering the chamomile tea side effects involving the uterus, it is observed that pregnant women prefer to have this tea, once in a while. Many women during pregnancy, occasionally drink chamomile tea to get relief from nausea. In some cases, pregnant women completely avoid drinking chamomile tea for the fear of side effects. So, whether to drink chamomile tea everyday or occasionally during pregnancy, will certainly require consultation with a well qualified doctor.

Pregnant women wanting to have few sips of chamomile tea should ensure that they buy a reliable brand. Even though the labels indicate 'pregnancy tea', one must contact a physician or dietitian to know whether chamomile tea and pregnancy is a good combination for better health.