Is it Safe to Drink Chai Tea During Pregnancy: Expert Advice

The article is reviewed by medical expert Margaret Dogwood, BSN, RN

Can you drink Chai Tea during pregnancy? The simple answer is Yes, but this is a complicated question as its answer depends on several factors. Chai tea is a  popular beverage with a mixture of tea leaves, spices, milk, and sweetener. The spices included in chai tea are cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper.  Even so, other spices may be adjoining as well. The tea leaves can vary in chai tea, yet black tea is a popular one.

In this article, we’ll scrutinize the risks and benefits of drinking chai tea. And also provide some expert advice on what you can and can not drink during pregnancy.

The Benefits of Drinking Chai Tea During Pregnancy

Chai tea contains spices, herbs, caffeine, etc which may have health benefits. The spices might be helpful for a pregnant mother. They may act as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant elements. It, like polyphenols in black tea, has antioxidant properties. It reduces oxidative stress during pregnancy.  Ginger and cardamom are also found in chai tea. That is helpful to relieve nausea and digestive issues. 

The Risks of Drinking Chai Tea During Pregnancy

The fundamental heed of taking chai tea is the amount of caffeine. An average cup of chai tea contains 50 milligrams of caffeine and it can vary depending on the recipe. But, a cup of coffee contains 95 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. That is still enough to be a concern for pregnant mothers.

The chief guidance is to limit the consumption of caffeine to 200 milligrams per day. It is for a day or less, during pregnancy. 

Consuming too much caffeine increased the risk of miscarriage. As well as low birth weight, and preterm birth. So, If you opt to take chai tea then you need to track the caffeine intake from all sources. And including coffee, tea, soda, chocolates, etc.

Consuming certain herbs found in chai tea is also risky for pregnant mothers.

What to Consider When Drinking Chai Tea During Pregnancy

If you want to take chai tea during pregnancy, you need to be conscious of the ingredients and their impact on you. So, it doesn’t harm you in any way. The following are the things you should think about while drinking chai tea during pregnancy:

Caffeine content: The amount of caffeine intake during pregnancy has serious effects on pregnant mothers. During pregnancy, Women shouldn’t consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. The black tea contains caffeine but the caffeine content in it varies ingredients in one cup of tea. You should be conscious of the amount of caffeine. While drinking chai tea and other sources of caffeine.

Spices in chai tea:  Spices usage in chai tea is one of the essential factors to think about. It may have health benefits but also contain substances that affect pregnant mothers. For instance, cinnamon may have health benefits. But it causes the blood- thinning.  increases the risk of bleeding during childbirth. So, you should be mindful while consuming spices during pregnancy. Avoid using spices that can affect you and drink high-quality chai tea.

Sugar content: Sweetness is the essential element of chai tea. You should use natural sweeteners (stevia, agave nectar)and avoid using artificial sugar. That causes weight gain during pregnancy and increases the risk of gestational diabetes. Thus, it is necessary to limit the amount of sugar during pregnancy.

Milk:  Chai tea also requires milk or cream other than spices. Although dairy products are beneficial for pregnant mothers. It is necessary to refine the products to avoid illness(food poisoning). Non-dairy milk options, like almond or soy milk, can also be in chai tea.

Hydration: Chai tea is a dehydrated drink that can cause dehydration in the body. Need to drink plenty of water during pregnancy after drinking caffeinated beverages.

Add more, consulting a professional before drinking any caffeinated beverage. Must keep a safe pregnancy. A professional can tell you about the amount and type of chai tea you can drink during pregnancy.

How to Make Safe and Healthy Chai Tea at Home?

If you are opting to drink chai tea during pregnancy you must control your caffeine and sugar levels. That is why one should make chai tea at home by using safe and high-quality ingredients.

Black tea is the primary option when it comes to making safe and healthy chai tea at home. Although, you can add a few spices according to your choice and make it more enjoyable. One should be conscious of the amount of caffeine in the tea while making it.

Add honey and maple syrup for sweetness to your chai tea. Instead of artificial sweeteners, it will increase the sugar level of the body. It might be harmful to the pregnant mother.

How to Add Spices to Chai Tea Safely?

You should be mindful while adding spices to chai tea. These are the essential components that are helpful for the flavor as well as for other factors of the body. Cardamom in chai tea has anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits for pregnant mothers. Cinnamon is helpful to lower the blood sugar and cholesterol level of the body.

Moreover, some spices can cause serious effects on a pregnant mother. For example, spices like fennel and anise excite uterine contractions. Some spices may disrupt your medications or supplements, you should consult your doctor. Before adding spice to your diet.

Which Herbs to Avoid During Pregnancy?

Must pay attention. While using herbs in chai tea, it may have disastrous effects during pregnancy. The herbs like black cohosh and dong quai may be used for some purposes. But they should avoid it during pregnancy as it causes preterm labor and miscarriage. It is important to check the ingredients of chai tea before using it. Ensure that it doesn’t contain any harmful herbs. Like licorice root, saw palmetto, and Yohimbe bark.

FAQs:

Can You Drink a Starbucks Chai Tea Latte While Pregnant?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG) recommends that less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day to a pregnant mother, is equal to a 12-ounce cup of coffee. A Starbucks chai tea latte contains black tea. That has caffeine and it varies according to the size and amount of concentrated Chai tea used. The tolerance level of caffeine is different from person to person. 

Pregnant mothers may choose to consume a limited amount of Starbucks chai tea latte. It considers their tolerance level of caffeine. Moreover, they can make their own chai tea at home. By using healthy ingredients and taking into account caffeine levels. It is good for a pregnant mother to consult a doctor before drinking any beverages.

Can You Drink an Indian Chai During Pregnancy?

Masala chai is a flavorful, aromatic Indian beverage made with black tea, milk, and a variety of spices. It is enjoyed by many people around the world including pregnant mothers. For drinking Indian chai, you need to consider several things. It may like caffeine content, spices, sweetness, etc.

pregnant mothers should check the amount of caffeine before drinking Indian chai. If they want to drink chai, it is obligatory for them to intake 200 or less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. And to avoid complications.

Moreover, spices in Indian chai may have risks and benefits during pregnancy. For example, ginger and cinnamon are used in Indian chai. And they have advantages and disadvantages as well.  Limited amounts of ginger are helpful to lessen nausea and vomiting. while excessive use of it can increase the risk of miscarriage. Its limited amount of cinnamon is helpful as an anti-inflammatory or antioxidant product. While excessive use of it can increase the risk of premature labor and complications.

It is worth mentioning that all the spices used in Indian chai are not good for pregnant mothers. Such as black cohosh and dong quai are the two spices which increase the risk of miscarriage. Thus, pregnant mothers shouldn’t use these herbs in their chai tea.

Alternatives to Chai Tea During Pregnancy?

pregnant mothers should look for alternatives to chai tea. because that is safe and healthy for pregnancy. You might want to consider a few suggestions these are as follows:

Herbal teas: Herbal teas are natural caffeine-free teas.  And a great replacement for chai tea. Some popular herbal teas are ginger tea, peppermint tea, and chamomile tea. These are helpful to relieve the symptoms of nausea and indigestion.

Rooibos tea: Rooibos tea made up of rooibos plants. It is caffeine-free tea with a mild and sweet flavor. It works as a natural antioxidant and might be helpful for heart health and blood sugar control.

Decaffeinated tea: Decaffeinated tea is a good option for black tea lovers. It is mostly caffeine free and is safe to consume In a limited amount during pregnancy. 

Fruit-infused water: If you are pregnant you should stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is essential and you can make it more enjoyable. As you may be adding fruit like lemon, lime, strawberry, or cucumber. It is a refreshing and hydrating alternative to chai tea.

Final Thoughts

In the end, chai tea is a well-known beverage among everyone including pregnant mothers. It is necessary to be mindful while drinking it because it includes spices and caffeine. An immoderate amount of these substances cause serious problems for a pregnant mother.

Finally, the key takeaway from this article is the importance of monitoring everything. As you are consuming during pregnancy. You should seek professional advice about this and make informed choices during pregnancy. For the health and security of the mother and the fetus.