IS CHAI TEA SAFE DURING PREGNANCY?

Congratulations on your upcoming addition to the family! It’s wonderful to hear that you don’t need to sacrifice your daily cup of chai during pregnancy, but it’s essential to be mindful of certain ingredients and their potential effects. Here’s a summary of the key points:

Caffeine in Chai Tea

The official recommendation is not to exceed 200 milligrams of caffeine daily during pregnancy. The caffeine content in chai tea is generally lower than coffee, and one 8 oz. cup of chai typically contains less caffeine than a 12 oz. cup of coffee. You can comfortably drink two cups of chai within the recommended daily caffeine limit.

Chai Ingredients and Pregnancy

• Star Anise: While star anise has health benefits like easing indigestion, it may interfere with hormones and blood thinners like Warfarin or Coumadin. If you take these medications, have a high-risk pregnancy, or have diabetes, consult your doctor before consuming chai with star anise.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon is beneficial for lowering blood sugar and pressure, but excessive consumption, particularly in supplement form or sugary treats, may lower platelet count and cause increased bleeding during delivery, especially in a caesarean birth.
• Fennel: Fennel is generally safe when consumed as an active ingredient in chai. However, drinking pure fennel beverages could potentially induce labor due to its estrogen content. Pregnant individuals should avoid pure fennel drinks without consulting their physician.

Chai Latte and Pregnancy

Chai lattes, served with hot milk, are also safe during pregnancy. A large chai tea latte typically contains less caffeine than the recommended daily limit, so it’s generally fine to consume during pregnancy.

Consult Your Doctor

While the blog’s non-medical opinion suggests that chai tea is safe during pregnancy, it’s essential to consult with your family doctor and OBGYN for a medically verified answer, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy or pre-existing conditions.

In conclusion, enjoy your daily cup of chai during pregnancy, but be mindful of the caffeine content and the specific ingredients used. Homemade chai allows you to control the caffeine level, and consuming chai with moderate amounts of the mentioned ingredients is generally considered safe during pregnancy. As always, it’s best to consult your healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance during this exciting journey.

See More: star anise benefits