If you’ve ever been pregnant, you know that your cravings can be pretty crazy. One minute you’re craving a juicy apple and the next, you’re dying to have some frozen yogurt or maple syrup. It’s natural, and it won’t harm your baby in any way — in fact, eating healthy is actually good for your little one. If your cravings are anything like most expectant mommas, there’s a good chance that you find yourself in love with Thai tea from time to time. After all, it’s sweet and delicious — but is it safe to drink while pregnant? This article will go over everything you need to know about drinking Thai tea while pregnant so that you can make an informed decision moving forward.
What is Thai Tea?
Thai tea is a traditional beverage that hails from Thailand. It’s made from black tea leaves, which are then combined with spices like star anise, cloves, soy sauce, vanilla, and ginger. After the tea is brewed, it’s sweetened with sugar and a splash of milk. It’s typically served cold (although you can also find it hot). Thai tea is a unique beverage that has become very popular around the world. You can find it in cafes and restaurants or buy it to drink at home. It’s also a great beverage to sip on while pregnant — especially if you’re craving something sweet.
How Does Thai Tea Affect Pregnancy?
As long as you’re not drinking excessive amounts of Thai tea (more than two cups per day), it shouldn’t have any effect on your pregnancy. The caffeine in the tea will cause a slight increase in your heart rate, but this is normal and nothing to worry about. In general, tea is a great beverage to drink during pregnancy since it contains plenty of important vitamins and minerals for you and your baby. One thing to keep in mind is that black tea is more caffeinated than green tea, so if you have trouble sleeping at night, you might want to cut back a bit on the Thai tea.
Is Thai Tea Safe During Pregnancy?
As long as you don’t drink excessive amounts, Thai tea is safe to drink while pregnant. Of course, you should always keep in mind that every pregnancy is different, so you should always check with your doctor before adding a new food to your diet. If you’re trying to decide whether or not you can drink Thai tea while pregnant, a good rule of thumb is to remember that all foods fall into two categories: safe and unsafe. Safe foods are those that you can eat without worry. Unsafe foods, on the other hand, are those that you should avoid at all costs while pregnant.
The Problem With Artificial Sweeteners
Many Thai tea brands are sweetened with artificial sweeteners like aspartame. While these sweeteners are generally considered safe for adults and children, studies have found that they’re not so great for pregnant women. In fact, these sweeteners have links with an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery, and low birth weight. A better option is to buy Thai tea with natural sweeteners like sugar or honey. The bottom line is that you should avoid Thai teas with artificial sweeteners at all costs — plain black tea is perfectly fine.
The Problem With Caffeine
Many people wonder whether or not it’s safe to drink Thai tea while pregnant. While there are plenty of studies showing that moderate amounts of caffeine are safe during pregnancy, there is a risk that consuming too much caffeine can cause certain complications during your pregnancy. These include an increased risk of miscarriage, an increased risk of stillbirth, low birth weight, and an increased risk of developmental issues in children. If you’re consuming caffeine, you should make sure to keep your intake below 300 mg per day. That said, this is a general recommendation — every person is different, so you should talk to your doctor about your specific caffeine needs. Your doctor can let you know how much caffeine is safe for you during pregnancy.
Bottom line
Don’t let the word “tea” fool you into thinking that Thai tea is a healthy beverage. While it does contain vitamins and minerals, it also contains a significant amount of caffeine — so if you’re trying to stay away from caffeine, it’s best to avoid Thai tea altogether. If you’re craving something sweet, consider adding a splash of milk to your cup of black tea instead. This is a healthier alternative that will still satisfy your sweet tooth without giving you too much caffeine. If you do decide to go with Thai tea, make sure to select a brand that uses natural sweeteners like sugar or honey rather than aspartame or other artificial sweeteners. And, as always, don’t forget to talk to your doctor before adding any new foods to your diet during pregnancy.