Experts answer if pregnant can drink fennel tea

Teas are great allies, as they can offer several health benefits naturally, each with its own particularities. However, consumption during pregnancy requires care and a common question is whether pregnant women can drink fennel tea, especially given the reputation of this tea for helping to fight gas. Check out the clarification of an obstetrician and a nutritionist below.

Can pregnant women drink fennel tea?

Clinical nutritionist, phytotherapist and nutritional coaching Ana Paula Moura (CRN 95100221) explains that, with the lack of studies based on herbal medicine on teas during pregnancy, it is not advisable to use any tea, except ginger, without consulting a doctor. obstetrician and/or herbalist at this moment in a woman’s life.

However, if the tea is released by the professional accompanying the pregnant woman, it is usually recommended to consume 2 to 3 cups a day, as Ana Paula comments.

Fennel tea benefits during pregnancy

Can pregnant women drink fennel tea for gas? This is one of the main questions related to drinking. Ana Paula answers that fennel tea is a strong ally to reduce gas production for pregnant or non-pregnant women. “However, it is necessary to consult a phytotherapist and obstetrician to make sure that the pregnant woman can consume the tea”, reinforces the nutritionist.

Aparecida Monteiro (CRM 52669660), a gynecologist with a master’s degree in maternal and child health and a member of the Rio de Janeiro Gynecology and Obstetrics Association, adds that this tea has also been linked to the relief of abdominal pain (colic type), constipation, digestive changes and seems to promote the reduction of “bloating”. During lactation, it can also stimulate milk production.

Caring for fennel tea during pregnancy

“It is always important to remember that we have few or sometimes no data on the toxicological effect of medicinal plants. So, the belief that, being ‘natural’ does not cause problems, should always be rethought”, comments Aparecida. As adverse effects associated with excessive use of fennel, the gynecologist highlights that allergic, gastrointestinal and even respiratory reactions can occur.

Which teas to avoid and which to take?

Aparecida comments that the safety of the use of teas during pregnancy is always controversial due to the difficulties of studies in this population, with little scientific support that guarantees which are the safe and toxic doses in pregnancy.

Teas that pregnant women can drink

Ana Paula highlights that ginger tea is the only one with studies based on phytotherapy regarding its use for pregnant women. “It is excellent for reducing a very common symptom in pregnant women: first trimester nausea. Plus, it’s an excellent anti-inflammatory,” she clarifies.

Aparecida comments that, in addition to ginger tea to reduce nausea and vomiting, cranberry tea can be indicated, in some cases, to prevent urinary tract infection. “However, always consult your obstetrician before ingesting any tea,” she warns.

Teas that pregnant women cannot drink

The gynecologist explains that while most commercially produced herbal teas can be safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding as long as they are used in moderation, there are no scientific studies endorsing this safety. “When in doubt, avoid consumption in the first quarter and talk to your obstetrician”, guides Aparecida.

“Our concern is the possibility that medicinal plants promote bleeding, uterine contraction, reduction of placental blood flow, restriction of fetal growth, in addition to the possibility of teratogenic action and interaction with drugs”, adds the gynecologist. Ana Paula Moura reinforces that no tea, except ginger, is safe for pregnant women. “Always consult your herbalist and obstetrician for more information”, she concludes.

Now you know that a pregnant woman can drink fennel tea if her obstetrician recommends it. Otherwise, consumption should be avoided, due to the lack of scientific studies showing what, in fact, would be a safe dose. Enjoy and also learn about the general benefits of fennel tea.