Beverages

Herbal Tea (Chamomile)

Sourced from ACOG/WHO/CDC guidelines • Updated June 2026

🟡 In Moderation

Safety Status: Moderate (Limit Intake)

Chamomile tea is safe to consume during pregnancy, but only in moderation.

Unlike peppermint or ginger tea (which are classified as safe), chamomile (Matricaria recutita) falls into a moderate safety category.

While a weak, occasional cup of chamomile tea is generally considered safe, consuming large quantities or highly concentrated chamomile extracts can act as a uterine stimulant, potentially triggering contractions or labor.

Additionally, chamomile belongs to the Asteraceae (ragweed) family.

If you have a known allergy to ragweed, daisies, marigolds, or chrysanthemums, you must avoid chamomile tea entirely, as it can trigger allergic reactions ranging from skin rashes to respiratory distress.

Benefits and Cautions for Pregnancy

When consumed in small, weak amounts (no more than one cup per day), chamomile tea can offer helpful prenatal benefits:

Insomnia Relief: Chamomile contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which binds to specific receptors in your brain to promote sleepiness and reduce anxiety, helping manage pregnancy-related sleep issues.
Digestive Comfort: It can help soothe minor stomach irritation, bloating, and gas.

However, pregnant women must adhere to these cautions:

Uterine Contractions: High doses of chamomile have uterine-stimulating properties. It is best to avoid drinking it during the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage is highest.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Chamomile has mild anti-inflammatory properties similar to NSAIDs. In late pregnancy (third trimester), extremely high consumption of anti-inflammatory herbs could theoretically affect the fetal ductus arteriosus (a key blood vessel in the baby’s heart), though this risk is primarily associated with high-dose medications.

Safe Preparation Tips

To enjoy chamomile tea safely:

Brew it Weak: Steep the tea bag for only 2 to 3 minutes instead of the standard 5 to 10 minutes to keep the active compounds diluted.
Limit Frequency: Do not drink it daily; restrict usage to a few times a week or single cups on nights when you struggle to sleep.
Avoid Extracts: Do not use chamomile tinctures, concentrated oils, or herbal supplements, as these contain dangerous concentrations of the plant’s active compounds.

Safe Alternatives

Herbal peppermint tea, ginger tea, or warm milk with honey.

OB-GYN Clinical Tip

Limit chamomile tea to a maximum of one cup per day before bed. Avoid drinking it in the first trimester if you have a history of miscarriage or bleeding, and avoid medicinal strength extracts.

⚠️ Medical Safety Note Always wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly, ensure meats and seafood are cooked to recommended internal temperatures, and verify that dairy products are fully pasteurized before consumption.

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Pregnancy FAQs: Herbal Tea (Chamomile)

Q1: Can I drink chamomile tea while pregnant?

Yes, but in moderation. Occasional, weak chamomile tea (1 cup per day) is generally safe, but consuming large, medicinal amounts should be avoided as it can act as a uterine stimulant.

Q2: Why is chamomile classified as a uterine stimulant?

Chamomile contains compounds that can cause the uterine muscles to contract if consumed in high concentrations. While a mild, single cup of tea is low-risk, regular or strong brews should be avoided.

Q3: Does chamomile tea help with pregnancy insomnia?

Yes. In moderate, weak amounts, chamomile tea has mild sedative properties that can help soothe anxiety and improve sleep, which is helpful for managing third-trimester insomnia.