A glass cup of freshly brewed jasmine tea with floating jasmine flowers, placed on a dark wooden surface, accompanied by dried tea leaves on a wooden spoon and fresh jasmine blossoms in the background.

Is Jasmine Tea Safe for Pregnancy? A Complete Guide for Expecting Mothers

Written by: Camille Liu

February 22, 2025

Time to read 5 min

Introduction

Many pregnant women enjoy drinking tea for its comforting warmth and potential health benefits. However, concerns often arise about whether jasmine tea is safe for pregnancy. With its floral aroma and delicate taste, jasmine tea is a popular choice, but does it pose any risks for expecting mothers?

This article will explore the relationship between jasmine and pregnancy, answering common questions such as "Can pregnant women drink jasmine tea?" "Is jasmine tea OK for pregnancy?" and "Can I drink jasmine tea while pregnant?" By understanding the benefits and risks, expecting mothers can make informed decisions about drinking jasmine tea while pregnant.

What Is Jasmine Tea?

Jasmine tea is not a separate tea variety but rather a scented tea infused with the aroma of jasmine flowers. The base tea is usually green tea, although jasmine tea can also be made with white, oolong, or black tea. The scenting process involves layering fresh jasmine blossoms over tea leaves, allowing the fragrance to be naturally absorbed.

Since most jasmine teas are based on green tea, they contain caffeine. While moderate caffeine intake is generally considered safe, excessive consumption during pregnancy can be problematic. This is one of the key reasons why many women question whether jasmine tea is safe for pregnancy.

A glass cup of golden jasmine tea with a delicate jasmine flower floating on top, surrounded by fresh jasmine blossoms on a softly lit fabric surface.

Can Pregnant Women Drink Jasmine Tea?

The answer to whether jasmine tea is OK for pregnancy depends on several factors, including caffeine intake, individual health conditions, and trimester stage. While jasmine tea when pregnant may provide some benefits, there are also concerns that should be taken into consideration.

A traditional porcelain cup filled with jasmine tea, with steeped tea leaves floating inside, surrounded by dried and fresh jasmine flowers along with loose jasmine green tea leaves on a textured surface.

A wooden spoon filled with dried jasmine green tea leaves, topped with a delicate dried jasmine flower, surrounded by loose tea leaves, fresh jasmine blossoms, and green tea leaves on a dark textured surface.

Potential Benefits of Drinking Jasmine Tea During Pregnancy

Although jasmine tea is not classified as an herbal tea, it does offer certain health advantages that can be beneficial during pregnancy when consumed in moderation.

Rich in Antioxidants
- Jasmine tea, especially jasmine green tea, contains antioxidants such as catechins and polyphenols.
- These compounds help protect cells from oxidative stress and support immune health, which is crucial during pregnancy.
Mildly Relaxing and Mood-Boosting
- The scent of jasmine has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Studies in aromatherapy suggest that jasmine scent may help with anxiety and improve mood, which can be beneficial for pregnant women experiencing hormonal fluctuations.
Supports Digestion
- Some pregnant women struggle with bloating and indigestion.
- The polyphenols in green tea may help improve digestion and promote gut health.
Provides Hydration with Flavor
- Staying hydrated is critical during pregnancy, and jasmine tea when pregnant can be an enjoyable way to increase fluid intake.

A ceramic cup of freshly brewed jasmine tea with delicate jasmine petals floating on the surface, accompanied by loose jasmine green tea leaves and fresh tea leaves, set against a clean white background.

A metal tin filled with dried jasmine green tea leaves, surrounded by fresh yellow and white jasmine flowers and green leaves on a textured surface.

Risks of Drinking Jasmine Tea While Pregnant

While jasmine tea while pregnant has certain benefits, it is not without risks. Expecting mothers should be cautious about the following concerns:

1. Caffeine Content and Pregnancy Risks

Can I drink jasmine tea while pregnant if it contains caffeine?
- The base tea in jasmine tea (usually green tea) contains caffeine, which can affect pregnancy if consumed in large amounts.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends limiting caffeine intake to 200 mg per day during pregnancy.
- A typical cup of jasmine green tea contains 25–50 mg of caffeine , depending on steeping time.
Why is caffeine a concern?
- High caffeine intake during pregnancy has been linked to low birth weight, preterm labor, and miscarriage risks .
- Since caffeine crosses the placenta, the baby is exposed to it, but the fetus’s metabolism is not fully developed to process caffeine efficiently.

2. Possible Uterine Stimulation

Some traditional medicine sources suggest that jasmine tea may stimulate uterine contractions.
Jasmine has been used in herbal medicine and aromatherapy for inducing labor.
While there is no direct scientific evidence proving that jasmine tea will trigger preterm labor, caution is advised, particularly in the first and third trimesters.

3. Increased Acidity and Stomach Sensitivity

Jasmine green tea contains tannins, which can increase stomach acid.
Some pregnant women experience acid reflux, heartburn, and nausea, which can be worsened by consuming acidic beverages.
Drinking jasmine tea on an empty stomach may lead to discomfort or nausea.

4. Possible Allergic Reactions

Some women may experience sensitivity to jasmine flowers, leading to mild allergic reactions.
Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, or skin irritation.
If you feel unwell after drinking jasmine tea while pregnant, it is best to discontinue use and consult a doctor.

How Much Jasmine Tea Is Safe for Pregnancy?

If you still wish to enjoy jasmine tea when pregnant, it is essential to limit consumption and monitor caffeine intake. Here are general guidelines:

Limit intake to one cup per day to avoid excessive caffeine.
Drink jasmine tea after meals to reduce the risk of acid reflux.
Opt for decaffeinated jasmine tea if you want to enjoy the floral aroma without the caffeine content.
Consult your doctor before consuming jasmine tea to ensure it aligns with your pregnancy needs.

A glass cup of freshly brewed jasmine tea with a floating jasmine flower, placed on a clear saucer atop a wooden table, surrounded by green tea leaves, dried tea, and jasmine blossoms in a rustic setting.

Safer Alternatives to Jasmine Tea During Pregnancy

If you are concerned about the safety of jasmine tea while pregnant, there are several pregnancy-safe teas that can offer relaxation and health benefits without the risks associated with caffeine.

Caffeine-Free Herbal Teas

Rooibos Tea – Naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants.
Ginger Tea – Helps with nausea and morning sickness.
Chamomile Tea – Known for its calming properties but should be consumed in moderation.
Peppermint Tea – Aids digestion and helps with bloating.

Decaffeinated Teas

Decaf Green Tea with Jasmine – Offers the floral aroma without the caffeine.
Decaf White Tea – A lighter, milder alternative with delicate flavors.

Warm Lemon Water

A simple, hydrating, and vitamin C-rich alternative to tea.

A traditional porcelain tea cup filled with freshly brewed jasmine tea, with floating jasmine flowers and steeped green tea leaves, set against a dark slate surface with scattered jasmine blossoms and branches.

Final Verdict: Is Jasmine Tea Safe for Pregnancy?

So, can pregnant women drink jasmine tea? The answer is yes, but with caution. While jasmine tea when pregnant may offer some benefits, it also contains caffeine and has potential concerns regarding uterine stimulation and acidity.

To minimize risks, it is best to:

Limit jasmine tea intake to one cup per day to control caffeine consumption.
Avoid drinking jasmine tea in early pregnancy to reduce any risk of uterine contractions.
Choose decaffeinated jasmine tea if you want to enjoy the floral aroma without caffeine concerns.
Monitor your body's response and discontinue use if you experience discomfort.
Consult your doctor for personalized advice.

For those who prefer to avoid potential risks, caffeine-free herbal teas such as rooibos, ginger, and peppermint tea can be safer options.

Ultimately, the decision to drink jasmine tea while pregnant should be based on moderation, medical guidance, and individual health considerations. By making informed choices, expecting mothers can enjoy a safe and healthy pregnancy while still enjoying a comforting cup of tea.

References:

"Jasmine." Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 21 May 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501843/ .
"Can You Drink Matcha Tea While Pregnant." Specialty Chinese Green Teas: Gunpowder, Jasmine, and Biogenic, City University of New York, https://pressbooks.cuny.edu/chinesefarmerteas/chapter/can-you-drink-matcha-tea-while-pregnant/ .
Browne, Mary L., et al. "Maternal Tea Consumption during Early Pregnancy and the Risk of Spina Bifida." Birth Defects Research (Part A): Clinical and Molecular Teratology, vol. 91, no. 3, 2011, pp. 195–200, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4557736/ .
"Foods." Proposition 65 Warnings Website, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/fact-sheets/foods .