How far till you meet the angel behind the scans? Do you have questions about Thai iced tea during pregnancy?
We could answer some of these questions.
Pregnancy has a fair share of don’ts and do’s, from your wardrobe and posture to figure out if can pregnant woman eat cooked shrimp. The rules rarely change whether you are in your second or eight-month.
There is often a great emphasis on what you can’t take.
It may be problematic for all the unhealthy cravings your tiny toes ask for. For instance, is it safe? Is oatmeal good for pregnancy? Can I take Thai iced tea? Is there a limit to the amount you can take? This article has all the answers you seek. Keep reading till the end!
What to know about Thai iced tea during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a sensitive period and everything you do counts as either healthy or unhealthy for you and your baby.
Many foods and beverages are generally in the no-go zone. And if you have long pledged your allegiance to your cup of Thai iced tea, you may wonder if this is also on the list.
Thai iced tea is a blend of black tea, spices, sugar, and evaporated and sweetened milk.
It sounds delicious just explaining it, and it’s easy to see why it is many people’s favorite. Every sip boosts your energy and revitalizes your body. But still.
Is Thai iced tea safe during pregnancy?
While Thai iced tea is sweet, it features lots of sugar and caffeine. It is especially true for the packaged iced tea in the stores.
And as expected, pregnant women are highly discouraged from consuming this type of iced tea.
Pregnancy’s aching feet and weariness may leave you craving iced tea, which is OK. But it should be taken in moderation.
A cup a day of the low-sugar variety should be fine. The good thing is that it offers health benefits when taken in moderation, at low levels of sugar and caffeine.
Generally, tea is a healthy drink, and many, including pregnant women, stand to benefit from it when taken as recommended.
So, can you take Thai iced tea during pregnancy?
Yes, you can! But as you know, everything needs to be consumed in moderation.
What are some of the benefits of Thai iced tea?
Boost of energy
It’s safe to say that summer is not the best season for pregnant women and comes with challenges. A drink of iced tea is refreshing and even alleviates morning sickness symptoms.
Many can agree that tea gives energy almost immediately, thanks to the element of caffeine incorporated. It is also good to learn a little more about the benefits of tea for pregnant women.
A dose of antioxidants
If you have seen antioxidants thrown around, you may have realized how beneficial they are to the human body. The tea contains antioxidants that come from adding herbs and spices.
These help expectant mothers manage the hormonal imbalance experienced during the period. In addition, they remove free radicals that result from hormonal imbalances and prevent damage to your DNA.
Brain cells activation
Pregnancy comes with its ups and downs, and the latter may incorporate being clumsy and very forgetful.
First, you should be kind to yourself and understand that it’s not your fault. And secondly, you can have iced tea to activate the brain cells.
Thai iced tea a day keeps the dentist away
Unknown to many, this tea prevents cavities. Your oral health is always on the line during pregnancy due to sugar cravings and other unhealthy habits.
While the people around us may understand, your dental health may be at stake.
Ideal for gestational diabetics
If you have gestational diabetes, Thai iced tea made in your kitchen is one of the solutions.
You can replace sugar with honey for the best results. Most importantly, refrain from buying iced tea as the condition may change for the worst due to the high sugar levels.
Should pregnant women be concerned about the caffeine in Thai iced tea?
This tea contains a lot of caffeine, depending on the flavor and brand you get. But consists of approximately 12 to 18mg of caffeine per serving.
Pregnant women should not consume anything above 200 mg of caffeine a day. That said, take a cup daily for your safety and that of your unborn baby.
Suppose you can avoid iced tea during pregnancy; the better. But if you are addicted, that’s manageable. Be sure to opt for the homemade or low-sugar versions.
What are the side effects of excessive intake of Thai iced tea during pregnancy?
So, yes, pregnant women can take this sweet tea in moderation. But what is the worst that could happen when taken in excess?
It affects your health and the development of your unborn baby. High amounts of sugar and caffeine can lead to the following:
- Miscarriage or stillbirth.
- Caffeine hinders folate absorption, boosting the chances of neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
- Low birth weight of the baby.
- Caffeine minimizes iron absorption, an essential element for the health of a pregnant woman. As a result, you may suffer from iron deficiency and anemia.
- Quality sleep contributes to a healthy pregnancy, yet caffeine may cause insomnia. It is highly recommended to take Thai iced tea in the morning rather than in the evening.
- Dehydration. Tea acts as a diuretic and increases urination. It creates an opportunity for losing crucial salts and minerals that you and your baby need to stay healthy.
Please take your Thai iced tea within the recommended limits to avoid these harmful side effects.
Is it OK to drink iced tea while pregnant?
Yes, if it’s the low-sugar version or homemade iced tea. Store-bought iced tea isn’t even an option during pregnancy.
These are loaded with sugar and caffeine, posing many pregnancy risks. These include dehydration, neural tube defects, insomnia, and reduced iron and folate absorption.
If you can avoid this iced tea, the better. If not, stick to one cup daily, with little sugar and caffeine. Consider this simple and easy recipe.
How much caffeine is in Thai iced tea?
Generally, one serve of iced tea incorporates 12 to 18 mg of caffeine. Pregnant women should limit their daily caffeine consumption to 200 mg.
Remember that you may take other substances that contain caffeine, making it advisable to consume only a cup of Thai iced tea to be safe.
By this, we also refer to iced tea with low sugar levels. It prevents harm to you and your unborn baby.
Can I have Thai while pregnant?
If you can avoid Thai iced tea during pregnancy, it’s safer. But if you can’t, always opt for iced tea with low sugar and caffeine levels.
Also, take one cup of homemade iced tea in the morning instead of the evening hours to avoid insomnia. Stay off the packaged or bottled iced tea, as they have too much sugar and caffeine.
It can cause dehydration, miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, and reduced absorption of iron and folate.
Is Thai milk tea the same as Thai iced tea?
These popular teas contain a high level of dairy, which comes down to sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk.
However, their difference is that Thai iced tea is served cold, while Thai milk tea is served hot. Still, both are sweet and spicy.
The former is beneficial for pregnant women with the right amount of sugar and caffeine.
Excessive consumption can lead to miscarriage, dehydration, low birth weight, congenital neural disabilities, and minimized absorption of iron and folate.
Conclusion
We get it if you simply can’t do without the taste of sweet and spicy Thai iced tea.
Besides, Thai iced tea during pregnancy can benefit the mother and the baby if taken in the recommended amount.
It is with low sugar and caffeine levels and minimizing it to only one cup daily.
Taking homemade or low-sugar iced tea is also advisable rather than the bottled version. Still, if you can avoid it altogether, please do if it will give you peace of mind.
