Is Nettle Tea Safe During Pregnancy?

A warm cup of tea can calm you and help you unwind — something many pregnant people appreciate. But have you ever wondered what’s actually in that cup?

Some expectant parents turn to nettle tea to ease pregnancy-related discomforts. Could it be a good choice for you? Before you steep a mug, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of nettle tea.

What is nettle?

The stinging nettle is a plant found across North America, Europe, and Asia. For hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years, people have used stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) for its reputed ability to relieve muscle and joint soreness.

Some folks grind the leaves and roots to brew tea, while others make creams, powders, and a variety of products containing parts of the nettle plant.

It’s also been applied for many other uses, such as:

• the management of high blood pressure 
• to accelerate wound healing 
• the lowering of blood glucose 

Stinging nettle has also been used to address benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate.

Some studies  even show benefits from medications that include nettle to control bleeding during and after episiotomy repair. Additional research may reveal more applications for this plant.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

Just because an herb is generally considered safe or helpful when you’re not pregnant doesn’t automatically make it safe during pregnancy.

There isn’t robust, conclusive evidence proving nettle tea is safe in pregnancy. Some authorities recommend caution.

Indeed, a 2015 review notes that while nettle appears generally safe, it may influence the menstrual cycle and could be associated with miscarriage because it might induce uterine contractions.

Because of that potential, you may prefer to avoid it as a precaution. If you’re curious about drinking nettle tea later in pregnancy, discuss it with your obstetrician to get personalized guidance.

Possible benefits of nettle tea in pregnancy

Why do some pregnant people choose nettle tea? Here are a few reasons:

• Nettle is nutrient-rich. Stinging nettle contains vitamins A, C, K, several B vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. (That said, a single cup of weak tea isn’t likely to provide a significant nutritional boost.)
• It has anti-inflammatory effects, and randomized controlled trials have shown reduced pain in conditions like arthritis . That could be helpful if you’re experiencing aches during pregnancy.
• Struggling with allergies? Nettle may ease sneezing and congestion. Research from 2009 suggests nettle-containing products might reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
• Some people think it may support milk production, though the evidence is mixed.

Possible risks of nettle tea in pregnancy

The primary concern with nettle tea during pregnancy is its potential to stimulate the uterus and trigger contractions. While that might be less concerning in the final days of pregnancy, it could be risky in earlier trimesters.

Another risk is getting a rash if you prepare tea from fresh nettle. Contact with nettle leaves and stems can cause redness, bumps, or hives because the plant is covered in tiny hairs that can “sting” the skin — hence its common name.

Nettle can also interact with medications, which may increase or alter their effects and cause harmful side effects. If you’re on any drugs while pregnant, be cautious about adding nettle to the mix.

How to prepare nettle tea

If you like DIY projects, you can cultivate nettle in your garden and harvest the leaves for tea. A common guideline is to use 2 cups of water for every cup of nettle leaves, bring it to a boil, then let it steep.

If you don’t grow your own herbs, you can buy dried nettle leaves and flowers to brew, or choose convenient prepackaged nettle tea sold in many grocery and specialty stores. Follow the package directions for best results.

Other teas in pregnancy

Since we’re discussing tea and pregnancy, you may hear recommendations for other infusions.

Teas generally viewed as safe during pregnancy include:

• raspberry leaf tea
• ginger tea
• lemon balm tea
• peppermint tea

Even with these, moderation is important.

Teas to limit or avoid during pregnancy include:

• Caffeinated teas like matcha, black tea, oolong, white, chai, and green tea, which contain varying caffeine amounts. If you don’t want to give up caffeinated tea, reducing intake helps. Experts suggest keeping caffeine under 300 milligrams per day .
• Herbal teas that may raise the risk of miscarriage or early labor, such as borage, licorice, sage, fennel, vervain, fenugreek, thyme, pennyroyal, motherwort, lovage, black cohosh, and blue cohosh. High consumption of frankincense and chamomile may also pose risks.

Overall, given the limited research on many herbal teas and products during pregnancy, it’s wise to be cautious.

The bottom line

Pregnancy is temporary, even if some stretches — especially those last swollen-ankle weeks — feel endless. Still, it’s smart to be careful about what you eat and drink for the health of both you and your baby.

If you’re considering nettle tea, talk with your healthcare provider first. If they approve occasional nettle tea at a certain stage of your pregnancy, then you can enjoy a cup.