Is Nettle Tea Safe During Pregnancy

Status

avoid Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 · Confidence: low

Reason

Nettle tea has limited pregnancy safety data, and some reviews advise avoiding nettle in pregnancy or lactation.

Safe Amount

No established safe limit — consult your provider.

Effects

Pregnancy
Safety is not well established in pregnancy. Some authorities advise avoiding nettle in pregnancy.
Mother
May cause side effects; herbal products can vary in strength and purity.
Baby
May affect the baby through possible uterine stimulation or unknown herbal effects.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester
Avoid unless your clinician says it is okay.
2nd Trimester
Avoid unless your clinician says it is okay.
3rd Trimester
Avoid unless your clinician says it is okay.

Conditions & Warnings

  • Use only if specifically approved by your pregnancy care provider.
  • Avoid herbal teas with unknown ingredients or mixed herbal blends.
  • Do not use as a substitute for prenatal care.

Alternatives

  • Plain water
  • Ginger tea in limited amounts if your clinician approves
  • Peppermint tea if your clinician approves

References

  • NHS
    https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
  • PubChem/NIH
    https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Urtica-Urens
  • PMC review
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5677329/
← Back to Food