Is Peppermint Tea Safe During Pregnancy

Status

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

Reason

Moderate use is usually acceptable, but official pregnancy guidance is limited and herbal teas should be kept to 1–2 cups daily.

Safe Amount

No established safe limit from official guidance. If you choose to drink herbal tea, keep total herbal tea to 1–2 cups per day and ask your provider.

Effects

Pregnancy
Limited pregnancy-specific official guidance. Moderate use is generally acceptable, but avoid excess.
Mother
Large amounts of herbal tea may cause unwanted effects; peppermint may worsen heartburn in some people.
Baby
No official harm is established from moderate use, but data are limited.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester
No specific official first-trimester warning found for peppermint tea. Some herbal teas are best limited early in pregnancy.
2nd Trimester
No specific official second-trimester warning found for peppermint tea. Use moderate amounts only.
3rd Trimester
No specific official trimester warning found for peppermint tea. Use caution with any herbal tea in large amounts.

Conditions & Warnings

  • Use peppermint tea in moderation.
  • Choose plain peppermint tea, not mixed herbal blends with unknown ingredients.
  • Avoid very large amounts.
  • Ask your healthcare provider if you have nausea, reflux, or a high-risk pregnancy.

Alternatives

  • Ginger tea in moderate amounts, if approved by your provider.
  • Warm water with lemon.
  • Plain water or decaf drinks.

References

  • NHS
    https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/
  • FDA
← Back to Food