Is Ginger Tea Safe During Pregnancy? How Many Cups a Day Is Okay?

You are queasy, you have heard ginger helps, and now you are wondering whether a cup of ginger tea is actually okay while pregnant, and how many you can have. Here is a plain answer, plus how people commonly use it and when to check in with your provider.

Is ginger tea safe during pregnancy?

Yes, ginger tea in moderate amounts is generally considered safe during pregnancy for most people, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) lists ginger among the options for pregnancy nausea. Most guidance keeps total ginger to about 1 gram a day. Check with your OB or midwife first, especially if you take blood thinners.

Ginger has a long history as a kitchen remedy for an unsettled stomach. The NIH's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes ginger as generally safe in the amounts used in food and drinks, with mild side effects such as heartburn, gas or stomach upset at larger amounts. Because ginger can have a mild effect on blood clotting in theory, people with bleeding concerns or a history of miscarriage, and anyone close to delivery, should ask their provider before using more than a normal amount.

How many cups of ginger tea can you drink a day while pregnant?

Many sources suggest keeping total ginger to about 1 gram (1,000 mg) a day, which usually works out to 2 to 3 cups of mildly brewed ginger tea spread through the day. Strength varies widely between brands and homemade batches, so check the label on tea bags and start with one cup.

A few thin slices of fresh root steeped in a mug can deliver more than a tea bag does, so if you brew it fresh and strong, count it as more than one serving. Go easy on ginger chews, ginger ale with real ginger, and ginger capsules on top of tea, since they all add to the same daily total. If you want to use ginger capsules, ask your provider about the dose first.

Does ginger tea actually help morning sickness?

Some studies suggest ginger may help ease mild to moderate pregnancy nausea, though the evidence is mixed and results vary from person to person. ACOG lists ginger as a non-drug option to try. It is a gentle thing to try, not a guarantee, and it tends to work best alongside small, frequent meals.

If your nausea is worse in the evening, our guide on why morning sickness is worse at night explains why. For a full rundown of options, see the best tea for morning sickness and our broader list of morning sickness remedies.

Is lemon ginger or peach ginger tea okay in pregnancy?

Lemon ginger and peach ginger teas are generally fine in pregnancy when the blend is only ginger plus fruit or lemon. Read the full ingredient list, since some blends add herbs that pregnant people are usually advised to avoid, such as licorice root, and check with your provider if you are unsure.

Many parents-to-be rely on No To Morning Sickness Peach Ginger Tea or the Lemon Ginger version, organic herbal blends traditionally valued for gently supporting a settled stomach in early pregnancy. Peppermint is another common choice, and we cover it in is peppermint tea safe during pregnancy.

What is the best way to make ginger tea for nausea?

Steep a few thin slices of fresh ginger or one tea bag in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, then sip slowly once it has cooled a little. Many people find cooler or room-temperature sips easier when nausea is strong, and a squeeze of lemon can make it more pleasant.

Try it between meals rather than on a completely empty stomach, keep plain crackers nearby, and stay hydrated with small sips of water all day. You can find more gentle ideas on our morning sickness relief page and in the Secrets of Tea wellness guide.

When to see a professional

Call your OB or midwife if you cannot keep fluids down for 24 hours, are losing weight, feel dizzy or faint, have dark urine, or have any vaginal bleeding. Severe, persistent vomiting can be hyperemesis gravidarum, which needs medical care, and tea is not a substitute for it.

Also check in before using ginger if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, have diabetes or are close to your due date. The Mayo Clinic notes that nausea that starts after the first trimester is worth mentioning at your next visit. When in doubt, a quick call to your provider is always appropriate.

This article is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Secrets of Tea products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.