Chamomile tea is not considered fully proven safe in pregnancy; many experts say small amounts (like 1–2 cups of weak tea) may be acceptable, but others advise avoiding it entirely because of limited safety data and possible risks like preterm labor and effects on the baby’s circulation. You should always check with your own doctor or midwife before drinking it, especially if you have a high‑risk pregnancy, take medications, or are in the third trimester.

Is chamomile tea safe during pregnancy?

Quick Scoop

  • Many sources say moderation only (often 1–2 cups a day) if your provider says it’s okay.
  • Some guidelines and reviews recommend avoiding chamomile in pregnancy , especially Roman chamomile, due to lack of solid safety data.
  • High doses, supplements, or medicinal use have been linked to uterine contractions, possible preterm labor, and rare fetal circulation problems.
  • If you’re past your due date, concentrated chamomile has been studied as a way to induce labor , which is a red flag for earlier pregnancy use.
  • Bottom line: treat chamomile as a medicine , not just a cozy drink—get a personalized green light from your clinician first.

What the latest info says

Recent articles and reviews still emphasize that there isn’t enough strong research to call chamomile tea clearly safe in pregnancy. Some national or professional bodies (especially in parts of Europe and the UK) advise avoiding chamomile, particularly Roman chamomile, because safety isn’t well established.

A systematic review of chamomile use around pregnancy reported rare but serious concerns, including cases where chamomile tea was associated with premature constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus (a vital blood vessel in the baby’s heart circulation). Because these are serious outcomes, even if rare, they push many clinicians toward caution rather than reassurance.

Why doctors are cautious

1. Dose and form matter

  • Normal tea vs. supplements:
    • Typical chamomile tea bags make a relatively weak infusion.
* Capsules, extracts, or “medicinal” doses can deliver much higher amounts and are the ones more clearly linked to uterine contractions and labor induction.
  • A small Iranian trial in overdue pregnant women found that high oral doses of chamomile (around 1,000 mg every 8 hours, far more than a normal cup of tea) were associated with more women going into labor compared with placebo. This suggests chamomile can stimulate the uterus when used in strong medicinal doses.

2. Possible risks for the baby

  • A review article described cases where chamomile tea consumption in pregnancy was linked to premature constriction of the fetal ductus arteriosus , which can compromise the baby’s circulation.
  • Some observational data suggest that regular use , especially in the third trimester, may be associated with higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight, although this evidence is not definitive.

3. Other concerns

  • Allergy: Chamomile is in the same plant family as ragweed and daisies, so people with those allergies can react, sometimes seriously.
  • Medication interactions: Chamomile may interact with blood thinners like warfarin and with sedating medications, increasing bleeding or drowsiness.
  • Product quality: Herbal teas aren’t regulated like medicines; strength and purity can vary a lot between brands.

What many guidelines and experts suggest

Different sources give slightly different practical advice:

[4][6][1] [10][3][5][2] [9][5] [7]
Source / Type Position on chamomile tea in pregnancy
Some pregnancy health sites & tea brands Generally consider 1–2 cups of chamomile tea per day “okay” in pregnancy if your clinician agrees, emphasizing not to overdo it.
Cautious medical / parenting resources Highlight lack of solid safety data and recommend using only in moderation, after talking to your doctor, or avoiding entirely.
Some governmental or professional guidance Advise avoiding chamomile, especially Roman chamomile, during pregnancy because safety is not established.
Systematic review (peripartum chamomile) Notes rare but serious adverse outcomes (e.g., fetal ductus arteriosus constriction, severe allergic reaction in labor), reinforcing caution.
Because of these mixed signals, your own doctor’s advice should outweigh anything you read online.

If your doctor says “okay in moderation”

If your obstetric provider reviews your history and says chamomile tea is acceptable for you, many experts would still suggest a very conservative approach:

  1. Limit the amount
    • Aim for 1 cup a day, possibly 2 at most, and not every single day unless your provider is comfortable with that.
 * Avoid concentrated forms such as capsules, tinctures, strong extracts, or multiple cups brewed very strong.
  1. Avoid certain times and situations
    • Be particularly cautious in the third trimester , when regular use has been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight in some observational work.
 * Avoid if you’ve had preterm labor, cervical shortening, placental problems, or a history of pregnancy loss unless a specialist explicitly approves.
  1. Choose products carefully
    • Prefer commercially packaged, single‑ingredient chamomile tea from reputable brands, rather than loose, unlabeled blends.
 * Avoid teas marketed for weight loss, detox, laxative effects, or containing extra “supplements.”
  1. Watch for warning signs
    • Stop and contact your provider if you notice contractions, cramping, reduced fetal movement, allergic symptoms (hives, wheeze, swelling), or any unusual symptoms after drinking chamomile.

A simple, lower‑risk alternative many providers are more comfortable with for nighttime relaxation is plain warm water, warm milk, or sometimes peppermint tea, depending on your medical history.

Example forum-style perspective

“I’m 26 weeks and used to drink chamomile every night. My midwife told me that because the research is shaky and I’ve had preterm contractions before, it’s better to skip it for now. She suggested peppermint tea or warm milk instead. I miss the ritual, but honestly I feel better knowing I’m not taking chances.”

This kind of story reflects why many pregnant people, once they understand the uncertainty and potential risks, choose either to limit chamomile tea heavily or avoid it altogether until after birth.

Safe next steps for you

  • Ask your obstetrician or midwife specifically:
    • “Is a small cup of chamomile tea safe for me at this stage of pregnancy, given my history and medications?”
  • If they approve it, keep it moderate (1–2 weak cups, not every day), avoid concentrated products, and stop if anything feels off.
  • If they recommend avoiding it, there are plenty of other soothing, non‑herbal bedtime rituals and drinks you can use instead.

Meta description (SEO):
Is chamomile tea safe during pregnancy? Learn what recent articles, reviews, and guidelines say about risks like preterm labor, dosage concerns, and fetal effects, plus safer alternatives and practical tips.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.