Is It Safe to Drink Kombucha While Pregnant?

When you discover that you’re expecting, you start thinking differently about the foods and drinks you consume. You’re no longer only considering what’s healthy for you, but also what’s safe for your baby.

The potential health benefits of drinking kombucha range from boosting your immune system to maintaining healthy blood pressure. It sounds great, but while you’re pregnant, drinking kombucha might be more risky than beneficial.

You may have jumped on the kombucha train well before pregnancy , but it’s important to understand what kombucha is to determine whether it’s safe to drink during pregnancy.

Kombucha is a tangy, effervescent drink made from black tea or green tea mixed with sugar and a culture of a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) and left to ferment for a few weeks. Kombucha tea is thought to have first emerged in China many centuries ago but is currently marketed as part of a healthy or “clean” diet.

Drinking kombucha is believed to be linked to health benefits like:

• Improved gut health

• Boosted immune system

• Reduced risk of heart disease

• Stabilized blood sugar

• Weight loss.

However, these claims of potential health benefits have limited research to back them up, and not all kombucha teas are the same which may vary your desired health results.

There are risks to drinking kombucha as well, and it’s not recommended for consumption while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Always consult your ob-gyn or primary care doctor if you have questions about drinking kombucha during your pregnancy.

The probiotics that contribute to proper gut health may be the most sought-after aspect of kombucha tea. This kind of healthy bacteria is known to reduce bloating and aid digestion, which can provide relief to a nauseous, upset stomach.

However, when battling bouts of sickness during pregnancy, it’s best to look for an alternative to calm your queasy tummy. Because of the potential risks to your baby, it’s not advisable to drink kombucha to help with pregnancy nausea.

Some safe ways to combat pregnancy nausea are to eat small meals frequently, sip on ginger ale or suck on ginger lollipops, or talk to your doctor about taking a vitamin B6 supplement.

Kombucha tea has shown to be a healthy choice for some people, but once you become pregnant, your health and wellness needs change. It’s best to abstain from consuming this fermented tea.

These features of kombucha tea may pose a risk to you and your baby during pregnancy:

Because of the fermentation process, kombucha tea does contain a small amount of alcohol . While store brands are regulated to an alcohol content of 0.5%, homebrewed kombucha may contain more. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that no type or amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.

Kombucha does not undergo any pasteurization process to kill harmful bacteria like listeria or salmonella, both of which can have serious effects on pregnant women and babies. It’s recommended that you don’t consume anyunpasteurized products during pregnancy including raw milk and soft cheeses, since they pose an increased risk of food poisoning.

The amount of caffeine in kombucha will vary based on how long the tea was steeped. Even if the caffeine content is low, it should still be added to your total intake and monitored to avoid consuming too much during pregnancy.

Homemade kombucha runs a higher risk of containing harmful bacteria if it’s made in unhygienic conditions or not stored properly.

Consuming alcohol and harmful bacteria during your pregnancy are the most concerning points to consider. These issues can negatively affect your baby resulting in abnormal development, learning disabilities, premature delivery, or loss of pregnancy.

Kombucha tea may appeal to you for the health benefits or just because you like the way it tastes. Giving up kombucha for the next nine months might sound difficult, but these alternative options can make it easier.

Both yogurt and kefir (as long as they’re natural and pasteurized) contain probioticbacteria to create a healthy gut microbiome. Yogurt also contributes to your calcium and protein intake. A fermented beverage like kefir is a great option for those who have lactose intolerance to receive a range of healthy probiotics.

Substitute kombucha tea with sparkling water to continue to enjoy the fizzy taste you love. Adding juice can create the same punch of flavor you get when drinking kombucha.

Always discuss the vitamins and supplements you take during pregnancy with your doctor. They can help you decide if a probiotic supplement is the right way to add healthy bacteria to your diet.

While you’re pregnant, choose foods you know have been prepared safely. Fermented food options like kimchi, sauerkraut, and traditionally made pickles might satisfy your craving for that zesty flavor you get from kombucha.

A hot cup of green tea can be a soothing drink during pregnancy. The antioxidants in green tea can be a great immune booster similar to kombucha. As always, moderation is key. Drinking too much green tea during pregnancy increases your caffeine intake and affects your body’s absorption of other vitamins necessary for a healthy pregnancy.

The potential risks that come with drinking kombucha while pregnant outweigh the benefits enough that experts recommend avoiding it through all trimesters of pregnancy. Drinking kombucha may provide health benefits, but it’s better that you wait until after your baby is born to enjoy it. Luckily, there are safe alternatives to give you similar health effects and tastes of kombucha while you’re waiting on your little one.

Once you’ve given birth , you can get back to drinking your favorite kombucha tea. If you’re breastfeeding, it’s recommended to continue to limit your consumption and keep in mind that caffeine and alcohol can pass into your breast milk. Discussing your breastfeeding plan with your ob-gyn or your baby’s pediatrician can help you decide if and when it’s best to drink kombucha.

Nurture& has more pregnancy tips and advice to share in Our Journal . While you’re here, check out our online store to find nursery furniture made specifically for new parents like you.