Teas Generally Considered Safe for Fertility and Pregnancy

1. Green Tea

Green tea reduces oxidative stress, enhances gamete quality, and supports successful fertilization and embryonic development. It is generally considered safe during pregnancy when consumed in moderation – keep caffeine intake below 50 mg per day (about 1–2 cups).

2. Ginger Tea

Ginger has been studied for its ability to support fertility in men by improving sperm quality, count, motility, and hormone balance through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Ginger tea is considered safe in moderate amounts (up to ~4 cups per day) and can even help relieve morning sickness and ease nausea during pregnancy. 

3. Peppermint Tea

Peppermint tea is generally considered to be a safe alternative to caffeinated beverages during pregnancy, though women may benefit from avoiding it during the first trimester. It is commonly used to manage nausea and digestive discomfort.

4. Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm can help quiet an overactive stress response, ease inflammation, and improve sleep quality – all essential for creating the balanced internal environment the body needs to support conception. Because chronic stress can disrupt ovulation, hormone production, and egg quality, supporting the nervous system is one of the most powerful steps in optimizing fertility.

5. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (with caution: trimester-dependent)

Red raspberry leaf tea is a traditional remedy often recommended by midwives in the late pregnancy to help tone the uterus and prepare the body for labor. A 2024 review in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth suggests it may help shorten the second stage of labor and potentially reduce the need for medical interventions. It is best used only in the third trimester and under  professional guidance.

6. Nettle Leaf Tea (fertility phase only)

Nettle leaf is packed with chlorophyll and provides a source of folate, which is crucial for a healthy pregnancy. However, it is not advised for use during pregnancy due to possible uterine-stimulant effects. It is considered supportive during the pre-conception phase only.

Teas to Avoid During Pregnancy or TTC

Sources

• Healthline (reviewed by Miho Hatanaka, RDN): Is Tea Safe During Pregnancy? (Jan 2024)

• American Pregnancy Association: Herbal Tea & Pregnancy

• Bowman et al., BMC Complement Med Ther (2021 & 2024): Raspberry leaf in pregnancy

• Alimoradi et al., Journal of Herbal Medicine (2023): Lemon balm in OB/GYN health