Pregnancy Tea

One of the midwife's suggestions at my first appointment was to start drinking a homemade pregnancy tea.  She said it would help increase my fluids and the herbs would provide additional benefits.  I was a little hesitant because a) I don't like tea, and b) I've never really used herbal remedies, but I decided to give it a try.

I did some research and found many articles detailing the benefits of red raspberry leaf tea (the main ingredient), including this one.  There were also many blog posts from people who drank the tea regularly during pregnancy and saw positive results.  To sum up the benefits:

• Red Raspberry Leaf - Promotes uterine toning and has vitamins C and E.
• Nettle - Contains vitamins A, C, D, and K, as well as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and sulfur.
• Alfalfa - Has detoxifying properties and has many essential vitamins and minerals.
• Oat straw - Helps the veins get stronger.

I've found many different recipes online, but my midwife's recipe includes the herbs above.  Most recipes include red raspberry leaf, nettle, and alfalfa, with the additional herbs varying.

To make the tea, I use 2 parts red raspberry leaf, 2 parts nettle, 1 part alfalfa, and 1 part oatstraw.  I brew two quarts at a time, using 1/2 cup of herbs.  I'm drinking two measured cups a day (about one tall glass) and will probably up it to three cups a day in my third trimester.  I'm getting used to the taste - it's not bad, I just don't like tea - and I may add some honey or lemon juice to sweeten it up.

If it does nothing else, at least it's making sure I drink enough fluids each day!