Mint, particularly peppermint tea, is generally considered safe in moderation (1-2 cups/day) during pregnancy to help with nausea and digestion, but large amounts or undiluted essential oils should be avoided as high concentrations might relax uterine muscles or increase menstrual flow, potentially posing risks. Stick to food-level amounts in tea, avoid peppermint oil, and consult your doctor, especially if you have heartburn, gallstones, or are in the third trimester.
Peppermint Leaf (Likely Safe) – Helpful in relieving nausea/morning sickness and flatulence. Lemon Balm (Likely Safe) – Has a calming effect and helps relieve irritability, insomnia, and anxiety. Ginger root (Possibly Safe) – Helps relieve nausea and vomiting.
However, if mint does not cause the aforementioned effects or allergy symptoms, it can also be drunk in moderate amounts during pregnancy. Especially since mothers-to-be cannot take certain medications, and mint is a natural substitute. The condition is to consume it in moderation.
Mint Tea. Stress reduction is crucial when trying to conceive, as it can impact fertility. Mint tea becomes a valuable stress reliever in the quest for conception due to its rich content of vitamins A, C, B12. and folate.
It should be safe to drink in moderation while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Peppermint tea is one of the most used herbal medicines in pregnancy. It can be helpful in easing nausea and flatulence (wind). Studies have shown peppermint tea does not harm you or your baby.
Drinking and Smoking
Consuming alcoholic beverages lessens sperm count and concentration as well as the percentage of normal sperm. Smoking cigarettes can harm DNA, prompting sperm mutations. The bonus? Cutting back on alcohol and tobacco is good for general health as well as sperm production..
Ginger, peppermint, camomile and fruit teas are safe to drink during pregnancy. They can help to keep you hydrated. You should avoid all other herbal supplements and teas.
Yes, as long as it's cooked piping hot! Cold, ready‑to‑eat pepperoni (sliced sticks, deli‑counter slices, charcuterie boards) should be avoided or reheated to 165°F (74°C) (aka “steaming hot”) right before eating.
In some studies, pica (the craving for non-food items) has been linked to nutrient deficiencies, such as iron or zinc. Addressing these deficiencies can help reduce such cravings and ensure a healthier pregnancy.
During pregnancy, avoid raw/undercooked meats, seafood (like sushi, smoked fish), and eggs to prevent bacteria; limit high-mercury fish (shark, marlin); skip soft cheeses, deli meats, pâté, and unpasteurized dairy due to Listeria risk; avoid unwashed produce and sprouts; and cut out alcohol, while moderating caffeine, to protect your baby from infections, bacteria, mercury, and other harmful effects.
Herbs to avoid while pregnant
The most commonly consumed herbal medicines during pregnancy include; ginger [2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11], cranberry [2, 4, 10, 11], valerian [2, 4, 10], raspberry leaf [2, 4, 10, 11, 13], chamomile [13, 14], peppermint [5, 13], rosehip [13], thyme [5], fenugreek [5, 9], green tea, sage, and aniseed [5].
Herbal teas and broth
Not all teas are safe during pregnancy, so stick to herbal teas like chamomile, red raspberry, lemon, spearmint, peppermint, or peach. Adding lemon or ginger to your tea can also help calm nausea. Sipping soup broth can also be a great way to get hydration and nutrition while calming your stomach.
People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should not use mint in an attempt to soothe digestive issues. According to a 2019 review , mint commonly acts as a trigger for GERD symptoms.
What types of mint are safe during pregnancy? Spearmint and peppermint are safe to consume during pregnancy.
During the first trimester, avoid alcohol, smoking, and drugs, limit caffeine, and steer clear of foods like high-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, marlin), raw/undercooked meats, eggs, seafood (sushi, smoked salmon), unpasteurized dairy, and soft cheeses, plus activities like cleaning litter boxes (toxoplasmosis risk) or using saunas/hot tubs (overheating), to protect the vulnerable developing baby from infections, toxins, and overheating.
Yes, honey is generally considered safe for pregnant women to eat. The bacteria that cause botulism are a concern for infants since their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Fortunately, these bacteria do not typically affect adults and cannot cross the placenta to harm the fetus.
Mint is actually known to help alleviate some side-effects associated with pregnancy, such as nausea. As long as you do not drink excessive amounts of mint while pregnant, it is safe to consume this herb.
Eating ginger in moderation as part of a balanced diet is not known to cause any problems related to pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ginger is also used as an herbal remedy to treat different conditions, such as morning sickness, motion sickness, upset stomach, or vomiting.
Human semen is composed of fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands which mix during ejaculation. The seminal vesicles contribute 70% of semen volume, which contains fructose as the main energy source for sperm.
Symptoms of a low sperm count include:
What can I do to increase my fertility?