Pregnancy safety

Limit how much Chamomile Tea (weak, unsweetened) you eat during pregnancy

No more than one or two weak cups a day, and no chamomile capsules, tinctures or concentrated extracts.

Chamomile has documented uterine-stimulant activity and heavy use in pregnancy has been associated with preterm labour, so it is kept to occasional weak cups rather than drunk freely.

Why:Uterine stimulant

This is about food safety in pregnancy, not blood sugar — it applies whatever your readings look like. Confirm it with your midwife or doctor.

Chamomile Tea (weak, unsweetened) — glycemic index and gestational diabetes guide

Allergen Information

May contain: Pollen

Nutrition per 100g

Calories2 kcal
Carbohydrates0.5g
of which Sugars0g
Fiber0g
Protein0g
Fat0g
of which Saturated0g
Sodium1mg
Glycemic Index0

DrinksHerbal Teas

Chamomile Tea (weak, unsweetened) for Gestational Diabetes

hydrationno sugar spikestress reduction

Chamomile tea is a popular herbal infusion made from the dried flowers of the Asteraceae plant family. Revered for centuries as a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer, its calming effects are attributed to an antioxidant called apigenin. This compound binds to specific receptors in the brain that may decrease anxiety and initiate sleep. Beyond its use for relaxation, chamomile is also appreciated for its gentle, floral, and slightly apple-like flavor profile. It is naturally caffeine-free, making it an excellent beverage choice for any time of day, especially before bedtime.

At a glance

Pregnancy safety

Limit

Blood sugar impact

low

Carbs / 100 g

0.5g

Is Chamomile Tea (weak, unsweetened) safe with gestational diabetes?

Unsweetened chamomile tea is an excellent and safe beverage choice for managing gestational diabetes. It provides essential hydration without contributing any sugar or calories, which is critical for stable blood glucose levels. Its well-known calming properties can also be beneficial, helping to manage the stress and anxiety that can sometimes accompany pregnancy and a GD diagnosis. Incorporating this tea into your routine can support both physical and emotional well-being. It serves as a healthy alternative to sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages, which should be limited.

How does Chamomile Tea (weak, unsweetened) affect blood sugar during pregnancy?

Chamomile tea has a negligible impact on blood sugar levels, with a glycemic index of zero. As a non-caloric, carbohydrate-free beverage, it does not cause the glucose spikes associated with juices, sodas, or sweetened teas. Some preliminary research suggests that chamomile may possess mild anti-inflammatory properties that could support metabolic health, but it should not be considered a treatment for high blood sugar. Its primary benefit is providing a safe, satisfying, and hydrating option that helps you avoid drinks that would otherwise negatively affect glucose control.

What is a safe portion of Chamomile Tea (weak, unsweetened) for gestational diabetes?

A safe and appropriate portion is one to two standard cups of chamomile tea per day. While generally recognized as safe during pregnancy, it is wise to consume all herbal products in moderation. To prepare a 'weak' infusion suitable for pregnancy, use one tea bag or one teaspoon of dried flowers per cup. Steep for a shorter duration, around 3 minutes, to ensure a gentle effect. Always consume it unsweetened to maintain its zero-calorie and zero-sugar benefits for gestational diabetes management.

How should I combine Chamomile Tea (weak, unsweetened) to manage blood sugar during pregnancy?

Since chamomile tea does not contain carbohydrates, pairing strategies focus on its role within a meal plan rather than on blunting its own glycemic impact. Enjoy a warm cup after a meal as a palate cleanser and a gentle aid to digestion. It can also serve as a comforting, ritualistic replacement for a high-sugar dessert in the evening, helping to curb cravings. The act of sipping a warm, calming beverage can also prevent stress-induced snacking, which is a key component of successful blood sugar management during pregnancy.

Last reviewed: August 31, 2026

Important Safety Information

Every pregnancy is different, and gestational diabetes is managed differently depending on your readings, your medication and how far along you are. The ratings and portions on this page are general information — not a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a medical device — and they cannot see your results.

Low blood sugar:
If you take insulin or diabetes medication, eating less carbohydrate than your team planned for can push your blood sugar too low. Treat a reading below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), or symptoms such as shaking, sweating, confusion or a racing heart, with fast-acting carbohydrate immediately and retest after 15 minutes. Never use this page as a reason to skip or shrink a meal you were told to eat.
Carbohydrate and ketones:
Cutting carbohydrate hard to force a number down is not safe in pregnancy — it can produce ketones. Published guidance sets a minimum of 175 g of carbohydrate per day in pregnancy. Readings that stay above target for several days need your care team, not a smaller portion.
Medication and insulin:
The portions here are generic and know nothing about your insulin doses, your metformin, or the steroids given to mature your baby's lungs — all of which change how a meal affects you. Never adjust a dose or a mealtime based on this page.
Food safety in pregnancy:
Blood sugar is not the only thing that makes a food suitable while you are pregnant. Some foods with excellent glycemic numbers still carry mercury, vitamin A, listeria or alcohol risks, and those are judged separately from the ratings shown here. Check your national pregnancy food-safety guidance before adding an unfamiliar food.
What these ratings can and cannot tell you:
Glycemic index values, impact ratings and maximum servings are population averages taken from published tables. Two people eating the same food can get very different readings, so your own meter is the only measurement that describes you. Nutrition figures are indicative per 100 g and vary with brand, ripeness and preparation.

Contact your care team the same day if: your readings stay above target for several days; you have a reading below 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) or needed someone else's help to treat a low; you test positive for ketones; or your baby is moving less than usual. Seek emergency care for confusion, fainting, repeated vomiting, or a low you cannot bring back up.

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Sources & Editorial Review

Content independently developed by Dalo Labs ApS, informed by the American Diabetes Association's Standards of Care in Diabetes, ACOG's gestational diabetes guidelines, and the IADPSG consensus criteria. Not endorsed by or affiliated with any referenced organization. · Last reviewed: August 2026

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