What impact does drinking Wong Lo Kat during pregnancy have on the fetus?

Pregnant women who occasionally drink a small amount of Wong Lo Kat (a herbal tea) generally will not affect the fetus. However, frequent consumption may impair fetal development or increase the risk of miscarriage, thus posing health risks to the fetus. The detailed analysis is as follows:

Wong Lo Kat is a type of cooling herbal tea. Drinking it occasionally during pregnancy can help clear internal heat and relieve summer heat, causing no significant harm to either the pregnant woman or the fetus. However, Wong Lo Kat contains traditional Chinese herbs such as chrysanthemum and honeysuckle, which are considered "cooling" in nature. Excessive consumption may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain or diarrhea. Severe diarrhea may stimulate uterine contractions, increasing the risk of miscarriage during pregnancy. Moreover, Wong Lo Kat contains various additives and high levels of sugar. Regular consumption by pregnant women means prolonged exposure to these additives, which may negatively affect fetal development. Additionally, excessive sugar intake can lead to rapid weight gain in the mother, increasing the likelihood of having a macrosomic (excessively large) baby.

After becoming pregnant, it is advisable not to drink Wong Lo Kat frequently. Instead, pregnant women should primarily drink plain water, along with moderate amounts of milk or soy milk, and maintain a balanced diet.