Matcha is safe during pregnancy in certain instances. Expectant moms should limit their daily caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day.
Pregnant women must be aware of the risks of too much caffeine consumption. An excess can raise blood pressure, which poses a risk of preeclampsia and other complications. However, if you don’t have a high-risk pregnancy, you can safely have matcha in moderation. Only consume one cup per day after your first trimester.
Benefits of Consuming Matcha During Pregnancy
There are benefits to consuming matcha during pregnancy. It’s rich in antioxidants, provides vital nutrients for fetal development and may reduce stress levels.
Rich in Antioxidants
According to The Bump, matcha is rich in antioxidants, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) being the most prevalent. Such catechins have beneficial anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Antioxidants are essential in protecting against oxidative stress, which can damage cells and DNA.
Provides Vital Nutrients for Fetal Development
Matcha offers vital nutrients for fetal development, making it a good choice of drink for pregnant women in moderation. According to Baby Center, it provides vitamins A, C and K and iron to support growing fetuses.
May Reduce Stress Levels
According to The National Library of Medicine, experiments have shown that matcha may reduce stress levels. This is due to the amino acid theanine. Stress reduction is a significant benefit for pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Risks of Consuming Matcha During Pregnancy
There are risks of consuming matcha during pregnancy. They include caffeine content concerns, potential impact on folic acid absorption and quality and purity of matcha products.
Caffeine Content Concerns
According to Miracle Cord, drinking too much matcha during pregnancy can lead to an excess of caffeine intake. Pregnant women should limit their levels to 200 milligrams per day, or they risk poor sleep. Even riskier, excessive caffeine from too much matcha can lead to low birth weight, pregnancy and other problems.
Potential Impact on Folic Acid Absorption
Careless matcha consumption during pregnancy can have potential impacts on folic acid absorption. Folate is crucial in preventing neural tube defects in unborn babies. Women who drink matcha in moderation can protect their babies and improve folic acid absorption.
Quality and Purity of Matcha Products
The quality and purity of matcha products matter, especially if you’re pregnant. Only choose reputable, organic brands that weed out contaminants. The best quality matcha powder is vibrantly green, smooth and has a non-bitter taste.
Recommendations for Safe Matcha Consumption
There are ways to safely consume matcha during pregnancy. This involves consulting healthcare professionals, tailoring caffeine intake, choosing high-quality matcha and avoiding supplements.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
Consult your team of healthcare professionals to ensure it’s safe to drink matcha during pregnancy. If you’re not in the high-risk category, they may tell you it’s safe to consume it in moderation during your second and third trimesters. According to Miracle Cord, it’s best to avoid matcha during your first trimester and to be mindful of portion sizes as your pregnancy progresses.
Tailoring Caffeine Intake
Throughout your pregnancy, carefully tailor your caffeine intake. If you limit it to matcha consumption, scrutinize the label of your product and measure your servings to avoid overdoing it. Never guesstimate; use measuring cups and spoons to ensure precision.
Choosing High-Quality Matcha
Don’t be fooled by cheap matcha brands. According to Healthline, certified organic varieties reduce the risk of impurities that can harm your unborn baby. Only high-quality matcha is safe to consume, especially during pregnancy.
Avoiding Supplements
Avoid taking supplements with matcha to prevent problems, such as a lack of absorption. Wait at least two hours or longer before resuming your intake of iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin B and folic acid to ensure you get the maximum benefit.
Matcha Consumption Timing and Quantity
When you’re pregnant, matcha consumption timing and quantity are crucial. This means monitoring daily intake and ensuring strategic timing for consumption.
Monitoring Daily Intake
You must monitor your daily intake of matcha. Read labels and measure the powder when preparing your drink. It keeps your caffeine under control and protects your unborn baby.
Strategic Timing for Consumption
Because matcha can interfere with folate absorption, you must develop strategic timing for consumption. According to Bearaby, it’s best to wait at least an hour after taking a prenatal vitamin to have a cup.
Considerations for Breastfeeding Mothers
Considerations exist for breastfeeding mothers who drink matcha. They include your personal caffeine tolerance and caffeine’s effects on nursing.
Personal Caffeine Tolerance
Your personal caffeine tolerance is important when breastfeeding due to concerns of passing it to your baby. However, according to Baby Center, you can consume up to 300 milligrams of matcha per day safely.
Effects of Caffeine on Breastfeeding
Too much caffeine can make your baby fussy to the point where their sleep quality deteriorates. By monitoring your matcha intake and keeping it low, this isn’t a problem. Only a tiny amount of caffeine is passed to your child through breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Drink Green Tea During Pregnancy?
You can drink green tea in moderation during pregnancy. This means limiting your intake to 200 milligrams per day or having decaffeinated options.
How Much Green Tea Is Safe During Pregnancy?
One cup, up to 200 milligrams, is safe.
What Are the Best Teas to Drink While Pregnant?
Decaffeinated teas are the best to drink while pregnant.
How Much Caffeine Is in Green Tea?
According to Healthline, a cup of green tea contains 30 to 50 milligrams of caffeine.
