Can You Drink Green Tea When Pregnant

Is it safe to drink Green Tea during pregnancy? There is research for and against Green Tea pregnancy benefits. Some scientists suggest there’s no need to worry; others recommend steering clear of it altogether. What’s the truth?

In this article, we will scrutinise the reported, to unearth what it all means. We will answer, once and for all: “is Green Tea safe while pregnant?” Our priority is the welfare of our customers, so you can count on us.

What is Green Tea?

Green Tea is the second-least oxidised type of Tea after White Tea. This means that the Tea leaves are exposed to oxygen for only a short while after harvesting. The longer a Tea is left to oxidise (e.g. Black Tea), the darker it becomes, which ultimately changes its chemical structure and taste. Green Tea, on the other hand, changes very little.

After minimal processing, it typically has a grassy flavour. Depending on the type of Green Tea (e.g. Matcha, Sencha), it may also have floral, vegetal, herbaceous or seaweed notes. Around 20% of the world’s Tea drinkers choose Green Tea. This, of course, includes a percentage of those who’re pregnant. But does that mean Green Tea pregnancy is safe?

Is Green Tea Safe While Pregnant?

The short answer is yes. But in moderation. Before we examine in depth, however, it’s vital that you seek medical consultation should you have any concerns. Your midwife, doctor or another health professional will know best, after all.

The primary reason people have reservations about drinking this tea while pregnant is the Caffeine in Green Tea. Like all Types of Tea, Green Tea contains a percentage of this stimulating chemical compound. It’s worth noting, though, that Green Tea contains only a minimal amount.

Below is a table showing how much caffeine in Tea and Coffee:

Different Tea Types	Caffeine Content (8 Oz Cup)
White Tea	25 mg
Green Tea	30 mg
Oolong Tea	35-37 mg
Black Tea	45 mg
Coffee	90-150 mg

 

According to NHS Choices, pregnant women should not exceed more than 200 mg of caffeine daily. This is the equivalent of two cups of Coffee (depending on the type), four cups of Black Tea, five cups of Oolong and eight cups of White Tea. When it comes to Green Tea, meanwhile, pregnant women can safely drink up to six cups. For those who’re particularly cautious, however, it might be better to drink no more than three to four cups.

If you need further reassurance, a study published in Epidemiology found that women who consumed an average of 200 mg of caffeine daily didn’t have an increased risk of miscarriage. Nevertheless, we’d still advise caution.

What Are The Risks?

Caffeine overconsumption can lead to sleeplessness and jitteriness in most people. When it comes to Green Tea pregnancy, however, the problems can be slightly more severe. This doesn’t only apply to caffeine, but other, more adverse side effects.

A 2012 study discovered that drinking too much Tea could interfere with the absorption of folic acid, an essential nutrient for preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida. The researchers concluded that if pregnant women limited their Tea consumption to the recommended amount, there was no evidence of it causing any harm.

Green Tea Pregnancy Benefits

Now for the good news. Providing you drink no more than the recommended amount, there are Green Tea pregnancy benefits to be had! This beverage contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants capable of improving life in small yet significant ways. This includes, but is not limited to, Vitamins A, B, C, and D, Calcium, Manganese, Potassium, Theanine and Zinc.

Pregnancy can be a stressful time for some, but help is on the way with Green Tea Health Benefits. The L-theanine in Green Tea can help you to naturally relax by increasing the production of GABA and dopamine in the body.

Another beneficial component in Green Tea is Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This polyphenolic antioxidant is the reason for many benefits found in Green Tea. Indeed, regardless of if you’re pregnant, EGCG can boost the metabolism of fat cells, improve cardiovascular health, aid digestion and reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes.

It also contains no more than two calories per 8 oz serving. While it’s nigh impossible to maintain your figure while pregnant, at least you don’t have to feel guilty about drinking Green Tea when pregnant! It contains significantly fewer calories than bananas (105 calories), kiwis (93 calories), plums (91 calories), and even a small apple (52 calories).

What Are The Alternatives?

Not convinced? Perhaps you’re not prepared to take the risk, however small it might be? For these reasons, you may indeed want to find an alternative to Green Tea. The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company can absolutely help you with this!

If you like the taste of this Tea type, but have concerns about the caffeine, why not try Decaffeinated Green Tea? This beverage uses the CO2 Decaffeination process, which is the safest and most efficient method of extracting the caffeine. Though a small amount of caffeine remains in all Decaf Teas, this process removes 98% of it.

The most popular alternative, though, is Raspberry Leaf Tea. This is a Herbal Tea that, according to scientific research, has extraordinary Raspberry Leaf Tea benefits during the third trimester of pregnancy. These benefits include reduced morning sickness, toning of the uterine wall, less painful contractions and balanced postpartum hormones. Many midwives recommend drinking it in moderation after 32 weeks of pregnancy.

The consensus is that mothers-to-be start with one cup of Raspberry Leaf Tea a day at the 32-week mark. After a couple of weeks, there is the option to increase daily consumption to 2-3 cups. Evidence suggests that by maintaining this level of consumption, there is a lower chance of running past 41 weeks. Some personal accounts even go as far as to recommend Raspberry Leaf Tea for VBAC (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) mothers.

Other herbal choices include Peppermint, Camomile, Rooibos and Nettle Tea, all of which can be found here on our online tea shop.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that Green Tea is safe to drink while pregnant providing you to monitor your intake. The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company recommend limiting consumption to three cups a day, although your doctor or midwife might advise differently.

When it comes to caffeine, it’s best to keep below the 200 mg bracket. Studies suggest that this amount will cause no harm to you or your child. If, however, you have any reservations, there are alternatives like Decaf Green Tea and Raspberry Leaf Tea. We pack all of our products, including those mentioned above, fresh to order, ensuring quality and consistency with every cuppa.

 

Related Articles:

• Can You Drink Tea While Pregnant
• How much caffeine in a cup of green tea