Green Tea During Pregnancy - Is it safe to drink green tea during pregnancy?

Pregnant women are recommended more amount of water than normal people as it is needed for the placenta and amniotic fluid. They should drink about 8-10 glasses of water each day. But as it is well known that there is a requirement for nutrients so rather than only drinking water pregnant women can also consume green tea.

As it is well known that green tea is full of nutrients, therefore, 2 cups of green tea in a day can be consumed by pregnant women.

Benefits of green tea during Pregnancy

Here are the benefits of green tea during pregnancy:

1. Maintaining blood pressure:

   Fluctuating blood pressure is one of the most common problems during pregnancy. Green tea is a source of antioxidants (polyphenols) that is useful in the prevention of cell damage. Hence, consuming green tea during pregnancy keeps blood under control.

2. Keeping blood sugar under control:

   Green tea also helps in controlling the level of sugar during pregnancy. It can modify the sugar levels and is also beneficial for gestational diabetes.

3. Alleviates mood swings:

   Drinking green tea boosts up the metabolism of the body which works for countering mood swings during pregnancy. Green tea contains theanine which provides relaxing effects and uplifts the mood.

4. Resolves problems of the skin:

   There are many hormonal changes during pregnancy which can also lead to skin problems. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties which can help in treating skin problems like redness, itching or swelling.

5. Boosts immunity:

   Green tea helps in stimulating T-cells present in the body which are important for improving immunity and also prepares the body for upcoming problems.

6. Enhancing bone strength:

   Drinking green tea regularly enhances the strength of bones and also promotes oral health.

Which is the best green tea for pregnancy?

Though all types of green tea can be consumed during pregnancy, few of them provide more health benefits if taken in an adequate amount:

1. Organic green tea: Organic green tea is certified that it has been extracted from the plant which is grown without the use of any pesticide and fertilizers.
2. Decaf green tea: This tea has a minimal amount of caffeine content as compared to standard green tea. Thus it is safer for pregnant women.
3. Matcha green tea: This green tea is made up of the finest green tea leaves which have a higher amount of anti-oxidants. But not more than 2 cups should be consumed as it can be harmful to the baby.

Is green tea safe during early pregnancy?

Yes, green tea can be consumed during early pregnancy but it should not be overconsumed because overconsumption of green tea can create a hindrance in the absorption of folic acid. The mother should only drink up to 2 cups of green tea in a day because the lower level of folic acid can cause congenital disabilities in babies.

Is it safe to drink green tea during pregnancy?

Though there are several benefits of green tea during the course of pregnancy. But there are a few points that should be kept in mind before you start consuming green tea:

1. Affect on iron absorption:

   If green tea is consumed in excessive amount then may cause a negative effect on the ability of red blood cells to absorb iron. It also hampers the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

2. Absorption of folic acid:

   The absorption of folic acid is inhibited by green tea which is an essential vitamin during the first trimester of pregnancy. Therefore green tea should not be consumed excessively if you are pregnant as it can cause neural tube defects in the baby.

3. Affect on sleep:

   During pregnancy, the body loses its ability to break down caffeine. Therefore if green tea is consumed in the high amount it can affect the sleeping pattern thus leading to heart issues and increased urination.

4. Digestion problems:

   Green tea should not be taken with food as it can cause problems in digesting food during pregnancy.

5. Increased metabolic rate:

   Though an increase in the metabolic rate is good but during pregnancy metabolism of a woman is already high and overconsumption of green tea enhances it further. Increased metabolic rate is not good as it can cause physiological changes in the mother which is eventually not good for the baby.

Tips for consuming green tea during pregnancy:

• Only drink two cups of green tea in a day
• Purchase a good quality of green tea as adulterated one be harmful to the baby
• Never drink green tea empty stomach (early morning) during pregnancy as it can lead to nausea, acidity, constipation or stomach ache
• Do not take green tea along with food that you can consume green tea two hours before or after your meal
• Avoiding drinking green tea before bedtime or in the late afternoon as it may hamper your sleeping pattern
• Filtered water should be used for making green tea

Hence, green tea can be consumed during pregnancy but in a limited amount. But if you have any doubt then you can surely consult medical experts and know is green tea safe during pregnancy or not.