You may find it hard to believe that something as innocuous as a cup of green tea could potentially have any ill effects. However, there are still some precautions associated with drinking green tea while pregnant. The main concern is the potential risk of miscarriage. Green tea contains natural compounds called catechins that can interfere with hormone production, which could affect the fetus and cause a miscarriage. Because of this potential risk, it is generally recommended that women avoid drinking green tea while pregnant. However, if you’re determined to drink green tea while expecting, there are a few precautions you should take. Read on to learn more about the risks of drinking green tea while pregnant and how to proceed safely if you’re determined to enjoy this beverage now and again during your pregnancy.
Green Tea and Miscarriage Risk
Studies on the potential risks of drinking green tea while pregnant are limited, making it difficult to determine the level of risk associated with this beverage. However, one study found that drinking four cups of green tea per day (around 675 milligrams of catechins) during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy appears to increase the risk of miscarriage by 17%. The researchers suggested that pregnant women limit green tea intake to less than two cups per day — even decaffeinated green tea can contain a small amount of caffeine. Another study found that drinking more than four cups of green tea per day (about 975 milligrams of catechins) appears to significantly increase the risk of miscarriage. In this study, the miscarriage risk was especially high during the first few weeks after conception. And, in yet another study, researchers found that women who drank high amounts of green tea (more than six cups per day) had a 70% increased risk of miscarriage compared to women who did not drink green tea.
Is Green Tea Good for Pregnancy?
There is little evidence to suggest that drinking green tea during pregnancy has any benefits and some evidence suggests that it could pose a moderate risk to the fetus. However, some studies show that green tea could potentially reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers. Green tea could also potentially help you lose weight while pregnant — though you shouldn’t rely on green tea for weight loss due to the risk of uterine bleeding and reduced blood flow. Furthermore, green tea could help you lower your blood pressure while pregnant. Overall, green tea appears to have some benefits but is not recommended during pregnancy due to the risk of miscarriage.
Safest Way to Drink Green Tea While Pregnant
The safest way to drink green tea while pregnant is to avoid it altogether. If you really want to drink green tea while pregnant, limit your intake to one cup per day. If you are very sensitive to caffeine, you may want to avoid green tea altogether.
Safer Alternative to Drinking Green Tea While Pregnant
If you’re determined to enjoy a cup of green tea while pregnant, decaffeinated green tea is the safest option. Alternatively, you can try rooibos or pu-erh tea. Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free and also contains antioxidant properties. Pu-erh tea also has a low caffeine content and is widely believed to have health benefits.
How to Enjoy Green Tea While Pregnant
You should avoid drinking green tea while pregnant if at all possible. Nevertheless, if you really want to drink green tea while pregnant, be very careful with your intake. Drink the tea in moderation, and always choose decaffeinated green tea. Since the main concern is the potential risk of miscarriage, it is advisable to choose a time when you’re not too close to ovulation. This will reduce the risk of premature release of the egg from the ovary. You should also be aware of the fact that certain conditions, like endometriosis, can make you more sensitive to the effects of caffeine on your body. If you have any of these conditions, you will likely need to be more careful with how much green tea you drink while pregnant. However, the best way to know how much green tea is safe for you is to keep an eye on your own body. If you feel any negative side effects while drinking green tea while pregnant, you should discontinue use immediately.
Conclusion
Studies on the potential risks of drinking green tea while pregnant are limited, making it difficult to determine the level of risk associated with this beverage. One study found that drinking four cups of green tea per day (around 675 milligrams of catechins) appears to increase the risk of miscarriage by 17%. Another study found that drinking more than four cups of green tea per day (about 975 milligrams of catechins) appears to significantly increase the risk of miscarriage. In this study, the miscarriage risk was especially high during the first few weeks after conception.