Can You Drink Matcha While Pregnant?

Matcha is a popular green tea powder with many reported health benefits. Even so, is it safe for pregnant women to drink matcha?

The short answer is yes, in moderation! However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new foods or drinks to your diet during pregnancy, including matcha.

Coffee vs Matcha While Pregnant

Doctors recommend, while pregnant, women should limit their caffeine intake. This is because caffeine can cross the placenta and enter the baby's bloodstream. Too much caffeine can increase the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends consuming less than 200mg of caffeine per day. This moderate amount of caffeine is not linked to miscarriage or preterm birth, according to research. However, just one 12oz cup of coffee contains the daily limit of caffeine. It's important to remember that caffeine is found in other foods and drinks too, such as tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and soft drinks. Due to coffee's high caffeine levels, many pregnant women may decide to cut it out from their diet.

Matcha, on the other hand, contains less caffeine, varying from 20 to 90 milligrams per serving. MatchaKo’s ready-to-drink bottles contain around 76-86 mg of caffeine, which means you can indulge in one to two cups per day and still be safely under the recommended limit. 

If you are looking for a less caffeinated alternative to coffee while pregnant, matcha can be a great option. Still it is important to note that it does contain caffeine, and caffeine levels vary based on size and preparation methods. Make sure you know how much caffeine you are consuming! 

Matcha Health Benefits While Pregnant

In addition to its lower caffeine content, matcha offers a number of other health benefits for pregnant women. For example, matcha is a great source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can contribute to a number of health problems, including premature birth and low birth weight.

Matcha is also a good source of L-theanine, an amino acid that has been shown to promote relaxation and focus. L-theanine can be especially helpful for pregnant women who are experiencing stress or anxiety. Since pregnancy can be a stressful time, this may be helpful for many women.

Additionally, matcha contains several vitamins and minerals that are important for fetal development, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron. Vitamin C is essential for the formation of collagen, which is a protein that is important for the development of the baby's skin, bones, and teeth. Vitamin A is important for vision development and the immune system. Iron is essential for the development of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the baby.

Should you Drink Matcha While Pregnant?

In general, one or two cups of matcha per day is considered safe for pregnant women. Still, drinking matcha while pregnant is a personal choice. Some people may prefer to avoid caffeine altogether while pregnant. Underlying health conditions, side effects, or an approaching due date may all be factors to consider when deciding to drink matcha. For example, though matcha is safer than coffee, those very sensitive to caffeine may experience jitteriness or headaches. While matcha does offer some health benefits, pregnant women can also get the same nutrition from a healthy, caffeine-free diet. 

If you do decide to drink matcha while pregnant, it can be a lovely addition to your diet. It provides a gentle boost of energy, L-theanine to calm your nerves, and some additional nutrients. And it's always nice to have a fun drink every once in a while! 

Choosing the Right Matcha

Low-quality matcha leaves may be harvested from older plants, grown in less favorable conditions, or processed using methods that result in a lower quality product. Some cafes use heaps of sugar to mask the bitterness of their low-quality matcha leaves.

Excessive sugar is never healthy, but it is especially important for pregnant women to avoid it. If you are making matcha at home, look for ceremonial grade matcha powder that is made from 100% ground green tea leaves. If you are buying ready-made matcha, buy it from a trusted source that uses natural ingredients and little to no sweetener, such as MatchaKo.

Conclusion

Matcha is an ancient, medicinal beverage and is now becoming increasingly popular around the world. For pregnant women, matcha is a great alternative to coffee. It contains less caffeine, but it still provides a boost of energy and focus. Matcha is also a good source of antioxidants, L-theanine, and other nutrients that are important for fetal development.

If you are pregnant and looking for a delicious and healthy beverage to enjoy, matcha is a great option. Just be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before adding any new foods or drinks to your diet during pregnancy.