Pregnancy period is the most sensitive and important stage of every woman's life. During this period, even the smallest habits from eating habits to lifestyle have a direct impact on the development of the baby in the womb. Often, at the beginning of pregnancy, women avoid traditional tea containing milk, sugar and bay leaves and replace it with green tea, considering it a 'healthy' option. In the society, green tea is considered to be a storehouse of weight loss, detoxification and antioxidants, due to which pregnant women start drinking it several times a day without any hesitation. But is this decision really safe for the health of the unborn child and the mother? According to gynecologists, green tea is not completely harmful, but its limited quantity and not knowing the right time can pose serious health risks. Green tea is not completely caffeine-free: Understand the real truth Most women have a misconception in their minds that green tea is a herbal drink and does not contain caffeine at all. The reality is that green tea is also made from the same plant (Camellia sinensis) from which normal black tea is prepared. Even though it has less caffeine than regular tea or coffee, one cup (about 200 to 240 ml) of green tea contains 25 to 45 mg of caffeine. According to guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a woman should not consume more than 200 mg of caffeine in any form a day during pregnancy. If you drink 3 to 4 cups of green tea a day and also consume chocolate or other beverages, it exceeds the safe limit of caffeine. Excess caffeine in the body can cross the placenta and reach the baby's bloodstream directly, causing the baby's heartbeat to increase and increasing the risk of low birth weight or pre-term delivery. Obstruction in the absorption of folic acid: The biggest danger in the first trimester. Folic acid i.e. folate is the most important supplement in the first three months of pregnancy. It is essential for the proper development of the baby's brain and spinal cord and protects against congenital malformations such as neural tube defects (such as spina bifida). Medical research has found that epicatechin gallate (EGCG), the main antioxidant present in green tea, directly blocks the absorption of folic acid. If a pregnant woman drinks green tea immediately before or after taking folic acid pills, her body may not be able to absorb that essential vitamin properly. This is why doctors recommend staying away from green tea completely or keeping its consumption to a minimum in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The process of iron absorption in the body is affected. Anemia is a very common problem among Indian women during pregnancy. During this time, the body requires plenty of iron to make extra blood. Green tea contains high amounts of tannins and polyphenols. These elements bind with the non-heme iron present in food (iron obtained from plants, pulses and green vegetables) and prevent it from being absorbed in the intestines. If you are used to drinking green tea immediately after eating food, your body will not be able to get the iron from the nutritious food you eat. As a result, hemoglobin can drop rapidly, due to which the pregnant woman may have to face problems like extreme fatigue, dizziness, weakness and breathlessness. Limited benefits of green tea during pregnancy: When and how can it be helpful? If the right time and limited quantity is taken care of, then some benefits of green tea can also be found in the second and third trimester. The polyphenols present in it reduce inflammation in the body and protect cells from free radicals. Additionally, it may help soothe mood swings during pregnancy and help balance blood pressure. However, all these benefits are safe only if its consumption is limited to 1 or maximum 2 small cups per day. Strictly follow these 4 important rules while drinking green tea. If you want to continue drinking green tea after consulting your doctor, then include these important things in your daily routine: Never drink on an empty stomach: Drinking green tea on an empty stomach in the morning can increase the problems of acidity, gas, heartburn and vomiting, which is already troubling during pregnancy due to morning sickness. Avoid immediately after meals: Drink green tea at least one to two hours after lunch or dinner, so that the iron and essential nutrients from the food are completely absorbed into the body. Do not take with medicines: Take your prenatal vitamins, iron supplements or folic acid medicine only with plain water, never with green tea. Avoid after evening: The caffeine present in green tea can disrupt night sleep. To avoid insomnia and restlessness, do not consume it after noon. Safer and Better Alternatives to Green Tea If you want to sip hot beverages during pregnancy, you can choose safer natural alternatives instead of green tea. Drinking lukewarm water with a little lemon and honey, roasted cumin water, tea with fresh mint leaves, or mild non-caffeinated herbal tea with ginger is very soothing to the stomach. Apart from this, coconut water and fresh buttermilk are the best options to keep the body hydrated. Before making any new herbal drink or supplement a part of your diet, consult a gynecologist based on your personal health history.
