Is That Safe? Drinking Matcha During Pregnancy And Its Benefits

Matcha has taken the world by storm with celebrities and influencers raving about its benefits — the hashtag #matcha on TikTok has over 5.8 billion views with recipes for matcha lattes, matcha donuts, and matcha ice cream, so we can see why you might be craving it! But is matcha safe to drink while you’re pregnant? And could it be a good alternative to coffee? We’re answering your questions about drinking matcha during pregnancy and sharing the benefits it could bring you. 

Is matcha safe to drink during pregnancy?

Yes, it’s safe to drink matcha while you’re pregnant! Matcha does have caffeine so you should be mindful of your caffeine intake — during pregnancy, it’s recommended to consume less than 200 mg of caffeine per day to avoid pregnancy complications.

How much caffeine is in matcha?

The caffeine content of a cup of matcha can vary based on how it’s made, but an average eight-ounce cup has 70 mg of caffeine. As long as you’re aware of how much caffeine your cup of matcha has and it’s within your recommended limit, it’s safe to drink while you’re pregnant!

What is matcha?

Matcha is a powdered green tea originating in Japan and known for its vibrant green color. It’s made from the same leaves as green tea, but instead of dried leaves that are steeped in hot water, the leaves are ground into a fine powder. Since you’re consuming the whole leaf, matcha has a stronger flavor and a higher nutrient content than traditional green tea. 

How is matcha tea made?

Matcha tea is made by whisking matcha powder together with hot water to make a hot tea, or you can add milk to make a matcha latte. 

What are the benefits of drinking matcha?

Matcha contains several ingredients that could benefit you while you’re pregnant.

1. L-theanine: Matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine that reduces stress and anxiety levels, promoting relaxation without making you tired. It can also help to reduce an increase in blood pressure from stress, which is beneficial during pregnancy when high blood pressure could be harmful.

2. Caffeine: Hear us out! Although caffeine intake should be limited during pregnancy, the caffeine in matcha actually releases slowly, giving you a long-lasting energy boost instead of a short burst of energy which you can get from a regular cup of coffee (more on this below!). The L-theanine in matcha changes how caffeine works in your body, balancing the rate at which it releases and helping you to avoid the crash that occurs after consuming caffeine. So with matcha, you can combat pregnancy fatigue to feel more energized throughout your day.

3. Antioxidants: Matcha is high in catechins, antioxidants that reduce cell damage and prevent diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants are beneficial in pregnancy because they reduce inflammation and protect against diseases that could affect your developing baby.

How does matcha compare to coffee?

Matcha provides a more sustainable energy source than coffee, as the caffeine in coffee acts fast, causing a spike in your energy levels followed by a crash that could leave you feeling more tired. Because of L-theanine, matcha can be a more reliable source of energy, allowing you to feel calmly energized instead of jittery. 

Coffee also supplies a shorter duration of energy than matcha. The average cup of coffee has 95 mg of caffeine, more than the average cup of matcha, but since matcha releases caffeine over a longer period of time, you stay energized for longer. By drinking matcha, you’ll get more energy by drinking fewer cups, helping you to remain under the recommended caffeine limit during pregnancy.

The acidity of coffee is another downside to drinking coffee during pregnancy. Acidic drinks can worsen common pregnancy symptoms such as heartburn and indigestion. Matcha, however, could be a better alternative because it is not acidic and will instead help to reduce inflammation in your digestive system.

So, should you make the switch from coffee to matcha during pregnancy?

With all the benefits matcha has, it could be worthwhile for you to switch to drinking matcha instead of coffee while you’re pregnant, but it’s up to you to decide which drink you prefer. As long as you keep your caffeine intake under 200 mg per day, both are safe for you to drink during your pregnancy.

Read more: Is That Safe? Caffeine During Pregnancy. 

Have a question about drinking matcha during pregnancy or postpartum? Let us know in the comments!

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