Overview
The yerba mate plant is grown in South America. It’s made from the leaves and stems of a holly plant. Health benefits include increased focus and concentration, decreases high blood pressure and cholesterol, strengthens bones, provides natural energy, and weight loss.
Caffeine content ranges from 15-175 mg per cup depending on the brewing method. Pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to 200 mg daily. According to nutritionist Julieta Lupardo, as long as the quantity is controlled, it should not be a problem during pregnancy. But it’s important to monitor caffeine from all sources.
I was devastated at not drinking coffee during pregnancy. My mom suggested the herb. I became emotional preparing it, remembering my grandmother in Argentina. It was special, yet it was something I drank "with" others.
Overall, research is inconclusive. Recommendations for drinking it during pregnancy: Limit intake, be aware of caffeine content from all sources, and check with your healthcare provider.
It provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants important during pregnancy. Evidence suggests it’s generally safe to consume in moderation. But always consult your doctor regarding herbs in pregnancy.
Key Takeaways
- Limit intake
- Know caffeine content
- Risks appear low in moderation
- Uncertainties remain, so exercise caution and consult your healthcare provider
Caffeine and Pregnancy Considerations
Caffeine intake may reduce blood flow to the placenta. Getting over 200mg caffeine daily during pregnancy may not be healthy. High caffeine has been linked to problems with a baby’s growth and development. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises pregnant women to limit caffeine intake to less than 200mg per day. This could be as little as one 8-ounce cup of coffee. Maternal caffeine consumption is associated with lower birth weight and higher rates of low birth weight. If you drink too much coffee over a period, you may experience mental and physical symptoms. It appears low to moderate caffeine intake does not increase the risk of miscarriage or make conception harder. We don’t know for sure how caffeine affects a fetus biologically. Unless there are severe effects, it’s hard to link anything specific aside from saying more research is needed.
Herbal Teas in Pregnancy
Drinking herbal tea is safe if consumed in moderation. Herbal teas contain no caffeine. Some provide nutrients needed during pregnancy. Herbal teas can relieve discomforts of pregnancy. However, not all herbal teas are safe. Some contain ingredients causing harm to mother and baby. Consult a healthcare provider before consuming herbal teas during pregnancy.
Understand risks of herbal teas in pregnancy. Lack data on effects on a fetus. Most brands thought to be safe in reasonable amounts. Still, do not drink the same herbal tea daily. Most plants ok while pregnant. They provide mainly water. Infusions lack caffeine. Herbal teas can aid stress and insomnia. Ginger calms nausea. In general, tea is good for pregnant women. Just limit caffeine and avoid certain herbal teas.
Recommendations
The herb tea contains caffeine. The American Pregnancy Association says pregnant women can safely consume 150 to 300 mg of caffeine daily. Research is inconclusive. Pregnant women should drink it in moderation and consult their healthcare provider. Recommendations for drinking it during pregnancy: Limit intake. Monitor caffeine content.
Herbal teas like raspberry and chamomile are considered safe options during pregnancy. But not all herbal teas are safe. Some herbal teas may stimulate menstruation or cause uterine cramping. It’s best to drink herbal teas in moderation during pregnancy. Even safe herbal teas should be consumed in moderation. Consult your healthcare provider before regularly drinking herbal teas during pregnancy.
Non-herbal teas contain 40-50 mg of caffeine per cup. Herbal teas contain about 0.4 mg of caffeine per cup. So herbal teas are safer options during pregnancy. Still, moderation is key even with herbal teas.