Moderation and caution is advised. Maté contains caffeine. Pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg daily.
Preparing maté during pregnancy
According to nutritionist Julieta Lupardo, maté “cebado” provides between 125 and 175 mg of caffeine. Boiled maté contains 15-20 mg of caffeine per cup. As long as quantity is controlled, the South American herbal tea should not be a problem during pregnancy.
Research indicates maté consumption during pregnancy does not increase the risk of prematurity and low birth weight. However, moderation and caution is still advised.
It’s possibly unsafe to drink the caffeinated tea while breastfeeding. Babies have a reduced ability to metabolize caffeine, which might cause irritability or disturb their sleep.
To avoid side effects from the caffeine in maté, know when to stop. Unlike coffee, the herbal drink provides a gentle energy boost without the jitters or crash. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
What teas should I avoid while pregnant?
Be cautious while drinking herbal pregnancy teas as they are not regulated by the FDA.
It is generally accepted that pregnant women should decrease their caffeine intake during pregnancy, limiting the exposure to the fetus. The American Pregnancy Association reports that moderate caffeine intake does not negatively affect pregnancy. The organization defines a moderate intake as 150 to 300 milligrams daily.
Consuming moderate amounts of maté while breastfeeding or pregnant is generally considered safe. However, you should note that the caffeine content of maté is quite high. Excessive caffeine during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk of miscarriages, preterm births, and developmental delays.
Herbal teas provide the gestating woman with nutrients and antioxidants. But avoid licorice, cohosh, ginseng, and dong quai.
According to nutritionist Julieta Lupardo, the consumption of caffeine for a pregnant woman should not exceed 200 mg per day, not only as coffee but any other caffeinated beverages. As long as quantity is controlled, the herbal infusion should not be a problem during pregnancy.
When you’re expecting, the benefits of herbal tea can get even better: A comforting cup may help ease morning sickness or help you through labor. But while many teas are safe during pregnancy, some are potentially dangerous and should be avoided.
Is maté safe to drink while pregnant?
Overall, maté is a healthy herbal drink that is safe for most people in moderation. But pregnant women should monitor their caffeine intake from all sources including maté. With reasonable consumption, pregnant and nursing mothers can enjoy the South American tea’s energizing effects.