Is Drinking Green Tea Helpful In Inducing Labour?

Most women naturally go into labour once they reach their due date. However, in some cases, a mother might not experience labour pains, even after crossing her due date. Moreover, late labour can make the mother anxious and uncomfortable, and she is likely to try natural methods to speed up labour.

One of the most common methods that women try to accelerate their labour is by consuming herbal teas, such as green tea. But, does green tea really help in initiating labour? There’s no scientific evidence to back this statement. However, taking green tea during pregnancy can help you in other ways.

Is It Safe to Consume Green Tea during Pregnancy?

Green tea is one of the most effective drinks to improve metabolism. It contains many nutrients and you can enjoy a cup or two throughout the day. It is a rich source of catechins, that avoid your cells from completely absorbing folic acid during pregnancy and prevent neural tube defects.

Since there are no clinical studies advising against the consumption of green tea during pregnancy, it is safe to drink it in moderate amounts. However, remember to limit the quantity, as it contains caffeine and epigallocatechin in it.

Does Green Tea help Induce Labour?

It is often believed that drinking certain herbal teas, such as green, and raspberry tea, can help promote healthy labour. However, there is not enough evidence found that suggests that herbal teas of any kind can help with speeding up the labour process.

How Much Caffeine does Green Tea Have?

The exact quantity of caffeine present in green tea depends on the brand of tea you choose and the brewing time. However, a 273ml (8oz) cup of green tea contains approximately about 24-45 mg of caffeine.

A cup of coffee with the same measurements contains about 95-200 mg of caffeine. This indicates that a cup of green tea contains less than half the amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. 

What is Epigallocatechin in Green Tea?

Epigallocatechin or more commonly known as EGCG is an active ingredient, and a powerful antioxidant found in green tea. Although it is a good compound, EGCG, can affect the folate metabolism, which is crucial during pregnancy.

Folate is vital to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus. And as green tea, is the least processed among all other teas, it contains the highest concentrations of EGCG, which can be potentially harmful during pregnancy.

How Much Green Tea Is Safe to Consume during Pregnancy?

(Image Caption: It is recommended to consume a limited amount of green tea during pregnancy)

During pregnancy, you can have about 200mg of caffeine throughout the day. Therefore, it is safe to consume around three to four cups of green tea in a day.

However, you will also need to consider the amount of caffeine you are consuming through other sources, such as coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, soft drinks, and more. Make sure that everything put together doesn’t go up to 200 mg per day.

What Are Some of The Benefits of Consuming Green Tea during Pregnancy?

As compared to other caffeinated drinks, standard teas, and coffee, green tea offers several health benefits. Here we have listed some of them:

• It Alleviates Mood Swings

Green tea contains many antioxidants that help increase the metabolism rate and work in countering mood swings during pregnancy. Also, green tea contains an amino acid called theanine, which provides relaxing effects and treats mood swings.

• Green Tea Regulates Blood Pressure

High blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to various complications. Green tea is enriched with antioxidants such as polyphenols, which prevent cell damage in the body. Hence, regular consumption of green tea can regulate your blood pressure.

• Resolves Skin Issues

Due to the hormonal changes during pregnancy, acne and breakouts in the face become very common. Green tea has rich antiinflammatory properties that help reduce such skin problems.

• Keeps Blood Sugar Under Control

Green tea is beneficial if you have gestational diabetes. Some of the compounds in green tea help modify glucose levels by controlling sugar levels in the body. Do consult your doctor in case you have gestational diabetes or are concerned about your blood sugar levels. 

• Boosts Immunity

Green tea plays a vital role in improving immunity by stimulating the ‘T cells’ of the body. It also helps fight off illnesses and other infections. 

Tips for Drinking Green Tea while Pregnant

1. Do not have more than three to four cups of green tea in a day.

2. Do not consume green tea on an empty stomach as it may cause stomach ache, nausea, or constipation.

3. Make sure to only choose organic, decaf, and matcha green tea variants only.

4. Do not drink green tea before bedtime, as it can affect your sleep pattern.

5. Always maintain a gap of at least two hours between your meals and green tea.

6. Use filtered water to make your green tea.

7. Do not consume green tea in excessive amounts s it can cause gestational anemia.

Although it might not help in speeding up your labour, green tea is a healthy beverage you can drink during pregnancy. However, do consult a doctor before you decide whether or not to consume green tea.