Matcha and Pregnancy: What You Really Need to Know
Partager
The question often comes up: "Can I continue drinking matcha during my pregnancy?" The answer is not a simple yes or no—it's a matter of dosage and context.
The starting point: caffeine during pregnancy
The World Health Organization and most health authorities recommend limiting caffeine intake to a maximum of 200 mg per day during pregnancy. Beyond this, risks of intrauterine growth restriction and low birth weight have been identified.
A bowl of matcha (2g) contains 35 to 70 mg of caffeine. At this dosage, a single daily bowl remains within the recommended safety margins.
Important: This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of your doctor or midwife. Every pregnancy is different. Consult your healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Other considerations
Vitamin K: Matcha is rich in vitamin K (important for blood clotting). In moderate amounts, this is not a problem. But if you are taking anticoagulants, inform your doctor about your matcha consumption.
Antioxidants: Matcha's polyphenols, especially EGCG, are generally considered beneficial. However, at very high concentrations (far beyond one bowl a day), some animal studies have observed interactions with folate metabolism. There's no need to panic for a daily bowl, but moderation is key.
Practical recommendation
If you usually drink 2-3 bowls of matcha per day, reducing to 1 bowl during pregnancy is the most prudent approach and consistent with general caffeine recommendations.
If you are not yet accustomed to matcha and are pregnant, pregnancy may not be the best time to start—wait until after delivery to establish new habits.
Frequently asked questions
Is matcha safer than coffee during pregnancy?
Both contain caffeine. An espresso (60-80mg) and a bowl of matcha (35-70mg) are comparable. The difference is that matcha also contains L-theanine, which modulates the effect of caffeine—potentially gentler on the nervous system.
Can you drink matcha while breastfeeding?
The same rules apply as during pregnancy: moderation and medical consultation. Caffeine passes into breast milk in small concentrations.
