- Joel Muñoz
- Apr 10
- 2 min read
El consumo de mate durante el embarazo
During pregnancy, it is important to moderate your consumption of yerba mate due to its caffeine content. Although it is a natural beverage, it is recommended to consume mate in small amounts or after the fifth cebado, when the caffeine content is lower. Consulting a doctor is essential to ensure good health for both mother and baby during pregnancy.
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Yerba mate is a natural and healthy infusion made from the Ilex paraguariensis plant. However, because it contains caffeine, it is important to consider consuming it during pregnancy, especially in South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, where yerba mate infusions are part of daily life.
Pregnancy and caffeine
Caffeine is a substance that acts as a stimulant of the central nervous system, producing a state of alertness and temporarily eliminating fatigue. Caffeine is not only present in coffee, but also in chocolate, tea, soda, energy drinks, and, to a lesser extent, in yerba mate.
Almost universally, pregnant women are advised to reduce (and in some cases, eliminate) their caffeine consumption and increase their intake of foods that are a source of nutrients to ensure a healthy baby and the best conditions at birth. If they do consume caffeine, the recommendation is to participate in the round after the 5th or 6th mate, when the caffeine content is lower. Scientific research indicates that a caffeine dose greater than 200/300 milligrams per day could cause low birth weight in the newborn, in addition to altering the fetal heart rate. Caffeine could also cause heartburn, insomnia, headaches, and nervousness.
During pregnancy, it's important to maintain a conscious and moderate diet with more nutritious foods, closely monitored by your doctor. It's always advisable to adjust daily habits based on the health of your unborn child, and to this end, it's essential to share timely medical information with expectant mothers to promote and motivate these healthy changes.
