Green tea and IVF...???

[WeeMansMummy]

Hi all,
I read somewhere to drink green tea when doing IVF.
I have quit coffee, tea, coke, alcohol, the occasional social cigarette and all the other good things to prepare my body for IVF.
So what i'm wondering is if there is caffine in green tea??? And is it good practice to drink it during IVF and if so... how much?
Any other diet tips are welcome too.
Jaki
xx

[juniper76]

I was told not to drink green tea when I was pg, so I wouldn't drink it after EPU. But that's just me... I haven't heard of being told to drink it. I was just told to drink lots and lots of water (3L/day)! I was also told to eat a high protein diet.

[Becs_bubs]

I went and found something I read earlier in my pg.....based on this, I probably wouldn't, but there may well be research to counteract that, too....

Green Tea Pregnancy Discussion
Green Tea Pregnancy dilemma.......to drink or not to drink during pregnancy, that is the question.
Green Tea and Pregnancy is a common and very relevant topic for expectant mothers and women who are thinking of conceiving. If you love your green tea like I do, you will have to make a decision about whether to drink green tea during pregnancy, be it in moderation or not at all.
Here is some information that hopefully will help you with your decision making around the Green Tea Pregnancy Discussion.
First and foremost, Green Tea contains caffeine, so keeping that in mind, consumption should be limited accordingly during pregnancy.
How does green tea affect my pregnancy and baby?
Caffeine is a stimulant and diuretic: As a stimulant, it increases your blood pressure and heart rate, which is not recommended during pregnancy. As a diuretic, it increases the frequency of urination which may cause reduction in your body fluid levels leading to dehydration.
Caffeine crosses the placenta to your baby: As an adult, your body may be able to handle the caffeine you consume, but your baby?s metabolism is in the growing stages and it can be difficult for the fetus to metabolize the caffeine. However, most researchers believe that, although caffeine does cross the placenta, moderate amounts (less than 300 milligrams a day) won't harm your baby.
Caffeine causes miscarriages: A recent study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2008 has found the pregnant women who consumed more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day had twice the risk of miscarriage as women who consumed no caffeine at all. A cup of tea has approximately 28 - 44 mg of caffeine.
Caffeine causes infertility: Some studies have shown the link between high levels of caffeine consumption and infertility.
Caffeine causes birth defects: Studies on animals have shown that caffeine causes birth defects, increased risk of low-birth weight and preterm delivery. However, the studies are inconclusive.
So, should I or should I not drink caffeine during pregnancy?
Most practitioners will tell you to err on the side of caution and to avoid caffeine or cut back on your caffeine intake to a ?moderate level?. The definition of moderate varies anywhere between 150mg ? 300 mg.
But that again can be somewhat misleading. How much caffeine is in a cup depends on the type of tea and the strength of the brew. Flushing out the first brew will eliminate some of the caffeine content so that may help somewhat.
If you are in any way concerned, eliminate caffeine from your diet while you?re pregnant. If it?s hard to do it cold turkey, cut down on it slowly
EGCG may reduce folate levels: Green Tea Pregnancy Research has also shown that high levels of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) that active compound found in green tea may reduce folate levels.
The study showed that women who drink high levels of green tea during conception and pregnancy many place the fetus at risk for neural tube disorders. Neural tube defects such as spina bifida are usually associated with folic acid deficiency.

[WeeMansMummy]

Thanks ladies!!!
I had gone completely caffeine free (other than the odd bit of chocolate) so its going in the bin!!!
Jaki
xx

[Becs_bubs]

You're most welcome You could always keep it in the cupboard just in case someone visits that likes it, anyway

[Becs_bubs]

On a side note, you could look into Raspberry leaf tea if you still want that tea fix? I have heard from friends who are TTC that they drank it up until ovulation date and then took a 2 week break. 2-3 cups a day, max. It tones the uterus, so there might be something in that...someone else might have more insight?