Risks and Benefits of Pregnant Women Drinking Coffee
Pregnant women who are regular coffee drinkers may feel torn as to whether or not they should continue to indulge in their daily cup. Coffee is full of many beneficial components, such as its natural caffeine content, which can provide an energy boost or alertness to its drinkers. In addition, coffee is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are beneficial for health. Yet despite the clear benefits to drinking coffee, the safety of doing so while pregnant can be confusing.
While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have not recommended any specific cut off of caffeine intake during pregnancy, many scientific studies has concluded that excessive caffeine intake may indeed increase the risk of a range of health issues such as stillbirth, fetal growth restriction and miscarriage. Caffeine intake is also linked to lower birth rates and premature delivery. But in a recent meta-analysis released in 2018, researchers found that drinking up to 300mg per day of caffeine does not significantly increase the risk of any of these negative health outcomes for both the mother or the fetus.
In the same meta-analysis, researchers also found that caffeine in pregnant women may have some beneficial effects. Some research concluded that moderate caffeine intake may protect against gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and in general improve health outcomes for both the mother and the fetus. It is important to note that most of these studies involve pregnant women drinking up to 300mg of caffeine per day.
All of this being said, it is important for pregnant women to remember that everyone’s body is different and may respond differently to caffeine intake. It is a personal choice as to whether or not pregnant women decide to drink caffeine, but advisably, it is best to become familiar with the research on the topic and try to stay within the guidelines of drinking no more than 300mg per day. It is also advisable that pregnant women consume coffee in its natural form, such as brewed coffee and avoid processed forms of coffee like instant coffees and energy drinks that typically have much more caffeine and added sugar that may also led to adverse health outcomes.
Minimizing Risks With Coffee Alternatives
For pregnant women who are looking for coffee alternatives, there are many options that can still deliver the same alertness boost from coffee but in a more pregnancy friendly way.
Herbal teas are a great options for providing a burst of energy during pregnancy with added benefits such as containing Vitamin C and other antioxidants. Chai tea, ginger tea and lemon balm tea are some great options for pregnant women to start with.
Although it does not usually contain as much caffeine as coffee, cocoa also provides its drinkers with substantial antioxidant and mineral benefits. Theobromine, found in cocoa, also provides its drinkers with an energy boost and improved alertness, but without the same risks associated with caffeine consumption.
Lastly, energy and supplement drinks are a great alternative to coffee, containing many of the same vitamins, minerals and various components and offering an alternative way of getting the same alertness boost. Although these drinks should be taken with moderation, as excessive consumption of any supplement can produce adverse effects.
How Coffee Intake Is Affected by Other Lifestyle or Diet Habits
Pregnant women should also note that their coffee consumption may interact with other lifestyle and diet habits. For instance, pregnant women who have an iron deficiency should abstain from drinking too much coffee since caffeine is an inhibitor of iron absorption. In addition, pregnant women who are on any medication should be aware that coffee may interact with the drug, so it is important to speak to a doctor before making any changes to the daily caffeine consumption.
It is also important for pregnant women to pay attention to what they are eating in order to decrease the risk of adverse health outcomes. Eating foods that are nutritious and low in harmful components such as sugar and empty calories can help prevent some of the adverse health outcomes associated with coffee consumption.
Recommendations and Insights
With all of the conflicting evidence, the bottom line is that it is ultimately up to the pregnant woman to assess the risks and benefits of coffee consumption, and make the decision that she feels comfortable with.
Although some studies recommend abstaining from coffee during pregnancy, the likelihood of the risks outweighing its benefits is slim, providing that the pregnant woman drinks no more than 300mg of caffeine per day.
Careful monitoring of caffeine intake and other lifestyle habits, such as diet and exercise, is crucial for pregnant women who want to enjoy a cup or two of coffee, while also minimising any possible risk to her and her baby.
Psychological Implications of Coffee Consumption
Besides its physical implications, drinking coffee while pregnant can also have psychological implications on the pregnant woman, as addiction can come into play.
Studies have found that hundreds of pregnant women who depend on their daily caffeine fix may suffer from headaches, fatigue, poor concentration and any other effects associated with withdrawal. This can potentially cause a lot of worry, stress, and anxiety to the woman.
In addition, reducing the intake of a pregnant woman’s beloved cup of joe can also cause emotional distress, especially for women whose relationship with coffee is deeply entrenched into their daily routine.
Therefore, for pregnant women who battle addiction to coffee and its emotional repercussions, it is important for them to speak to their doctor or health care provider in order to come up with a plan that both reduces the caffeine consumption while also curbing the negative psychological effects of withdrawal.
Evaluating Other Factors that May Impair Coffee Intake
The safety of drinking coffee while pregnant can also depend on other factors in the woman’s life such as her genetics, her decision to smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy, any pre-existing medical conditions and so on.
For instance, if the pregnant woman has a history of heart disease or any cardiovascular problems, drinking too much coffee can be potentially very dangerous.
In addition, keep in mind that any other lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking alcohol can significantly amplify the risks of drinking coffee, so it is best to stay within the caffeine guidelines and to abstain from any of those other lifestyle factors.
Coffee and Genetics: Potential Individual Variance
Lastly, coffee consumption during pregnancy may also depend on the individual genetics of the pregnant women. According to genetic expert Sharad P. Paul, who wrote the book ‘The Genetics of Health’, individual genetic profiles can influence the effects of coffee consumption, since some people can metabolize coffee faster than others.
Therefore, contact your doctor or genetic specialist to get tested, to better understand your genetic profile and to get an idea of the risks and benefits of drinking coffee while pregnant.
Ultimately, the ultimate decision whether or not to drink coffee while pregnant is a personal one, and it is important to weigh the risks and benefits associated with its intake before making a consequential decision.
