From the morning buzz of caffeine to late-night study sessions fueled by an extra shot of espresso, coffee can be a staple of daily life for countless people — but recent research has suggested that pregnant women may want to hold the latte. Is it safe to drink coffee when you are pregnant? Let’s take a closer look.
It’s no secret that coffee contains caffeine, which can act as a stimulant. While it may be harmless for non-pregnant adults, pregnant women may want to avoid it due to potential risks. High levels of caffeine have been linked to an increased risk for miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth. In fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now officially recommends that pregnant women consume no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day. This is the equivalent of one 12-ounce cup of coffee.
For many pregnant women, 200 mg may be an easily attainable limit — but should they be drinking coffee while pregnant at all? According to a 2009 Danish study, pregnant women who consume over 200 mg of caffeine per day are twice as likely to have babies with a low birth weight — which can increase the chance of serious health problems, including death. The study also suggested that women who consume more than 500 mg of caffeine during pregnancy may increase the risk of having a stillbirth.
The debate about the safety of coffee during pregnancy has been ongoing, with some experts disagreeing with the ACOG recommendation. “We should bear in mind,” states Dr. Piers Dawes, “that there is no good evidence to suggest that moderate levels of coffee affect the fetus negatively.” Dr. Dawes suggests that pregnant women can enjoy a “carefully moderated” coffee intake with no ill effects on their baby.
Despite disagreement from certain doctors, other research has suggested that pregnant women should avoid caffeine completely. The American Pregnancy Association suggests that pregnant women should eliminate caffeine, as well as other substances, from their diet to maximize the health of their unborn child. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that caffeine is not just found in coffee. Other sources include tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and certain medications. So even if you think you’re doing the right thing by limiting your coffee intake, you may still be going over your 200-mg daily limit.
All in all, it’s clear that more research needs to be done on the potential link between coffee consumption and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Until then, pregnant women and their healthcare providers may need to err on the side of caution when it comes to caffeine intake and avoid drinking coffee while pregnant.
Coffee and Anxiety During Pregnancy
Anxiety during pregnancy can be a serious issue. In addition to the physiological and emotional changes that naturally occur in the body, many new mothers experience the added stress of imagining the future health of their unborn babies. Common symptoms of anxiety during pregnancy include racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, and restlessness. Of course, caffeine can also increase these symptoms. In addition to potentially increasing the risk of miscarriage, it should be noted that a higher caffeine intake during pregnancy can result in more anxiety for women.
Caffeine is a known stimulator, and it can actually increase feelings of anxiety — especially in women. These feelings can start during pregnancy and end up lasting for months after giving birth. Studies have found that pregnant women who consume more than 200 mg of caffeine per day are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and panic disorder.
Moreover, caffeine can interfere with the production of serotonin, a chemical responsible for our mood and overall wellbeing. When serotonin levels are low, emotional distress can increase — resulting in even more anxiety. With this in mind, it’s clear that pregnant women should reduce their caffeine intake as much as possible in order to maintain mental and emotional health during this important time.
Coffee Substitutes for the Pregnant Woman
If you’re pregnant and worried about giving up your daily cup of coffee, don’t worry — there are plenty of caffeine-free alternatives that you can enjoy. For starters, decaffeinated coffee is still a safe option, as long as it is kept to moderate amounts. There is also a wide range of herbal teas that can give you the same feeling of warmth and comfort that coffee can provide — with absolutely no caffeine. Options such as licorice root tea, red raspberry leaf tea, and ginger tea are all caffeine-free, and have potential benefits for the pregnant woman.
Women who are looking for a more coffee-like experience can try roasted chicory root tea. While it still contains small amounts of caffeine, it has a similar dark roast flavor and contains many beneficial nutrients like Vitamin B6, magnesium, and iron. Additionally, some specialty coffee brands now offer herbal versions that are flavored with spices like cinnamon and clove. An herbal coffee alternative is a great way to get the same caffeine-free flavor without having to give up the coffee experience altogether.
Craving Coffee During Pregnancy? Consider the Alternatives
When the thought of giving up coffee during pregnancy can seem unbearable, it’s important to consider the alternatives. Many pregnant women who crave coffee drinks turn to decaf, herbal teas, and specialty coffee alternatives that are flavored with spices or extracts. There are even zero-calorie coffee drink mixes available that offer coffee-like flavor without all of the caffeine.
If you’re having coffee cravings while pregnant, it’s important to remember that caffeine can cross the placenta and potentially harm the developing fetus. With this in mind, it’s best to stick to decaf coffee or try an alternative that won’t put Mother and baby at risk.
Coffee Consumption for Mothers-To-Be
Coffee is something that many mothers-to-be turn to in order to stay alert and get through the day—but is this really a safe practice during pregnancy? The bottom line is that pregnant women should limit their coffee consumption, since caffeine can have a dangerous effect on the developing baby and cause a range of common problems. Too much caffeine can cause increased heart rate in the baby, trouble sleeping, and even some degree of stress.
Not only that, but coffee can reduce the absorption of important nutrients. Caffeine can also increase blood pressure and reduce blood flow to the placenta, which can significantly reduce the amount of oxygen the baby receives. Additionally, some studies suggest that too much coffee can lead to trouble in later life, such as a higher risk of childhood obesity and difficulty achieving a healthy weight.
To minimize your risk, it’s best to talk to your doctor about the safest amount of coffee to drink each day. Your doctor can assess your individual health needs and provide personalized recommendations. However, it is generally best for pregnant women to stay away from coffee entirely, opting for decaffeinated coffee, herbal teas, or coffee substitutes instead.
What are the Effects of Cutting Out Coffee During Pregnancy?
For some women, cutting coffee out of their diet during pregnancy can be a challenge — but it may be necessary in order to reduce potential health risks. So what can you expect when you make the decision to eliminate it? First and foremost, your energy levels may drop. Coffee can certainly provide a helpful jolt of energy that many women need to get through their day, and when it’s taken away, they may find themselves feeling more sluggish and less driven. This can be difficult for the mother-to-be and may add to her feelings of stress.
Another common side-effect of cutting out coffee is a headache. Giving up caffeine can cause sudden withdrawal symptoms in people who are used to drinking it every day, such as nausea, headache, dizziness, and an irritated stomach. It is important to note that if these symptoms become too intense, the best course of action is to manage them with rest, relaxation, and other non-medicinal remedies.
Finally, it’s important to remember that cutting out coffee during pregnancy can be beneficial in the long run. By reducing the risk of preterm labor, stillbirth, and low birth weight, the decision can help give your baby the best chance of health. At the end of the day, the choice is ultimately up to the mother — but it’s important to make an informed decision based on research and consultation with your healthcare provider.
