The Effects of Caffeine on the Foetus During Pregnancy
When pregnant, women have to pay extra attention to their diets due to the extra strain it adds to their bodies. Coffee is one beverage that may carry health risks if consumed in large amounts while expecting. It is known to contain harmless levels of caffeine and other minerals beneficial to the mother, but mothers need to make sure that any coffee they consume will not have adverse effects on their unborn child.
Caffeine can be found in many common drinks, snacks and even medication. Each substance with caffeine can have different levels of the stimulant, so it is important for pregnant women to assess their intake when monitoring their nutrition in relation to their baby’s wellbeing. It is thought that excessive amounts of caffeine may potentially cause miscarriages or birth defects, so a moderate intake is advised.
The safe upper limit of caffeine consumption for pregnant women is recommended to be no more than 200 milligrams (mg) per day. Depending on the type of coffee selected and the way it is made, it can contain varying levels of caffeine ranging between 50 mg to 300 mg per cup. To have a moderate cup of coffee, pregnant women should consider cappuccino’s, iced coffee or Americano’s with a lower caffeine content. Decaffeinated coffee is also an option, however coffee beans are soaked in a solvent which may attract some of the other toxic elements to the beans.
Experts suggest that pregnant women may benefit from caffeine’s stimulant effects to the point of their own wellbeing. This benefit is attributed to its ability to raise alertness and concentration, which is often depleted during pregnancy. The placenta and amniotic sac surrounding the foetus have important roles in protecting it against harmful toxins. However, women should consider the potential effects of excessive consumption of caffeine to avoid this.
The Effect of Coffee to Dehydration and Morning Sickness
The effects of coffee can be both positive and negative while pregnant. Women may be prone to dehydration due to the hormonal changes that occur during the stage of pregnancy, and coffee is a known diuretic. Additionally, coffee can have an impact on the severity of morning sickness, which is a common complaint during pregnancy.
As coffee is a stimulant and it has an acidic nature that may be unable to be sustained by some women during their pregnancy. As such it is recommended to seek advice from health care experts with regards limiting its consumption.
Medical practitioners from the National Health Service (NHS) suggest that it is better to opt for health drinks, such as lactose free milk, which contains nutrients and minerals like calcium, vitamin A, D and phosphorus . Alternatively, water contains minerals like potassium and magnesium, making it the best hydration option.
Nutritional Benefit of Coffee
Though pregnant women are advised to protect their bodies and their unborn baby through limiting the amount of coffee they should not confuse this with the recommendation to avoid certain food items altogether. For example, freshly brewed filter coffee naturally contains nutritive elements like pantothenic acid and riboflavin which are B vitamins. Furthermore, coffee is naturally caffeine free until it undergoes the processing which adds the stimulant.
It is also important to consider the health and dietary significance of an expectant mother consuming coffee. For instance, it is known to contain zero calories and is fat free, so pregnant women can enjoy their morning cup without the fear of putting on extra weight.
Benefits of Drinking Non-Caffeinated Coffee
As women are advised to refrain from consuming caffeinated drinks, many opt instead for a caffeine-free alternative, such as chicory, barley and rye. Not only do these options reduce the risk of dehydration and other health risks, they also come with other associated health benefits. Such as, chicory root including potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron, improves digestive health and can act as a substitute for liver tonic.
Additionally, rye and barley, these ingredients contain micronutrients like essential fatty acids, zinc, phosphorous and iron. Studies suggest that substances like phosphorus, potassium and iron are essential elements in the development of beneficial bacteria in the human digestive system, which is why these alternatives tend to be more beneficial than caffeinated coffee.
Environmental Factors to Consider
When pregnant, it is also important for women to consider how the environment around them, such as the workplace and home, can affect their pregnancy. Depending on where one work, the onset of certain smells and odours, especially that of caffeine, may trigger reactions like nausea. Stress levels, particularly at the workplace, can also be a factor leading to the craving for caffeine.
Women should think carefully when approaching the topic of breastfeeding their babies as well. It has been discovered that caffeine, if it enters the bloodstream of an expectant mother, also can contaminate her breast milk. This can have an effect on the wellbeing of the child due to the child’s sensitive stage of development.
Effects of Coffee on Nursing Mothers
Many women may want to continue drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages once the baby is born, and later to be breastfed. One of the key health hazards associated with taking caffeine while nursing, is potential dehydration. The dehydration caused can reduce milk production, hence the milk that the baby receives can also be affected.
Furthermore, as the baby does not filter caffeine from the milk until it comes out in urine, the baby may be affected by low level exposure to the stimulant. Procaffeinating, a habit in which coffee consuming mothers breastfeed afterwards, has been suggested to heighten the baby’s blood pressure and heart rate. Therefore, coffee consumption should be carefully monitored if the mother plans on breastfeeding.
Coffee Substitutes During Pregnancy
Not all pregnant women choose to abstain from caffeine completely for the entirety of the pregnancy. Alternative solutions to help reduce the amount of caffeine in the woman’s diet can be implemented. For instance, options such as reducing the amount of coffee consumed each day or substituting with herbal tea, which is caffeine-free, are thought to help.
Certain types of herbs like ginger, licorice and lemongrass have been used historically as caffeine-free coffee alternatives. Depending on the individual, drinking tea prepared with these herbs can also have an effect on curbing morning sickness and fatigue. Additionally, some herbal teas can contain minerals like magnesium, zinc, vitamin A and C which are beneficial to the mother and her baby’s wellbeing.
Conclusion
When pregnant, women should discuss the amount of caffeine they consume from coffee and other beverages with their health practitioners. It is possible to sustain a healthy pregnancy whilst drinking coffee. Women should concentrate on controlling their caffeine intakes and ensure that their selection of coffee is safe for their unborn baby.
