Coffee and Pregnancy: What Do the Research Tells?
Many pregnant women depend on coffee for an energy boost during the day, but it’s important to be aware of the potential effects of coffee on pregnant women and their unborn children. Are there any significant risks associated with a pregnant woman drinking coffee, and what should expectant mothers consider before having their morning caffeine fix?
Recent medical studies have started to tackle the issue of coffee drinking during pregnancy, and the findings are both informative and reassuring. One study, performed by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, examined the effects of caffeinated coffee consumption by pregnant women and any possible associations with negative birth outcomes. Results showed that moderate to high consumption of caffeinated coffee was not associated with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or being underweight at birth.
The results of the research support the suggestion that pregnant women can consume moderate amounts of caffeine from coffee, but larger amounts should be avoided. Different health organizations have different recommended limits for caffeine during pregnancy, but most agree that less than 200 mg of caffeine daily (about two cups of 8-ounce coffee) is safe for most women.
For women with anxiety, hypertension, or certain medical conditions, avoiding caffeine is best. Additionally, pregnant women may experience unique effects from drinking coffee, so it’s important to be mindful of how it affects individual body chemistry. Excessively high levels of caffeine in the body can lead to unexplained headaches or jitteriness, so women who experience these symptoms should reduce their intake of caffeinated beverages.
The Side Effects of High Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy
Women who choose to drink more than one cup of coffee per day should be aware of potential risks, including spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, and low birth weight.
Another study by the National Institute of Health confirms the initial findings of the Harvard study, that consuming moderate to high doses of caffeine during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, or even stillbirth. In cases where women consumed more than 5 cups (500 mg) of coffee per day, the risk of spontaneous abortion or stillbirth was even higher.
Excess caffeine during pregnancy can also affect restful sleep patterns, with higher amounts of caffeine correlated with more frequent wakings. Regularly interrupted sleep can lead to increased fatigue and mental irritability, both common ailments for pregnant women. It can be difficult to calculate the exact caffeine intake with variable intakes of caffeine-containing foods, so it’s best to keep track of how much caffeine is consumed on a daily basis.
What Are the Alternatives?
While the research suggests that pregnant women can benefit from moderate amounts of caffeine in small doses, pregnant women can also opt out of caffeine altogether by tapping into the growing list of herbal and decaffeinated coffee products available.
Herbal milks, made with ingredients like oat, almond, and macadamia milks, are a viable option for pregnant women seeking an alternative to caffeinated coffee. Additionally, some decaffeinated coffee products can provide a caffeine-free, but still flavorful, cup of coffee.
Herbal teas are also a great caffeine-free option for moms-to-be, as researching brands and products can give pregnant women access to some of the key nutrients their bodies need. Herbals teas with ingredients like lemon balm, hibiscus, and rose hip contain vitamins and minerals that can help keep fatigued pregnant women energized and healthy.
How to Stay Healthy and Avoid Excess Consumption During Pregnancy
When preparing a cup of coffee or tea, pregnant women should check the amount of caffeine in order to monitor their total caffeine intake for the day. It can also be beneficial to add nutritious elements to coffee, such as probiotics and oils that can help counterbalance the potential negative effects on the body. There are also coffee alternatives made with ingredients like fruit juices, almond and oat milks, and herbal syrups that can provide an added nutritional boost and great taste.
Regularly checking up on the amount of caffeine consumed can be a great way for pregnant women to get the energy they need to stay active throughout the day and can help ensure that the caffeine intake is reasonable and not causing adverse reactions in the body.
Coffee and Fertility
Recent research on coffee drinking conducted by Duke University may have found an unexpected benefit associated with consuming coffee. Other than providing a much-needed antioxidant effect on the body, researchers at Duke University claim that women have an improved chance of conception when drinking caffeinated coffee regularly.
The results of the study suggest that caffeinated coffee consumption is correlated with improved fertility in women. Caffeine proponents say that this is proof that coffee can have beneficial effects, while skeptics say that it may be a case of correlation without causation.
Conclusion
Overall, drinking coffee can offer mild health benefits to pregnant women, and different health organizations seem to agree that moderate amounts are safe for pregnant women to consume. While high amounts should be avoided, even pregnant women can enjoy the occasional cup of joe as long as there is careful monitoring of the caffeine intake, and adding nutritious elements to the coffee can help enhance the energy boost and counteract any negative effects on the body. It is important to note, however, that certain medical conditions can be exacerbated with caffeine, so any questions should be discussed with a doctor before making the decision to consume coffee or any other caffeinated products.
