As the popularity of coffee grows and the daily intake of coffee increases, so does the question of whether coffee can cause a miscarriage. Women who are pregnant may be especially concerned about the possibility. It is important to learn as much as possible about a potential danger to ensure that a beautiful and healthy baby is brought into the world.
According to the American Pregnancy Association, there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that drinking coffee causes miscarriage. But it is suggested that pregnant women should limit their daily coffee intake to 200 mg. which is the equivalent of one twelve ounce cup of coffee. According to a recent study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, pregnant women who consumed 200 mg or less of caffeine a day were less likely to have a miscarriage than those who consumed no caffeine.
The Cleveland Clinic Australia add that research citing possible risks are inconclusive and speculate how caffeine might cause an increase in hormonal levels, interference in iron absorption, or an early labour caused by caffeine consumption.
Too much caffeine or other stimulants can cause headaches, feeling anxious and jittery, make it hard to focus, and can be detrimental to a growing baby. The Austalian Government states that it is wise to reduce any intake of caffeine when pregnant, since we cannot be certain of what effect it has.
Not only can drinking coffee affect the baby, but it can also have a negative impact on the mother. Women who experience too much stress, fatigue, and anxiety can find themselves feeling worse after drinking coffee. Studies have shown that drinking coffee excessively can raise levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the mother. A study published in the journal Anxiety, Stress, and Coping found that when pregnant women consumed more than 200 mg of caffeine a day, they were more likely to experience mood swings, difficulty sleeping, and increased worry.
On the other hand, caffeine in moderate amounts can also be beneficial. A study conducted by the Clinical and Chemical Pathology journal found that pregnant women who drank moderate amounts of caffeine had a lower risk of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
Nutrition
Though coffee should be limited, pregnant women should focus equally on dietary nutrition when deciding which foods to avoid. Too much sugar, salt, and processed foods can put the growing baby at risk of abnormal growth, birth defects, and an unhealthy beginning.
Doctors advise that a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals should be incorporated into a mother’s diet. It is also important to consume a lot of green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, and nuts during pregnancy. These foods contain essential nutrients and vitamins, and are key for the growth of the mother and the baby.
Exercise
Just as important as diet is exercise. Exercise can help pregnant women boost circulation and energy levels, while helping to strengthen the muscles in the body. This can reduce backaches and fatigue that are common during pregnancy. Twenty minutes of exercise five days a week is recommended.
The Mayo Clinic recommends that pregnant women stay away from any exercise whose results include an increase in core temperature. This can include hot yoga and intense cardio. Moderate exercises such as swimming, walking, and using an elliptical machine are all great activities because they help to strengthen muscles without putting the mother and baby at risk.
Miscarriage Risks
Though coffee is not a main factor in miscarriage, there are certain risk factors associated with it. Some of these factors include smoking, drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, and a poor diet. Women should be especially aware of these risks and work to avoid them for the safety of the baby.
Genetic factors, infections and age can also increase the risk of miscarriage. Women that are over the age of 35 might find themselves more likely to suffering from a miscarriage. Miscarriage caused by age has been found to range from 20-40% depending on the age of the mother.
Chromosomal Abnormalities
Chromosomal abnormalities account for the majority of miscarriages. Such abnormalities can prevent the embryo from implanting or can be caused by genetic mutations. If a woman has had multiple miscarriages, it might be wise to get a chromosome analysis to see if there are any indications as to why this might be happening.
Women that have been exposed to certain toxins or hazardous materials, or who have had multiple abortions, are also more likely to experience a miscarriage. Lastly, women with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease might be more susceptible to this type of complication.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, the jury is still out on whether coffee, in moderate amounts, can cause a miscarriage. It is still best to consult with a medical professional and take the time to learn more about the risks involved. Women should also stay away from excessive caffeine and focus on consuming healthy foods. Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential in having a healthy pregnancy.
