Pregnant women commonly seek advice about their food and drink choices, especially when regulars such as coffee and iced coffees appear in their favorite drinks. While a steaming hot cup of coffee may no longer appeal, a cold and refreshing iced coffee can prove tempting. Can pregnant women safely enjoy an iced coffee?
Most medical experts agree that it is safe to enjoy a moderate amount of iced coffee during pregnancy. Pregnant women should not exceed one serving per day, and preferably this should be decaffeinated and made with low-fat milk.
Women who already have a habit of drinking several cups of coffee per day should try to reduce their intake when pregnant. Caffeine can easily cross the placenta, and although there is no consensus on a safe upper limit of caffeine during pregnancy, many healthcare providers recommend keeping total caffeine consumption to fewer than 200 mg per day when pregnant. The recommended upper limit of 200 mg equates to roughly two cups of normal strength coffee or four cups of tea per day.
Iced coffee that is prepared at home is generally safe to drink, provided it is made with decaffeinated coffee and low-fat milk. The type and strength of coffee and the quantity of milk used should be monitored to avoid excessive caffeine intake. The sugar content of the drink should also be taken into consideration if the brew contains sugar.
On the other hand, iced coffee from shops, restaurants, and cafés can contain chemicals, such as preservatives, flavors, and other additives, which are not beneficial and may be even controversial for pregnant women. Additionally, pre-made iced coffee beverages can contain large amounts of sugar, high-fat milk and syrups, which can contribute to weight gain during pregnancy. Furthermore, pre-made iced coffees often contain high levels of caffeine, which can be potentially dangerous for the baby.
Nutrient Density
A moderate amount of iced coffee during pregnancy can nonetheless offer some potential health benefits. A study conducted by the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology concluded that pregnant women who consumed iced coffee could benefit from its nutrient profile. The study noted that a typical cup of iced coffee contains 7–13 g of carbohydrate, 11–15 g of protein, and 5–7 g of dietary fat.
Furthermore, the study revealed that iced coffee can be a good source of bioavailable iron, and other essential minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, phosphate, and selenium. Moreover, brewed iced coffee contains certain antioxidants, such as diterpenes and hydrocinnamic acids, which may have beneficial effects for the mother-to-be.
Reduces Nausea Symptoms
Due to its bitter taste, iced coffee may be helpful to reduce nausea during pregnancy. Pregnant women with morning sickness often struggle to drink plain water because of its bland taste. However, the rich flavor of iced coffee, combined with its cold temperature can make it more enjoyable to consume the amount of fluid needed during pregnancy. On the other hand, hot coffee can exacerbate the feeling of nausea in some women.
In conclusion, a moderate amount of iced coffee can provide certain beneficial health effects for pregnant women and is generally considered to be safe. Caffeine levels and amounts of added sugars and fats should be monitored carefully from both homemade and pre-made iced coffees.
Caffeine Level of Iced Coffee
Although caffeine itself is not considered to be harmful for a developing baby, the amount and source of caffeine should be taken into consideration. Generally, a moderate intake of 200 mg of caffeine or less per day is considered safe in pregnancy, with an emphasis on low-caffeine products. Women who are pregnant should not exceed this amount
According to a study published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, a cup of brewed iced coffee can contain 142 mg of caffeine, while a large iced coffee drink from a restaurant can contain over 400 mg of caffeine in one drink. Experts note that caffeinated beverages should not be misused as thirst-quenching drinks during pregnancy and suggest to avoid or be cautious with products with high levels of added sugar.
Benefits of Coffee Substitutes
Although pregnant women can moderately enjoy iced coffee, there are many coffee substitutes available for women who have eliminated caffeine from their diet, such as Rooibos tea. This naturally caffeine-free, malt-like drink is full of minerals and antioxidants which may have beneficial effects.
It is also important to remember, that women should not be too strict with their diet during their pregnancy, and that moderate consumption of iced coffee is permissible and could even provide health benefits.
Moderation is Key
The risks posed by drinking too much coffee, including iced coffee, during pregnancy far outweigh the potential benefits. Excessive consumption of caffeinated products has been associated with a higher risk of preterm birth, increased fetal and neonatal mortality, and stillbirths. Women who cannot reduce their coffee intake should consult with their doctor or a dietitian.
On the other hand, women who are not coffee drinkers should not be concerned with drinking an occasional cup or two during pregnancy. In fact, studies have demonstrated that moderate coffee consumption results in few, if any, adverse effects.
Effects of Caffeine on Fetal Heart Rate
It might be expected that pregnant women who drink coffee can observe a change in their baby’s heart rate. A study conducted by the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology revealed that drinking iced coffee does have an effect on a baby’s heart rate, but it is not profound.
The study found that the average fetal heart rate of pregnant women who drinking an 8-ounce (1 cup) serving of iced coffee was 130.37 per minute, while the average fetal heart rate of pregnant women who did not drink iced coffee was 129.20 per minute.
The study concluded that the difference in fetal heart rate was not significant and there was no indication of any adverse events.
Safety Considerations For Pregnant Women
Generally, pregnant women should consume Iced coffee in moderation and opt for lower-fat and lower-sugar varieties. Pre-made versions should be avoided as these can contain additives, high levels of caffeine, and added sugars.
Pregnant women who wish to keep their caffeine intake to a minimum should try to cut out caffeinated beverages altogether, or limit themselves to one cup per day. It is also important to eat a balanced, nutritious diet and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
