Coffee and Pregnancy
Caffeinated beverages are a staple of modern life and coffee is one of the most popular. Coffee contains naturally occurring substances that have the potential to benefit health, but for pregnant women, there is some conflicting advice about ingestion of caffeine. Women can be left wondering – just how safe is it to drink coffee when pregnant?
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises pregnant women to limit their caffeine intake to 300mg per day, the equivalent of around three cups of coffee. Depending on the preparation, the caffeine quantity in each cup can differ, with percolated coffee containing almost double that of regular instant coffee. The British Nutrition Foundation, however, suggest pregnant women limit their daily dose to no more than 200mg per day, while the Food Standards Agency warns pregnant women not to exceed more than 200mg if they didn’t drink coffee before pregnancy.
7 Weeks Pregnant
Seven weeks pregnant is a crucial time in the early stages of a pregnancy and it is important to avoid any potential risks. With a lot of information available, and sometimes conflicting advice, it can be difficult to know what is best. However, the NHS state that it is ‘likely to be safe’ to drink coffee if you didn’t drink it before getting pregnant. While it is also not thought to be a hazard for the mother or baby, it is best to limit intake to 200mg or less per day.
When it comes to researching what you should and shouldn’t consume during pregnancy, there lies a wide range of information. Therefore, it is important to know what is reliable and where to look for information. Public health agencies such as the NHS or nationally responsible bodies for food and drink, such as the Food Standards Agency, are considered to be the most reliable sources.
Benefits Of Drinking Coffee
Although there is general consensus that pregnant women maintain low levels of caffeine intake, studies have also suggested potential benefits of ingestion during pregnancy. For example, some research suggests that moderate caffeine consumption during pregnancy may reduce the risk of developing late stillbirths, with over 200mg of caffeine a day being associated with a 55% lower risk.
Moreover, other studies suggest that drinking caffeinated beverages could reduce the risk of suffering a miscarriage. Furthermore, some research has indicated that caffeine consumption may contribute to reducing the risk of preterm delivery, as well as improving fertility. Although these benefits should be balanced against any known or potential risks.
Risks Of Drinking Coffee
Although there may be potential benefits, it is important to consider the possible risks of drinking coffee whilst pregnant. According to the Food Standards Agency, women who regularly consume over 200mg of caffeine per day have an increased risk of having a low birth weight baby. Therefore, lower levels of caffeine ingestion should be considered.
A further issue when it comes to drinking coffee during pregnancy is the other ingredients which could be present, for example additives and flavourings. Some of these additives can harm your unborn baby, and it can often be difficult to identify how much of each a particular beverage contains. Additionally, drinks containing sugar can also contribute to health problems, not only increasing calories and sugar intake but also increasing the risk of gestational diabetes and other health problems.
Healthy Alternatives
Although coffee can sometimes be difficult to avoid, there are some healthy alternatives which may be beneficial when pregnant. It is becoming increasingly popular to add milk to coffee, therefore providing more nutritional benefits. It has been suggested that some plant-based milks such as oat, almond and soya, may have other positive health implications such as helping to decrease cholesterol.
Furthermore, some research indicates that drinking herbal teas can provide further health benefits when pregnant. It is known that herbal teas are packed with various compounds and vitamins such as magnesium, folate, and antioxidants. These metabolites are found to have beneficial properties. However, just like coffee, it is important to monitor the amount of herbal tea you drink as some can contain caffeine.
Caffeine Consumption When Pregnant
Overall, it is important to bear in mind that different pregnancies are different, and it will depend on individual circumstances. It is universally recognised that pregnant women should hold a low level of caffeine intake, with around 200mg or less being an appropriate level. As some research indicates the potential benefits of caffeine intake, maintaining this low level may lead to some added benefits when pregnant. Furthermore, there are healthy alternatives which still are likely to provide further health benefits.
Expert Opinions
The collective expert opinion over this topic is favourable for caffeine to be consumed only in very minimal doses, in order to maintain the risk of potential health implications. Professor David Berry, a medical adviser to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists-UK (RCOG-UK), commented that:
“Most people know that caffeine in coffee is a stimulant but it’s really important to understand that it’s also a diuretic, so it increases urine output. Because of this, In a pregnant woman, caffeine can increase the amount of minerals and fluids she loses from her body. This includes iron, which is especially important in pregnancy. Too little iron can cause anaemia which can make women feel fatigued. It’s best to avoid this happening, so limiting the amount of caffeine you consume is advisable”.
Susceptibility To Caffeine
It is also important to remember that different people react differently to caffeine. Some people may be more sensitive to its effects, leading to jitteriness, so it is wise for such people to cut down even more. Additionally, it is believed that caffeine metabolism can also be affected during pregnancy, meaning it will take longer for the body to break down caffeine and it to leave your system. Hence, these individuals should always check with their GP or midwife before proceeding.
Other Considerations
It is also important to understand that avoiding coffee completely whilst pregnant may cause further issues. Studies have suggested that women who completely abstain from caffeine can have a greater risk of depression and anxiety during pregnancy, as well as lower energy levels. This is because coffee does contain some beneficial compounds, as well as various vitamins and minerals which can influence our bodies. Therefore, moderate levels of coffee consumption can be beneficial.
Alternative Sources Of Caffeine
Apart from coffee, it is also important to be aware of other sources of caffeine that you may be consuming. Chocolate, tea, and energy drinks are just some of the sources which can all contain caffeine. Recently, decaffeinated teas, coffees, and other beverages have become more available, but it is important to remember that even decaffeinated products will contain trace elements of caffeine.
Final Advice
In conclusion, while it is generally thought to be safe to drink coffee when pregnant, it is best to limit intake to 200mg or less per day. Additionally, there is evidence which suggests that caffeine intake in moderation can be beneficial and provide positive health implications for the mother and baby. One of the key important factors when it comes to ingesting caffeine during pregnancy is to know where to look for reliable information from trusted sources, such as the NHS.
