Coffee is a beloved beverage, and some people can’t even imagine their day without it. But, with any pregnancy, there comes an array of do’s and don’ts. So, if you’re expecting can you drink coffee? With all of the conflicting information out there, it’s hard to know for sure.
When you’re pregnant, knowing what you should or shouldn’t be consuming can be quite a challenge. After all, the whole point of pregnancy is growing a healthy baby and ingesting food and drink is a crucial part of that. Can drinking coffee somehow be detrimental to your bouncing bundle of joy?
The short answer is that yes, you can drink coffee, as long as you’re careful. Caffeine is a drug and any drug, including coffee, can have potentially dangerous side effects. It’s also worth noting that coffee consumption during pregnancy can also have some positive side effects such as decreasing the risk of developing gestational diabetes, according to Medical News Today.
The safest amount to drink according to the American Pregnancy Association is no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine daily. That’s approximately a 12-ounce cup of coffee. While that’s a manageable amount of coffee, it’s important to pay attention to how it affects your body. Depending on how sensitive you are to caffeine, you may need to scale back your intake as it can increase your blood pressure and heart rate.
Of course, it’s not just private health that’s at stake when it comes to drinking caffeinated beverages. The general consensus among the medical community is that drinking coffee during pregnancy is generally in the “safe” zone, but caution is advised.
At the end of the day, the decision is entirely up to you and your doctor. As long as you’re drinking decaffeinated coffees, limiting your intake to no more than 200 mg per day, and watching out for any adverse reactions, drinking a cup of joe should be perfectly safe.
Is Decaffeinated Coffee Safe For Pregnancy?
A popular question many people ask is whether decaffeinated coffee is a viable option while you’re expecting. The answer is yes, decaffeinated coffee is totally safe during pregnancy.
But, despite it being decaffeinated, it can still contain trace amounts of caffeine, or less than 2.5 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Still, depending on your own sensitivity to caffeine and the amount you’re drinking, it might be worth it to reconsider reaching for a decaf, just to be safe.
It’s also worth noting that decaffeinated coffee can still contain a potent irritant – chlorogenic acid. This acid is found in coffee beans, and the decaffeination process typically doesn’t affect it. Plus, decaffeinated coffee beans can still contain other chemicals and that can be dangerous for pregnancy, so be sure to consider these factors when making your coffee.
What Happens To The Baby When Drinking Coffee During Pregnancy?
Most of the time, at least when consumed in moderation, your caffeine consumption is unlikely to have any long-term negative effects. Still, it’s important to note that caffeine can pass through the placental barrier and affect the fetus. In the short term, caffeine can increase the baby’s heart rate and breathing rate due to the stimulating effects of the drug, so it’s vital that you consume in moderation.
Organisations such as Baby Center also report there’s some evidence that suggests drinking coffee during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage. Therefore, the American Pregnancy Association recommends avoiding anything more than 200 mg per day and monitoring your coffee consumption very carefully.
Lastly, it’s important to understand that while caffeine can pass through the mother’s body and into the baby, it’s broken down much more quickly in a baby than in an adult. Therefore, there’s also no need to worry if you do have a cup of coffee and then realise your baby is still active for a few hours after.
Alternatives To Coffee During Pregnancy
Of course, if you don’t want to be taking any chances, there are plenty of alternatives to coffee that you can opt for instead. If you’re searching for a hot drink, why not try herbal teas? Jasmine and fruity teas are particularly good for expectant mothers.
The best thing about herbal teas is that they are a natural source of caffeine and contain a host of other benefits, which makes them perfect during pregnancy. For instance, some varieties can be diuretic, helping you to build up your energy levels and reduce tiredness.
Another alternative to coffee during pregnancy is almond milk. Almond milk is a delicious, sweet and healthy alternative to cow’s milk and can be used in a variety of ways, as well as to make hot drinks. Not only is almond milk a healthier and tastier alternative to coffee, it’s also packed with vital nutrients that can boost your overall health while you’re expecting.
supplements to add in your diet?
As well as trying to reduce your caffeine intake or replacing your cup of coffee with a healthier alternative, supplements can also be beneficial for expecting women. Magnesium is great for pregnant women as it can help promote a healthy hormone balance and reduce tiredness, as well as alleviate tired legs at night.
Vitamin D is also important, as it can help promote healthy bones and teeth in both the baby and the mother. Zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron are also advised – though supplements should always be taken with the advice of a doctor, and the quality should always be determined by the individual taking them.
Lifestyle Changes For Coffee in Pregnancy
Another way to reduce your caffeine intake is to make lifestyle changes. For instance, try drinking more water throughout the day and avoiding energy drinks and sweet caffeinated drinks. This can help you to stay hydrated and reduce the risk of dehydration. Likewise, making small changes to your nutrition, such as cutting down on sugar-laden snacks and foods, can be beneficial. We don’t know how much sugar and caffeine is safe for pregnant women, so it’s best to limit your intake.
Lastly, remember that it’s important to get enough rest during pregnancy. This can help you relax and ensure that your body and baby both stay healthy. While exercising is great for pregnant women, it’s important to ensure that you are taking breaks and getting enough rest.
Taking Natural Supplements for Pregnancy?
When it comes to taking natural supplements for pregnancy, it’s important to look at the ingredients and to make sure that they are safe. For example, vitex can be a fantastic supplement for pregnant women, as it helps to support hormone balance and can have a positive effect on emotions and the baby’s health. Similarly, evening primrose oil is beneficial for women as it can reduce inflammation, which is important during pregnancy.
If you’re taking any supplements while pregnant, be sure to check with a doctor and make sure that they are suitable for you and your baby. In particular, some vitamin supplements are best taken at night, as the body digests them more slowly, which can reduce the risk of side effects.
When Can I Drink Coffee Again After Pregnancy?
Once your baby is born, it’s perfectly safe to start drinking coffee again. Depending on your own body and how you felt during pregnancy, it’s likely that you will want to drink more slowly and in moderation.
To ensure that your baby isn’t affected by your caffeine consumption, try to drink no more than 200 mg per day and spread the intake out over the day rather than drinking a large amount in one sitting. It’s also worth noting that some women might experience a crash after drinking coffee, so if this is the case, then it’s a good idea to stick to drinking smaller amounts over a longer period of time.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to drinking coffee during pregnancy, it’s essential to take your own health and the health of your baby into account. Caffeine can pass through the placental barrier and increase the baby’s heart and breathing rate, so it’s important to drink in moderation and monitor your intake carefully.
There are plenty of alternatives to coffee that are also safe and equally delicious, such as herbal teas and almond milk, and keeping up a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce your caffeine intake while providing essential nutrients.
