Coffee has been a popular morning beverage of choice for many years. But, with the prevalence of information on the internet, many pregnant women are asking the question, “Can I drink coffee while pregnant?” Pregnant women should always check in with their doctor to get individual advice on the safety of consuming coffee during pregnancy before heading out to the nearest coffee shop.
Caffeine, in whatever form it’s taken, can affect a growing baby. Because of this, studies have been conducted to determine the effects of consuming caffeine during pregnancy. Large doses of caffeine have been found to potentially increase the risk of a miscarriage or low birth weight baby, while moderate consumption of caffeine has been linked to a higher risk of stillbirth.
But there is more to the story. Many of the studies focused on the effects of 300 milligrams or higher of caffeine, equivalent to drinking three cups of 7-ounce cups of traditional espresso. Research has not established a safe level of caffeine consumption during pregnancy, so it’s important to talk with a doctor to determine the best limit.
Pregnant women should also bear in mind that caffeine is found in many other beverages and even some foods.Besides coffee, tea, and energy drinks, some soft drinks, chocolate and even certain vitamins contain caffeine. A pregnant woman considering her caffeine consumption should look for items containing caffeine in addition to coffee.
Experts advise pregnant women to keep caffeine consumption close to or below 200 milligrams per day. This would be equivalent to a 12-ounce cup of coffee, according to the Mayo Clinic. Cheaper brands of coffee can have higher counts of caffeine, so if a pregnant woman decides to drink coffee, she should be mindful of the type of coffee she is buying and the size of her servings.
Some pregnant women attempt to get around the caffeine issue by drinking decaffeinated coffee, so they can still enjoy a cup while protecting the baby. But even decaffeinated coffee contains a smaller amount of caffeine. The same advice applies to decaffeinated coffees—check with a doctor to determine safety.
Types of Coffee and Other Beverages
Most coffee shops offer a wide variety of coffee and other beverages, some with added ingredients that could adversely affect a pregnant woman or her baby. Even if caffeine isn’t the main ingredient, the combination of caffeine and other added components like sugar and dairy could create a hazardous mix. Before drinking coffee or any other beverage, pregnant women should read the ingredients and check with their doctor for advice.
Managing Caffeine Cravings
Pregnant women may have cravings for coffee, or other caffeine-filled beverages such as energy drinks. Rather than give in to the craving, swapping that cup of espresso for a decaffeinated version may help pregnant women satisfy the craving without the additional risk. Green tea, which has its own set of health benefits, may also provide the pick-me-up a pregnant woman might be looking for without the potential risks associated with caffeine.
Low-Caffeine Alternatives
Rather than giving up coffee altogether, pregnant women should look for low-caffeine alternatives. From lighter-roasted coffees like Americano or Red Eye, all the way to specialty drinks like Iced Latte or cappuccinos, there are plenty of options that contain far less caffeine than a traditional cup of espresso. Some coffee shops even offer decaffeinated versions of their traditional house-blends so pregnant women can still get the same flavor without the risk.
Health Benefits of Coffee
The debate over the effects of caffeine on pregnant women are still ongoing, but there are a growing number of studies that suggest coffee may actually provide some health benefits for pregnant women. Research has linked coffee consumption to lower rates of anxiety, reduced risk of gestational diabetes, and decreased rates of preeclampsia in pregnant women. Additionally, some studies have found that coffee drinkers during pregnancy had children with higher IQs and better academic performance.
Managing Weight During Pregnancy
Weight gain is normal during pregnancy, but many pregnant women are concerned with managing their weight. According to some studies, caffeine has also been linked to weight management. However, not all specialists agree that pregnant women should use caffeine to manage weight—in some cases it could backfire. As kick starting the metabolism in pregnant women could pose a potential risk to the unborn baby, caffeine should not be used as a weight management tool.
Risks of Drinking Coffee During Pregnancy
Even though there are some potential benefits of drinking coffee during pregnancy, there are still some risks. Caffeine has been linked to a risk of preterm labor and delivery, which can be dangerous for the baby. Additionally, caffeine has also been linked to abnormal fetal heart rate as well as decreased fetal growth. For these reasons, pregnant women should consult with their doctor to determine the risks and decide what level of caffeine is safe for them.
