Coffee is one of the most popular morning drinks around. Many people enjoy a cup of hot or iced coffee to jumpstart their day. Nevertheless, there is a common question: Can pregnant women drink ice coffee?
We must bear in mind that during pregnancy, it is necessary to circumvent everything that may be dangerous to mother and baby. Many pregnant women opt to pass on caffeinated beverages, such as iced coffee; however, there are those who do not give in to the temptation.
It is important to keep in mind that drinking coffee and caffeinated beverages can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage and impair fetal growth. Moreover, it is necessary to keep hydrated, specifically with water.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists currently recommends pregnant women should not consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day. To put that amount into perspective, a cup of iced coffee contains around 140 milligrams of caffeine. This means that pregnant ladies can have a cup of iced coffee without surpassing the recommended 200 milligram mark.
However, medical professionals advise pregnant women to limit or omit caffeine consumption during pregnancy. In addition, research conducted by the American College of Obstetricians on pregnant coffee-drinkers revealed that coffee consumption can lead to an increased risk of low birth weight babies, most likely due to the caffeine.
Moreover, other studies have suggested that drinking more than two caffeinated beverages a day, like iced coffee, can slightly increase the risk of miscarriage–something that many pregnant women would undoubtedly like to avoid.
At the end of the day, the decision to drink iced coffee or not during pregnancy is based on each woman’s individual preferences and medical advice. Such a call can only be taken after consulting a trusted doctor in order to not put the mother nor the baby’s health in jeopardy.
Mental health considerations
Having to abstain from a beloved drink, like iced coffee, could potentially affect a pregnant woman’s mental health. It is not a secret that caffeine can provide an energy boost, which can be extremely helpful during the physically draining times of pregnancy.
Sure, during the nine months of carrying a baby, pregnant women can boost their energy levels through healthier and natural habit changes, like eating a balanced breakfast or taking naps. However, if a woman has a craving for a cup of iced coffee, she needs to take into consideration the amount she consumes in order to not surpass the 200 milligram maximum.
Mental health should also be taken into account since having a drink we enjoy can work as an emotional reward and may be beneficial for the mother’s well-being.
Lack of scientific studies on iced coffee
Unfortunately, scientific studies testing the potential effect iced coffee has on pregnant women is scarce. For starters, iced coffee is a relatively new type of beverage when compared to hot brewed coffee.
This lack of studies is reinforced by a study conducted by Ounce, an American organization devoted to researching pregnancy. The study revealed there is still a great need for more research and data to draw concrete conclusions regarding the safety of iced coffee for pregnant women.
The scarcity of studies on the matter makes it impossible to draw definitive conclusions on the effect iced coffee may have on pregnancy. Thus, when faced with the decision of drinking or not drinking iced coffee, pregnant women should always take into account the potential risks of drinking it and rely on the counsel of their doctor.
To what extent is iced coffee safe for pregnant women?
At this point, it is impossible to give a definite answer as to whether iced coffee is safe for pregnant women. Nevertheless, medical professionals advise to limit caffeine consumption during pregnancy, particularly for pregnant women with high blood pressure, or with a family history of it.
Because of this, pregnant women should keep track of their daily caffeine intake, avoiding excessive consumption–one cup of iced coffee a day should be the maximum. Even if it is of utmost importance to drink water throughout the day, having a cup of iced coffee may prove beneficial for the pregnant woman’s mental health.
Scientists are still conducting studies to better understand the potential effects of iced coffee on pregnancy; however, it is always recommended to consult a practitioner before taking any type of beverage or food.
Additional considerations
In addition to consulting with a health professional, pregnant women need to take into account that certain iced coffee concoctions in coffee shops could put them at risk due to high amounts of added sugar and heavy cream. For the same reasons, it is important to be aware of the calorie count and ingredients of the iced coffee when making it at home.
On the other hand, pregnant women should not be worried about adding ice to their iced coffee. Doctors have determined that it is currently safe for pregnant ladies to enjoy iced beverages, even if it could cause an upset stomach due to the change in temperature or the ice directly.
Alternative options for pregnant women
Pregnant women can rest assure that there are plenty of options for those wishing to forgo iced coffee. For instance, iced tea can prove to be just as refreshing as iced coffee, but without the caffeine and sugar.
Furthermore, many companies have created coffee-free versions of refreshing and energizing drinks. For instance, cold brew coffee contains low levels of caffeine, as it is brewed in cold water instead of hot, making it a great alternative for pregnant women to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Besides this, pregnant women can opt for healthy smoothies, adding ingredients like avocado, spinach, and natural sugar, making some healthy and delicious concoctions without having to forgo upon the coffee flavor.
Pregnancy and coffee: jumping to conclusions?
Having to make tremendous changes to our lifestyle during pregnancy can be daunting and stressful, which is why it is important to be aware of our choices and be mindful of potential risks and benefits.
The decision to drink iced coffee or not while pregnant is ultimately a personal one and should be taken after discussing with a trusted doctor. While limiting caffeine consumption has been advised, pregnant women would do well to take into account research conducted on the matter, as well as their physical and emotional response to certain foods and drinks, before arriving at any conclusion.
