Should We Drink Cold Coffee During Pregnancy? An Analysis
It is a popular yet controversial question for expecting mothers: Can we drink cold coffee during pregnancy? Although in the past, the traditional recommendation has been to abstain from coffee of any kind during the 9-month journey, new research is now emerging which suggest otherwise. While science may still be trying to answer this question, looking at the health benefits & risks, background research around pregnant women drinking cold coffee, and expert opinion is a great place to begin.
The health benefits & risks related to coffee consumption during pregnancy is a topic of debate in the medical community. Physicians point to a study by Harvard Medical School which claims that pregnant women who consume more than 200mg of caffeine a day are twice as likely to miscarry. On the flip side, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reported that consuming up to 200mg caffeine daily, or the equivalent of one 12oz cup of coffee, is considered safe.
The coffee industry has been fighting to open coffee consumption to expecting mothers ever since this limit has been set with Cold Brew specifically being more commonly accepted. This is in part due to Cold Brew containing much less caffeine than many other traditional coffee forms – with a single shot of Cold Brew having an estimated 75mg whereas a single shot of espresso is 120mg.
The Health Benefits Cold Brew Can Offer
Cold Brew elevates the coffee experience, offering lower acidity which can reduce heartburn and acid reflux, which are common symptoms experienced by pregnant women. Studies have also shown that naturally sweet and smooth taste of cold brewed coffee can increase palatability for pregnant women, especially for those displaying aversions to hot drinks.
Cold Brew is made from slow-brewed, cold water extraction which can also provide multiple health benefits. Cold Brew retains more of the natural antioxidant polyphenols compared to other hot brewed drinks. This means that for mothers craving a pick-me-up, Cold Brew may provide an array of protective benefits by increasing the antioxidant capacities in the body.
Many can argue that there’s more than just the health benefits to consider when asking: “Can you drink cold coffee during pregnancy?” One can take into consideration the energy boost it provides – this signature benefit of consuming coffee has been clinically proven to be a benefit to pregnant women struggling with fatigue.
Local Perspectives From Pregnant Women
When it comes to gauging public opinion of pregnant women drinking cold coffee, conversations amongst local women tends to be dominated by one strategy for taking coffee during pregnancy: moderation. Specifically, many mothers are moderating the type and quantity of their coffee intake.
From an anecdotal view, a 2019 survey conducted by the National Coffee Association revealed that 74% of expecting mothers have reported that they do drink coffee while pregnant – primarily via “cold-brewed coffee and coffee shops”. 50% of those surveyed also reported that they drank coffee every day and that they were “careful with how much they drank”.
Though the evidence from this survey is limited, the results suggest that moderation may be a key element in gauging the acceptability of cold coffee during pregnancy: Moderate the amount, moderate the taste, and moderate the temperature.
Considering Other Alternatives
Although caffeine is linked directly to coffee, it is a compound that is found in multiple forms. For those looking for a caffeine-free alternative to cold coffee, there are also chilled teas such as chamomile, chai, and opalo.
For those of us that are looking for a coffee-like taste without the health risks, rooibos can offer the perfect balance. Rooibos is a natural beverage made from African redbush tea with added benefits such as being naturally caffeine-free, antioxidant-rich & naturally sweet, with a hint of chocolate.
In addition to these alternatives, there are also non-beverage options that can offer a slight caffeine boost. Eating dark chocolate has been found to be an effective substitute, with a 1oz serving of dark chocolate containing 25mg of caffeine – substantially lower than that of a cup of cold brew.
Research is Necessary for Every Decision
Ultimately, when deciding whether to drink cold coffee during pregnancy, a mother needs to take into consideration all of the risks & benefits. No matter the choice, a pregnant mother should always be well aware of their individual health needs and risks. Women should also actively seek out professional medical advice from their doctor or obstetrician for any dietary instruction or recommendation.
Ultimately, it is important to weigh out both the positives and negatives of drinking cold coffee while pregnant and to make an informed decision. Keeping in mind the approaches and strategies suggested previously can help drive a more balanced and balanced choice.
Impact of Industry Media
It can be argued that the media industry has continued to have a major impact on opinion-shaped the views of pregnant mothers when it comes to the topic of drinking cold coffee during pregnancy. In many cases, the media has created a false ‘rule-of-thumb’ that pregnant mothers should never drink cold coffee due to the risk of caffeine overdose.
In fact, many popular media outlets have gone as far as to link coffee to miscarriages, low-birth weight babies, and birth defects without citing any scientific evidence or research. For these reasons, it is important to be cautious when taking health advice from the media and to ensure that the information is backed by independent scientific research and professional opinion.
Possible Side Effects of Cold Coffee
Although it can be argued that cold-brewed coffee is the preferred form of caffeine for pregnant women, it is also important to note potential side effects that may occur from drinking cold coffee during pregnancy. It is common for pregnant women to experience difficulty sleeping or be more prone to anxiety, both of which can be exacerbated with caffeine intake.
Overdoing caffeine can also cause increased heart rate, restlessness and digestive issues. As caffeine is a diuretic, it can also contribute to a woman feeling dehydrated, especially in warmer areas. On the flip side, pregnant woman should also be aware of the potential for caffeine addiction and keep an eye out for symptoms such as headaches and irritability when consumption decreases suddenly.
Discovering the ‘Ideal’ Option
When it comes to knowing when, how and if to drink cold brew during pregnancy, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one woman may not work for another and only a qualified medical professional can offer clear and tailored advice when it comes to individual health.
For expecting mothers, understanding when and how to consume cold coffee while pregnant often comes down to individual preferences and needs. Considerations such as lifestyle and health should be taken into account and, as always, speaking with a physician should become a priority when assessing individual risks and safety for expecting mothers.
What Does the Future Hold?
Though research on this topic is still limited, studies surrounding the long-term effects of coffee intake during pregnancy have started to emerge in recent years. These studies have the potential to help answer questions such as: What are the long-term effects on a baby’s development if the mother has consumed cold coffee during pregnancy?
Studies have found that pregnant mothers consuming coffee went on to have healthier children who, as adults, had better cardiovascular health and more positive food preferences. Other research has advocated for the necessity of further studies pertaining to pregnant mothers and coffee consumption, with an emphasis through longitudinal studies to further increase the understanding of this relationship.
Examining the Benefits of Plant-Based Milks
For women looking to reduce their coffee consumption, substitute non-dairy milk may provide a safe and healthier alternative to regular milk. Plant-based milk options such as almond, cashew and oat milk have been linked to better health outcomes, with plant-based milks being naturally cholesterol-free and containing fewer calories and sugars than conventional milk.
Though studies have yet to suggest that plant-based milk should play a role in the decision to consume cold coffee during pregnancy, it is evident that these milks can play a crucial role in ensuring safe and healthy caffeine intake for expecting mothers. Studies demonstrate that these milks can even provide additional benefits related to a woman’s bone health, as plant-based milks can be higher in calcium than cow’s milk.
Cultivating Awareness
Overall, it is important to remember that the decision to consume cold coffee while pregnant is a complex one, with multiple questions and considerations which need to be taken into account. With the progression of science and research, it is essential that women remain conscious and proactive when it comes to making the right decision for their individual needs.
In addition, it is necessary for women to become informed about the dangers of caffeine overdose. There are many steps which can be taken by such women such as keeping a tally of caffeine intake throughout the day, ensuring that beverages have labels indicating caffeine levels, and being cautious of sugar levels within caffeinated beverages.
The Power of Education & Technology
In alignment with such initiatives, the use of technologies such as apps has also been deemed a great tool to help guide women in their decision-making process. Such apps offer daily advice and are equipped with intuitive technologies that can track caffeine levels within the body. Such technologies are designed to educate the user on the subject of caffeine overdose and to provide an interactive way to monitor their daily dietary decisions.
Understandably, the answer to the question “Can we drink cold coffee during pregnancy?” is one that needs to be answered on an individual basis. However, understanding the risks & benefits, personal preferences, and professional opinions can help inform these decisions and aid women throughout their pregnancy journey.
