Possible Benefits for Drinking Coffee While Pregnant
If you’re a pregnant woman who loves the energy and taste of coffee, then you may be wondering if you can sip this beverage without harming your baby. Drinking coffee while pregnant can be a controversial topic and opinions vary, but there is an increasing body of evidence suggesting that some moms-to-be can safely consume up to 200 mg of caffeine per day, while others may benefit from lowering their intake even more.
A 2014 meta-analysis of five studies found that consuming up to 200 mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy may have protective benefits. The meta-analysis suggested that coffee might reduce the risk of premature birth and other adverse neonatal outcomes. This result is thought to be due to coffee’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition, moderate coffee consumption may have protective qualities for promoting normal fertility and helping maintain a healthy pregnancy in some women. A 2017 review of 15 studies showed an association between moderate caffeine consumption and a lowered risk of women experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss.
Risks of Drinking Coffee While Pregnant
Despite the potential benefits, there are also risks associated with drinking coffee while pregnant. High caffeine intake can cause insomnia in pregnant women, as well as an increased risk for miscarriage. A 2017 review of nine studies indicated an association between pregnant women’s caffeine intake and an increased risk of stillbirth.
In addition, researchers suggest that pregnant women who consume large amounts of caffeine may be more likely to have a low birth-weight baby or deliver preterm. High doses of caffeine may also increase the risk of some birth defects, including cleft palate and other spinal disorders.
Besides the potential adverse effects of drinking coffee while pregnant, caffeine can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb important nutrients and may worsen constipation and heartburn. In addition, caffeine can increase stress hormones, which can be a concern for pregnant women with health issues.
Alternatives To Caffeine During Pregnancy
If you’re a woman who loves the taste and energy of coffee but wants to avoid caffeine during pregnancy, there are several alternatives. For example, a decaffeinated coffee contains about 5-10 mg of caffeine, compared to 90-200 mg in a regular cup of coffee. There are also several caffeine-free herbal tea and coffee options available, such as dandelion root and chicory.
In addition, some research suggests that switching from coffee to hot cocoa may be beneficial for pregnant women who need a pick-me-up. A 2013 study found that mothers who switched from regular coffee to hot cocoa had significantly fewer symptoms of morning sickness. Unfortunately, the same study found that drinking decaffeinated coffee did not have a protective effect.
Experts Advice On Drinking Coffee While Pregnant
Ultimately, pregnant women should consult their medical provider before making any decisions regarding their caffeine intake. Most medical experts advise pregnant women to limit their coffee consumption to no more than 200 mg of caffeine — or the equivalent of one 12-ounce (354-ml) cup of coffee — per day.
The USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises pregnant women to limit caffeine intake to 200 mg per day — the equivalent of a 16-ounce (473-ml) cup of coffee. Similarly, the March of Dimes suggests that pregnant women consume no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day. The organization is especially concerned about pregnant women who drink more than four cups of coffee per day.
The Impact Of Drinking Coffee During Pregnancy
When it comes to drinking coffee during pregnancy, it’s important to consider your individual health needs. Some women may be able to safely consume up to 200–300 mg of caffeine per day, while others may need to avoid coffee altogether. It’s best to consult with a health care provider to determine what’s best for you and your baby.
It is also a good idea to pay attention to your own body and try to listen to what it is telling you. Each person’s body has its own unique needs and reactions, so it is important to be aware of how your body is responding to caffeine and to adjust your intake accordingly.
How To Restrict Caffeine During Pregnancy
If you decide to reduce your caffeine intake while pregnant, there are several tips to keep in mind. For example, slowly reduce your daily intake. This will give your body time to adjust and help ease the caffeine withdrawal symptoms. In addition, focus on getting plenty of rest, as this can help reduce fatigue and irritability.
Also, keep in mind that beverage and food labels may not always list caffeine content accurately. For example, coffee pods may contain more caffeine than regular coffee, so it’s important to pay attention to the specifics listed on the label.
Drinking herbal teas, such as chamomile and ginger, is also a great way to satisfy your caffeine cravings without the risks. These herbs may also provide relaxation benefits and can help reduce morning sickness. Finally, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, try taking a break and listening to calming music or practicing relaxation techniques.
How Caffeine Can Impact Breastfeeding
Women who are breastfeeding should also take into account the potential impact of caffeine. According to the FDA, caffeine can pass through breast milk, so it’s important to monitor individual consumption levels. This can help ensure that the baby is not consuming too much caffeine, which may cause fussiness or discomfort.
Also, caffeine can cause breast milk production to decrease, which may interfere with the baby’s feeding schedule. As such, it’s important to keep track of how much caffeine you’re consuming while breastfeeding.
The Body’s Ability To Clear Caffeine During Pregnancy and Breasfeeding
Another factor to consider when deciding how much caffeine to consume is the body’s ability to break down and clear caffeine. Generally speaking, caffeine can stay in your system for about five hours, though this may vary depending on your individual metabolism. This means that if you drink a cup of coffee later in the evening, there’s a chance that the caffeine will still be in your body by the time you go to sleep.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also take into account how their own bodies process caffeine. If you’re naturally more sensitive to caffeine, then it’s likely best to reduce your intake even further. A medical professional can help you decide what’s best for your specific body and needs.
Summary
Drinking coffee while pregnant can be a controversial topic and every person will have their own opinion. However, it is important to pay attention to possible risks and to consult a doctor before making any decisions. Moderate intake of up to 200 mg of caffeine and tracking individual health needs and body responses can be helpful in deciding how much and what type of coffee to drink.
Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should also be aware of the impact of caffeine on their own bodies and on their baby. Consider alternatives such as decaffeinated coffee or herbal teas, listen to individual body needs and pay attention to health care provider’s advice. Ultimately, it is important to be prudent when it comes to drinking coffee while pregnant or breastfeeding.
