What Is The Effect of Coffee on Pregnant Women?
Coffee is a popular beverage that has been enjoyed by adults all around the world for centuries. Unfortunately, drinking coffee in early pregnancy has been the subject of much debate due to the risk it cannot pose to your unborn baby. Expanding research has recently suggested that caffeine may be dangerous during pregnancy and can put the health of the mother and child at risk.
Caffeine has traditionally been believed to aid digestion, boost metabolism, and increase energy levels. But there is increasing evidence – from both animal and human studies – indicating worrying results when pregnant women drink coffee. This includes an increased risk of miscarriages as well as lower birth weight and head circumference.
Coffee And Caffeine During Pregnancy
Consuming caffeine during pregnancy has been linked to a range of development and health risks. For instance, researchers have reported that pregnant women consuming more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day are more likely to experience a miscarriage than those women who consume less than the amount.
Not only that, but some studies have suggested a link between coffee consumption during pregnancy and preterm delivery. This means that when coffee is consumed in large amounts, it can contribute to an early birth of the baby.
Recommended Amounts of Coffee Consumption During Pregnancy
In light of the risks posed to unborn babies, healthcare organizations and medical professionals have recommended that pregnant women consider limiting their coffee consumption. For instance, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women should not consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. This is the equivalent of about two 8-ounce servings of coffee.
However, other organizations recommend a lower amount of caffeine consumption with the World Health Organization (WHO) suggesting pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to less than 300mg per day.
Are There Benefits of Coffee During Pregnancy?
In limited amounts, caffeine has been linked to a protective effect against some forms of cancer. It can help to reduce the risk of endometrial and colon cancer. Additionally, some studies have concluded that coffee has strong antioxidant properties which can help to protect against some forms of cancer such as ovarian and skin cancer.
Despite this, it’s important to note that other studies have indicated that, when consumed in excess, coffee can increase a pregnant woman’s risk of being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
The Pros and Cons of Coffee During Pregnancy
The consumption of coffee in pregnancy is still the subject of ongoing debate and more research is needed to conclude its precise effects on the unborn baby. On the one hand, pregnant women should be aware that consuming caffeine, regardless of the form, has been linked to a range of health complications including low birth weight, head circumference, and an increased risk of miscarriages and preterm delivery. That said, drinking coffee in moderation can also provide pregnant women with several benefits including a range of antioxidants which can offer protection against some forms of cancer.
Therefore, it’s important for pregnant women to keep the potential risks and benefits in mind when considering their caffeine consumption.
Effects of Coffee When it Comes to Stillbirth Risk
Research into the effects of coffee during pregnancy has suggested that the risk of stillbirth was twice as high among pregnant women who consumed 200 milligrams of caffeine per day than in those who completely abstained from the beverage. The study, which tracked 900 pregnant women over three years, also revealed that stillbirth risk was highest among pregnant women who drank more than 300 milligrams of caffeine per day.
Can Coffee Intake in Early Pregnancy Cause Birth Defects?
Various studies have been conducted to determine whether coffee drinking can cause birth defects; however, none of the results have been conclusive. The theory is that caffeine passes through the placenta to the baby, where it can affect their development. However, some studies have found that drinking coffee during pregnancy does not increase the chances of a baby being born with certain birth defects, such as heart problems or limb deficiencies.
How Much Caffeine is in Coffee?
The amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee can vary greatly depending on the type of coffee bean, the type of roasting, and the brewing method. On average, a cup of brewed coffee contains between 95 to 165 milligrams of caffeine. By comparison, an 8-ounce serving of energy drink contains about 50 to 160 milligrams of caffeine. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the caffeine levels can vary significantly from cup to cup.
How is Caffeine Affecting Breast Milk?
Caffeine has been linked to a variety of health implications among breastfeeding mothers. It has been suggested that substances found in caffeinated beverages can reach the baby through the mother’s milk and can cause the infant to become agitated and irritable. Additionally, a study has found that babies may become dependent on caffeine if they are exposed to it through their mother’s milk.
Therefore, although it may be safe to consume small amounts of coffee in moderation, nursing mothers should bear this risk in mind while breastfeeding.
What Are the Alternatives to Coffee?
If pregnant women are looking for an alternative to coffee, decaffeinated coffee can be a great option. Decaf coffee contains dramatically reduced amounts of caffeine and therefore should not pose any health risks to the baby.
In addition to decaf coffee, there are other options available. Socially acceptable herbal teas with no caffeine, such as ginger and peppermint tea, are good alternatives. Additionally, smoothies, juices, and mocktails made with fruit juice or coconut water are great alternatives to caffeinated beverages.
Can Drinking Coffee During Pregnancy Have an Impact on Personality?
Research has suggested that drinking caffeine during pregnancy may have an effect on the personality of the baby. A study found that children of mothers who drank just two cups of coffee per day while pregnant were more likely to experience a range of hyperactivity and attention-span problems later in life.
The researchers believe this result could be due to the physical and behavioral changes associated with caffeine consumption in the womb. They suggest that the fetus can become oversensitive to any changes in the mother’s system, leading to the development of hyperactivity and anxiety problems later in life.
Do The Benefits of Coffee Outweigh The Risks?
Although research has indicated that coffee may pose a number of risks to unborn babies, there are also several potential benefits associated with it. For instance, pregnant women may be able to enjoy the protection against some forms of cancer as well as the energizing effects of the beverage.
However, when it comes to the consumption of coffee during pregnancy, it’s important for women to bear in mind that there are always risks associated with it. Therefore, pregnant women should consider limiting their intake of coffee, particularly in the first trimester, in order to ensure the safety of their baby.
