Women’s bodies are incredible vessels that are capable of wonderful things, but it’s very important to be mindful of what is being ingested when pregnant. As many mothers will agree, coffee can be an important part of one’s day, but when you’re pregnant, it can become a bit more tricky. Understanding the effects of coffee while pregnant is important before making a decision—one study states more than 92% of pregnant women drink coffee during pregnancy. Here we discuss the impact of coffee on pregnant women, where the experts stand, and a few simple precautions one can take.
How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?
The American Pregnancy Association reveals that moderate caffeine consumption during pregnancy is not associated with a negative effect on pregnancy outcomes. The consensus of moderate caffeine consumption is thought to be equivalent to 200mg of caffeine daily—something that can be found in just two 8-ounce cups. Additionally, this amount can also be found in several other items such as chocolate, tea, and energy drinks.
However, each person’s individual chemistry varies and many medical professionals suggest avoiding caffeine altogether when pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advocates for the elimination of caffeine during this time on the grounds that there hasn’t been sufficient research to definitively determine how much caffeine is safe for pregnant women and their unborn children. This means it can be difficult for expectant mothers to discern the amount of caffeine that is strictly safe for the baby’s development.
Potential Risks
Erring on the side of caution, it is highly recommended that pregnant women practice moderation or avoid caffeinated beverages entirely. Caffeine is linked to several potential risks including a greater likelihood of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Any of these can lead to incompetent development in the baby or difficulty in birthing.
Two additional risks linked to coffee and other caffeinated drinks during pregnancy are hypertension and heart palpitations that can add stress to the mother’s physical wellbeing. As the baby in the womb has not yet developed the capacity to process caffeine, it is thought that the more coffee that is consumed, the greater the risk of harmful reactions.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing to drink coffee while pregnant does not have to be an all-or-nothing decision. There are several key steps you can take to limit the amount of caffeine that you are consuming. One of the most obvious but often difficult options is to avoid drinking coffee entirely. Other strategies include switching to decaf, drinking smaller amounts, and adding milk or cream to your coffee to reduce the amount of caffeine.
Although there are risks associated with caffeine intake during pregnancy, speaking with your healthcare provider can give you the information you need to make an informed decision that works best for you and baby. If they agree that cutting down or abstaining from caffeinated products could help reduce stress and promote a healthier pregnancy, it can be done in a safe, controlled manner.
Coffee Alternatives
If you are looking to cut down on or avoid coffee entirely, there are plenty of alternatives. Try incorporating medical-grade herbal teas into your daily routine. Any herbal tea that is caffeine-free will provide you with beneficial folic acid and other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are important for the mother and baby.
Kombucha is another excellent, caffeine-free alternative to coffee. Kombucha contains probiotics that help maintain a healthy gut, aiding in digestion and improving mineral absorption. The natural sweetness of this beverage can also help satisfy sweet cravings.
Decaffeinated Coffee
If your mind is completely set on drinking coffee, there are several options for decaffeinated coffee. It must be noted, however, that there could be traces of caffeine present in decaf coffee so it is important to investigate further. Several manufacturers of decaffeinated coffee use a process that removes 97% of the caffeine, allowing pregnant women to have peace of mind while enjoying a hot cup as part of their morning ritual.
Cultivating Healthy Habits
Although there may be some risks associated with caffeine during pregnancy, many medical professionals are in agreement that the risks are small. Practicing moderation and switching to decaf can reduce the risk even more. However, understanding the effects of coffee while pregnant is key, and learning which other beverages can provide some of the same benefits is a healthy alternative where necessary.
More importantly, being mindful of your nutrition and health is essential for any expectant mother. Eating a balanced diet and avoiding unhealthy lifestyle practices can support a healthy and safe pregnancy.
Cut Back On Sugar and Dairy
Most people tend to add more sugar and dairy to their coffee to make it sweeter. This can not only increase the amount of caffeine intake, but also add on extra calories. When pregnant, these calories can come from better sources as opposed to sugar and dairy. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals, with also zero additional sugar.
If caffeine is still desired, choose a sugar-free option like almond or oat milk. This can help provide additional nutrients while simultaneously cutting down on added sugars that can lead to weight gain.
Discuss With A Doctor
Receiving medical advice from a qualified doctor is undoubtedly the best way to get informed before making a decision. It is recommended to consult a doctor with any questions or concerns, and get personalized advice based on individual health and pregnancy.
Your healthcare provider should be able to better provide you with insights on your particular situation and determine which options, if any, are best for you.
Listen To Your Body
By all means, listen to your body and take in advice from doctor as a guideline. Some days may be different than others, and that’s okay. It is important to go with whatever your body tells you and adjust your plans accordingly.
If you are pregnant and the craving for caffeine is strong, make an effort to reduce consumption and always remember to consult with your healthcare provider to get the best advice for your unique situation.
