No More Caffeine During Pregnancy
Pregnant women often have to adjust their lifestyle and their diet, so it can be understandable that they would want to know if they could still enjoy one of their favourite drinks, like decaf coffee. But as it is with all things, caution should be exercised, and it is best to be informed of what is safe and what may cause harm when consumed while pregnant.
As caffeine has been linked to a range of serious health risks, pregnant women are often advised to discard or reduce their consumption of all types of coffee. Decaf coffee, however, is promoted as being a safer option as it has far less caffeine than regular coffee.
Drinking decaf during pregnancy is not completely free from risk. Decaf coffee is not completely free from caffeine as there are trace amounts of the stimulant present which can still have a slight effect on the body when taken in notable doses.
Furthermore, decaf coffee beans are processed with a chemical known as ethyl acetate, which can be harmful to the developing foetus. In line with specific health guidelines, pregnant women are advised to limit their intake of decaf coffee to no more than two cups a day, and it is entirely a personal preference if the coffee is drunk decaffeinated or not.
Experts however agree that although decaffeinated coffee is thought to be safer than regular coffee, there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim. It is best to proceed with caution, and if any doubts arise, it is wise to abstain from all types of coffee entirely during the course of the pregnancy.
Coffee Alternatives
Should coffee be a craving during pregnancy, there are other beverages that can be consumed as an alternative. Most herbal teas brewed from natural herbs do not contain caffeine and can be enjoyed as an alternative with a number of other benefits.
Herbal tea can aid with digestion and provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, while also providing relief from pregnancy-related illnesses such as morning sickness. Chamomile tea, mint tea and ginger tea are among some of the best teas that can be consumed while pregnant.
Drinking plain water is also encouraged as the best possible way to stay hydrated while pregnant. Plain water helps with digestion, energy levels and nutrient absorption, which are all important during the times of pregnancy. Avoiding sugary drinks such as sodas and juices is a great way to keep healthy, as the extra sugar can cause weight gain and other complications.
In addition to the aforementioned drinks, other healthier beverages such as organic fruit juices, smoothies, vegetable juices and electrolyte-rich sports drinks are also recommended as part of one’s daily nutritional intake.
Health Risks of Coffee During Pregnancy
Like most things during pregnancy, moderation is key if one wishes to enjoy a cup of decaf or regular coffee. Too much caffeine has been linked to a number of health risks while pregnant, such as the increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, preterm labor and high blood pressure.
Caffeine also increases stress on the body and can increase the risk of dehydration. Furthermore, caffeine can cause the body to absorb less iron than it should, which can cause an iron deficiency and can lead to anaemia.
Caffeine also stimulates the central nervous system and can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients such as folic acid, magnesium, and calcium, which can be problematic when pregnant.
Other Sources of Caffeine
It isn’t just coffee that contains caffeine and so it is important to be aware of other everyday items that can contain the stimulant, such as chocolate, energy drinks, and some types of medicines and vitamins.
It is generally safe for pregnant women to have up to 200 milligrams of caffeine in a day, as long as it is spread across the day. However, if it is suspected that caffeine is having a negative effect on one’s health, medical advice should be sought.
The First Trimester
It is generally advised that pregnant women should be extra cautious during the first trimester of pregnancy, and so avoiding caffeine altogether should be considered. During the early weeks of pregnancy, the body begins to form the foundations of the baby and so anything that may interfere with this process should be avoided.
Despite decaf coffee being lower in caffeine than regular coffee, it is still an unknown element and so erring on the side of caution is advised. This can be done by making the switch to alternative, healthier beverages such as herbal teas or juices.
The Second and Third Trimesters
During the second and third trimesters, it can be generally assumed that the likelihood of miscarriage decreases. This can be promising for pregnant women who have been abstaining from caffeine for the duration of the pregnancy. However, in order to further reduce the probability of any potential risks, it is best to still remain cautious until the third trimester is over.
The most important thing is to listen to the body and take into consideration any discomfort that may be experienced when consuming coffee in any form. If even a small issue is felt, it is best to immediately abstain from consuming coffee until after the pregnancy is finished.
Coffee After Pregnancy
After pregnancy, coffee can be consumed with caution. It is best to pay attention to the body, taking note of how the beverage affects one’s energy levels, digestion, and stress level.
In conclusion, pregnant women may be advised to drink decaf coffee, as long as it is consumed in moderation and no symptoms are experienced. Pregnant women should also note that there are alternative healthier beverages that can be consumed in its stead, such as herbal teas, plain water and juices.
What the Experts Say
Most experts agree that consuming decaf during pregnancy is considered safe, as long as it is consumed in moderation. This means that one should not consume more than two cups a day in order to reduce the risk of any health risks.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that pregnant women should not get more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day and it should be spread out over the day. Additionally, pregnant women should be aware of other sources of caffeine such as some types of medicines and vitamins.
Conclusion
In summary, decaf coffee can be consumed during pregnancy, as long as it is not consumed in excessive amounts and is balanced with other beverages such as herbal teas, water and juices to create a healthier environment for the unborn baby. It is ultimately a personal preference to have one or two cups of coffee a day, however it is important to understand the potential risks that could come with it, whether decaffeinated or not.
