Can You Drink Tea and Coffee While Pregnant?
Pregnancy can seem overwhelming at times, especially if you’re trying to sort out all of the dietary dos and don’ts. From the moment of conception, the healthiest diet for a mother should be monitored with precision. That is why it’s important to know if you can drink tea and coffee while pregnant.
The good news is that it’s generally okay to drink tea and coffee while pregnant. Most doctors don’t have a problem with it, as long as you take a few precautions. “Caffeinated beverages are safe to consume, as long as it’s in moderate amounts,” explains Dr. Farah Isa, an OB-GYN and mother of three. She recommends limiting yourself to fewer than 200mgs of caffeine daily – about the same as two cups of coffee or four cups of green tea. For reference, an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains between 95-200mgs of caffeine, whereas a cup of tea contains 15-60mgs.
Many pregnant women do opt for decaf. But, according to Dr. Isa, in order to make sure you are truly getting decaf, go for green tea instead. “When brewed, green tea naturally has much less caffeine than standard coffee,” she says. She further warns against going too overboard with herbal teas, despite their popularity in pregnancy. “Many herbal teas are actually combinations of herbs and don’t necessarily have the assurance of being safe for pregnant women.”
Additional Benefits of Tea & Coffee During Pregnancy?
Drinking tea and coffee can offer some additional benefits during pregnancy. Coffee, for example, has a high amount of potassium and magnesium, both of which are critical for proper fetal development. It also offers pregnant women some relief from common pregnancy ailments like fatigue, constipation, and headaches. Tea is known for its ability to improve digestion and reduce nausea, which can be incredibly beneficial during morning sickness.
The caffeine from tea and coffee can also provide an energising boost during the later months of pregnancy, making it easier for a mother to stay active without feeling exhausted. It’s even been suggested that the antioxidants found in both beverages can benefit the baby’s cognitive development.
However, it’s important to remember that pregnant women are cautioned to be mindful of their caffeine intake. Studies have linked excessive caffeine intake to an increased risk of miscarriage, as well as low birth-weight babies. Therefore, it’s essential to monitor caffeine intake while pregnant and consult with a doctor if there is any cause for concern.
Can You Have Too Much Tea & Coffee While Pregnant?
Excessive amounts of tea and coffee can be dangerous for a pregnant woman. Caffeine is a stimulant and can cause a wide variety of issues for a pregnant woman, such as depletion of vitamins and minerals, sleep disorders, stomach troubles, and a higher risk of early labor. Those dealing with high levels of stress during pregnancy should also limit their caffeine intake, as it could contribute to increased anxiety, nervousness, and an inability to adequately relax.
If you think you’ve had more than 200mg of caffeine in a day, then it’s best to cut back. Dr. Isa recommends tracking your caffeine intake with a food journal and consulting your doctor if you have any concerns. Also, be mindful of the other drinks you take in and try to avoid sugary beverages, which could also lead to gestational diabetes. She encourages pregnant women to drink plenty of water, as well as juices and milk.
Alternatives to Tea & Coffee
If you’re trying to cut down on caffeine and are looking for alternatives to tea and coffee, then there are plenty of great options. Rooibos, dandelion root, turmeric root, nettle infusions, and chai all make for excellent alternatives. Even if you love your morning cup of coffee, there are coffees out there that are advertised as low-caffeine, so you can still get a little boost without overdoing it.
If you want something with a little more sweetness, then there are tea and coffee substitutes available as well. Chicory, carob, and barley are all great caffeine-free options. Of course, you can always enjoy fruit juices and smoothies, many of which include ingredients rich in essential vitamins and minerals, so you can get all the benefits of a healthy drink without the caffeine.
Mindful Drinking During Pregnancy
Ultimately, the main takeaway here is that it’s safe to drink tea and coffee while pregnant. Just remember to be mindful of your caffeine intake; consult your doctor if you’re worried about your dietary choices; and be sure to drink plenty of other fluids as well for proper hydration. Most importantly, enjoy your pregnancy journey.
Making Tea & Coffee Part of an Informed Diet
It may seem like there are a lot of choices when it comes to tea and coffee while pregnant, but the most important thing is to know what’s right for you and your baby. Research any tea and coffee brands you don’t already know and look up any information you can find online. Once you have the facts, you can make an informed decision that works best for you and your baby.
Don’t forget to ask your doctor any questions you have about tea and coffee while pregnant. It’s important that you stay up-to-date on the latest pregnancy news and make sure that the choices you make are beneficial for you and the health of your baby. That way, you can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy without having to worry about the effects of caffeine.
Self-Care While Pregnant
In addition to diet, having a plan for self-care is two-fold when it comes to pregnancy. One, physical health is so important to a healthy pregnancy, and part of that is having a diet that’s enjoyable, but healthy for both mom and baby. Second, pregnancy is a mentally and emotionally demanding period, and having a little self-care ritual can make all the difference.
For some pregnant women, having a cup of tea or coffee at the end of the day can be a great way to wind down and take a few minutes for yourself. It’s an effective way to give yourself a little boost of energy to keep up with the demands of pregnancy and reap the benefits associated with tea and coffee.
Alternate Beverages for Pregnant Women
It can also be helpful to explore different drinks to stay away from caffeine, such as herbal teas. Many health food stores or online retailers offer a variety of herbal teas with different flavours and aromas to de-stress, lift energy levels, and even aid in relaxation. Consider some of these beverages to get the same energy boost and sense of calm while pregnant.
Vegetable juices such as carrot juice or celery juice are good sources of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients while pregnant. Coconut water is another great option as it’s packed with electrolytes and is a great way to stay hydrated throughout the day. There are also fresh fruit juices like orange juice, apple juice, and cranberry juice that offer a sweet and tangy taste if you’re looking for something more flavourful.
If you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day, then reach for kombucha instead. The combination of fermented green tea, yeast, and bacteria helps provide a natural energy boost if you’re feeling fatigued.
