Many women may assume that since something is considered “natural,” that it’s always safe and healthy to consume or do during pregnancy. Nevertheless, when it comes to caffeine, drinking coffee while pregnant isn’t necessarily one of them. Caffeine is a bitter chemical present in coffee, tea and other artificially flavored drinks.
Pregnant women who drink coffee more than once a day are at the highest risk of having low birth weight babies. Low birth weight babies are at a higher risk of developing developmental and respiratory problems. Therefore, an obstetrician may advise a pregnant woman to stay away from caffeine entirely. That includes coffee as well as carbonated beverages and energy drinks.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day. A single cup of regular coffee contains approximately 95 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. However, because caffeine content in coffee can vary by brand and type, it can be hard for a woman to assess how much caffeinated coffee she is drinking per day. Also, many instant and specialty coffees can contain even more caffeine than regular coffee.
Given that pregnant women can’t assess how much caffeine they are actually consuming, researchers suggest that they should avoid caffeine altogether while pregnant. For women who can’t resist their morning cup of Joe, drinking decaf is the safest option. The amount of caffeine in decaf coffee ranges from 2 to 13 milligrams. Additionally, herbal teas are an excellent replacement for caffeine during pregnancy.
For many women, coffee offers some health benefits, according to a 2012 study published in European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Pregnant women drinking coffee on a regular basis might be able to reduce their risk of developing gestational diabetes. However, the same study determined that women who drank more than 200 milligrams of caffeine each day had a higher risk of preterm birth.
Studies about High Caffeine Intake
Caffeine can cross the placental barrier, meaning the baby is exposed to the same amount of caffeine as the mother is consuming. It has been observed that high intake of caffeine leads to increased heart rate in babies. It has also been observed that taking more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day increases the risk of miscarriage by around two times. A recent study also showed that women who consume more than 300 milligrams of caffeine per day (about two to three cups of coffee) are at risk of having babies with an abnormally small head circumference and length.
Women At Risk
Research has shown that pregnant women with certain medical conditions may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine. Expectant mothers with high blood pressure, seizures, hypothyroidism, impaired glucose tolerance and history of preterm birth are at a greater risk when it comes to drinking caffeinated beverages. These women should especially limit their caffeine intake and must consult their obstetrician and/or dietitian regarding their dietary choices.
Caffeine Substitutes
If a pregnant woman finds it hard to avoid her favorite cup of Joe, she should drink decaffeinated coffee or gradually reduce her intake. Alternately, she can choose caffeine-free options like herbal, green or chamomile tea. Milk or soy milk, freshly squeezed juices and smoothies are also great healthy beverages to substitute for coffee.
Tools To Track Caffeine Intake
If pregnant women would like to track their daily caffeine intake they can make use of tools such as CaffeineInformer.com and food labels. Pregnant women can use these tools to understand the amount of caffeine in their food and beverages more clearly. Furthermore, they can use food labels to make sure they’re not exceeding the recommended amount of caffeine per day.
Effects of Caffeine On Baby
At times, drinking coffee early in pregnancy can cause developmental issues after the baby is born. As a result, it is advised to limit or completely avoid coffee during the early stages of pregnancy. Research shows that in addition to coffee, other caffeinated products can also negatively affect the unborn baby’s development. Some of the effects caffeine has on a growing baby includes: restricted fetal growth and weight, difficulties absorbing vital nutrients and liver damage.
Healthy Alternatives To Caffeine
When pregnant, it is important to get enough rest and drink plenty of fluids. Women should drink 10 to 12 glasses of water per day. This will help keep them hydrated and improve digestive health. Ginger tea is also beneficial as it helps reduce morning sickness and nausea. Other natural remedies to increase energy levels include eating fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants, such as carrots, apples, blueberries, oranges, melons and elderberries.
Pros and Cons of Caffeine
Though medical professionals have issued a warning about drinking coffee while pregnant, some evidence points to potential benefits. Pregnant women who drink coffee have been found to have lower rates of depression and anxiety. Additionally, they were found to experience better sleep quality than those who abstained. However, it is important to consider that drinking too much coffee can affect the child’s health, as well as the mother’s. Additionally, pregnant women who drink coffee above the recommended amount may experience restlessness, anxiety, headaches and fatigue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, despite the potential benefits, it is nonetheless essential to be mindful of how much coffee pregnant women are consuming. Women should stick to the recommended amount and prefer decaffeinated coffee instead. It is also important to note that some medical conditions may require pregnant women to avoid coffee altogether. It is best to consult a doctor prior to making any dietary changes.
