Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy
It is widely known that when pregnant, caffeine intake should be minimized. Many expectant mothers wonder about their coffee consumption, as coffee is a source of daily pleasure for many people. Without heading into the debate of how much exactly is too much, here is a comprehensive overview of coffee and caffeine consumption when pregnant.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), consuming less than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day isn’t considered to be a risk for pregnant women. Around two 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee, or two 12-ounce cans of a caffeine-containing soda provide this amount of caffeine. However, while this is the recommended amount of caffeine consumption during pregnancy, many health care providers advise pregnant women to stay away from any amount of caffeine.
“Caffeine is metabolized differently during pregnancy and can take much longer to clear from your system,” says Dr. Zecia Garcia-Martin, a San Antonio-based obstetrician-gynecologist. Dr. Garcia-Martin also states that high amounts of caffeine can cause various issues with the baby, leading to complications during the delivery process and afterwards. This is why drinking decaffeinated coffee is the recommended option for pregnant women.
Though decaffeinated coffee is the healthier option, it is still not the best drink for pregnant women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pregnant women should look to drink more fruit and vegetable juice, low fat milk and water, as these drinks are more nutritionally beneficial. As an alternative, many health experts recommend non-caffeinated herbal tea as a healthy, calming and hydrating alternative for pregnant women with coffee cravings.
Caffeine does have some benefits for pregnant women. According to a study from the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, pregnant women who take doses of up to 200 milligrams of caffeine per day have a lower risk of developing a miscarriage. However, it is still not advised to take any more than the recommend amount.
Nutrition During Pregnancy
Regardless of how much coffee an expecting mother drinks, it is important to focus on nutrition during pregnancy. Eating the right foods and avoiding processed goods will help ensure the best health for the fetus. Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats and whole grains is essential. Avoiding processed and fatty foods is also recommended, as they can lead to increased health risks both during and after pregnancy.
For expectant mothers that are looking for that extra boost of energy, food can provide the nutritional support they need. Eating small and frequent meals throughout the day may help with energy levels, as doing so can prevent drastic drops in blood sugar. A banana makes for a perfect snack between meals, as it provides potassium, calcium and iron. Whole grain crackers paired with natural nut butter are also great for snacking, as they provide plenty of protein, fiber and fat.
Folic acid is also an important part of a nutritional diet for expectant mothers. According to the CDC, pregnant women should consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid per day. This nutrient, found in leafy greens, eggs, fortified breads and cereals, helps to prevent birth defects such as Spina Bifida and other neural tube defects. A healthy diet is essential during pregnancy, and by filling up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean meats and folic-acid rich foods, expecting mothers can ensure they’re providing the best nutrition for their growing baby.
Consult Your Physician
It is always important for expecting mothers to talk to their healthcare provider about their dietary decisions, including caffeine and other food and beverage consumption. Pregnant women should strongly consider consulting a healthcare provider prior to making any major dietary changes.
Dr. Jane Martin, an obstetrician-gynecologist in New York City says that expecting mothers should always talk to their healthcare provider about their dietary choices. “Every person carries out a pregnancy differently, so it’s important to adjust your diet based on what your healthcare provider advises, as each woman’s body responds differently and has different needs,” says Dr. Martin.
Above all, it is important to trust your healthcare provider’s decisions and advice regarding your diet plans during pregnancy. With guidance from your physician, you can ensure you are making the best decisions for you and the baby.
Alternatives To Coffee
If pregnant women choose to forego coffee in favor of other, healthier drinks, there is no shortage of alternatives. Many people turn to lattes, smoothies and juices for that pick-me-up. Many types of herbal teas can also provide that calming buzz that coffee drinkers usually seek. If looking for something a little bit sweeter, there are many sodas out on the market that are low in, or are entirely free of caffeine.
For those craving a full-fledged latte while pregnant, there are many non-caffeinated options, such as seed and nut-based milks, like oat milk. Adding in a teaspoon of syrup to these non-caffeinated drinks can satisfy any coffee craving without the side effects. Acai bowls are a great way to start the day off, as they provide the sweetness of a frappuccino and the energy of a cup of coffee.
When pregnant, coffee type beverages can still be enjoyed in moderation. If choosing to drink coffee, experts agree that pregnant women should not exceed the recommended caffeine intake of 200 milligrams per day, which is equivalent to around two 8-ounce classes of brewed coffee.
Pregnancy Supplements
If struggling to meet the recommended dietary requirements of pregnancy, supplements could be the answer. Supplements are great for filling in the holes of a poor diet, helping both the mother and baby to get the essential vitamins and minerals they need.
Calcium is especially essential during pregnancy. The fetus draws calcium from its mother in order to build bones and tissues. A calcium supplement can help to ensure that the body has enough of this important nutrient. Iron is also important to supplement, as it is essential for producing red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are also great for expecting mothers, as they help with fetal brain development and reduce the risk of preterm delivery.
Talk to your healthcare provider to determine which supplements are best for you during pregnancy. With proper guidance, the right nutrition and some additional supplements if needed, you can ensure both the mother and baby are getting the essential vitamins and minerals.
High Risk of Miscarriage
In general, pregnant women are advised to avoid caffeine and coffee, as there is a higher risk of miscarriage if consuming more than the recommended 200 milligrams per day. Coffee is a diuretic and can also disrupt hormone balance. For this reason, pregnant women are advised to stay away from coffee and look towards healthy alternatives like herbal teas and fresh juices.
It is important to remember that too much of anything is not good, and this goes the same for caffeine and coffee. Overindulgence in any kind of drink or food can lead to potential risks not only for the baby, but for the mother’s health. As such, clear communication with one’s healthcare provider is an essential step in ensuring both the safety of the mother and the baby.
Medical Emergency During Pregnancy
Seeking help immediately is essential if any type of medical emergency arises during pregnancy. In the event of a medical emergency, the first step is to contact your healthcare provider immediately. Make sure to provide clear and precise details on the situation, including any possible symptoms that the expecting mother is feeling, such as any pain or dizziness.
If the medical emergency requires quick action, contact the local emergency response number. Depending on the emergency, it may be best to go directly to the nearest emergency room. Even if the situation does not appear to be serious, it is always important to contact one’s healthcare provider with any issues that arise during pregnancy.
Medical Check-Ups During Pregnancy
To ensure the best health of both the mother and her baby, it is important to attend regular medical check-ups throughout the duration of the pregnancy. These check-ups allow the healthcare provider to keep track of the baby’s health, as well as to monitor any possible changes in the mother’s health.
These check-ups are also the time to ask any questions the expecting mother has about her diet and activities. The healthcare provider will have the latest advice and guidance on the best diet and activities for a healthy pregnancy. It is always beneficial to write down any questions in advance to get the most out of the check-up.
During these check-ups, the expecting mother’s blood pressure and weight, as well as the baby’s growth will be monitored. The healthcare provider will also check the baby’s heart beat and listen to any movements it might be making within the womb. Regular medical check-ups ensure both the mother and baby’s health, so frequent and thorough check-ups are crucial.
