Decaf Coffee And Pregnancy: Pros & Cons
Pregnant women are often encouraged to reduce their caffeine intake for the health of both them and their unborn baby. So if having a hot cup of tea or coffee seems like a distant memory due to these new dietary restrictions, is the next best thing (decaf) safe for pregnant women?
Decaf coffee is made from the same coffee beans that regular coffee is made from. It’s just been through a process of extraction or mechanicaltreatment that removes most of the caffeine content. In general, decaffeinated coffee is found to have around 97% of its original caffeine content removed, leaving it with a paltry minimum of 2-7 mg of caffeine per cup.
According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the recommended safe upper limit of caffeine during pregnancy is 200 mg per day. As one cup of (regular) coffee is said to contain an average of 95 mg of caffeine, that means that pregnant women should only be consuming no more than two cups of regular coffee per day. However, with decaf, this limit is likely to be exceeded far less frequently, as one cup of decaf contains as little as 2 to 5 mg.
On the other hand, some experts argue that there are still risks and unknowns associated with decaffeinated coffee. Indeed, there could be unexplored and even unrecognised traces of caffeine in the decaffeinated coffee you may buy in the supermarket. Furthermore, decaffeinated coffee still contains small levels of other compounds and chemicalsthought to be linked to a higher risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. Research has found that hot beverages like decaffeinated coffee can increase the risk of thermal injury to the uterus. For this reason, ACOG suggests drinking decaf coffee at a cooler temperature.
Decaf Coffee And Pregnancy: Experts’ Perspectives
The opinions and recommendations of healthcare professionals on this subject are divided. Some argue that while falling well below the 200 mg limit, decaffeinated coffee may still pose a risk to the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies. For example, research conducted by the American Journal of Obstetrician & Gynaecology found that decaffeinated coffee may increase the risk of preterm birth. This is due to the presence of certain chemicals found in the processing of decaffeinated coffee that could affect the metabolic balance of pregnant women. Despite this, some obstetricians feel that drinking moderate amounts of decaf coffee is unlikely to cause any problems.
Leading reproductive endocrinologist Prof. Philippa Middleton opines that it is perfectly safe for pregnant women to drink small to moderate amounts of decaf coffee throughout the course of their pregnancy. “As long as pregnant women are monitoring their daily intake of caffeine, the amount that is present in decaffeinated coffee should not be a concern. Just remember that one cup of decaffeinated coffee could still provide around 2-7 mg of caffeine, and strive to keep this below the 200 mg daily limit,” she said.
While there have been concerns raised regarding the chemicals present in decaffinated coffee, clinics in the UK such as the East Lancs NHS Trust advise that pregnant women should avoid anything that contains caffeine, including decaffeinated coffee. This view is held by other experts as well, such as Dr Peter Bielous of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
Decaf Coffee And Pregnancy: Current Guidelines
ACOG currently recommends that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg per day. They also advise pregnant women to avoid herbal products containing caffeine. As well as teas, coffees and chocolates, medications and headache remedies containing caffeine may also be worth avoiding. But ultimately, it is up to each pregnant woman to determine the degree to which they should keep their caffeine consumption to a minimum.
Most healthcare professionals suggest that pregnant women should attempt to reduce their caffeine consumption as much as possible, including decaffeinated coffee. While decaffeinated coffee does contain fewer chemicals than regular coffee, pregnant women should still opt for decaffeinated coffee for the health of the unborn baby. That way, the overall chances of having a healthy pregnancy are reduced.
When considering how much decaf to drink, it’s worth noting that caffeine does not only come from hot beverages. There are various food items containing caffeine as well. For instance, a single ounce of dark chocolate contains 8-18 mg of caffeine, and a one-ounce cup of brewed tea has 11-20 mg. During pregnancy, it is best to be aware of the foods and drinks that contain caffeine, and to minimise those as much as possible.
Decaf Coffee And Pregnancy: Physical Effects On The Unborn Baby
Usually, too much caffeine during pregnancy can affect the unborn baby. It can cause a lower birth weight as well as increase the chances of preterm birth. Furthermore, higher amounts of caffeine during the first trimester have been linked with a higher risk of miscarriage.
Studies have also shown that even low levels of caffeine have been linked to an increase in heart rate and energy in the fetus. This can be detrimental to a fetus-as the baby needs to be in a relaxed state for normal development. Whilst some researches do not link low caffeine levels to adverse health effects, it is still best to be safe and reduce the intake of caffeine for the nine months of pregnancy, including decaffeinated coffee.
Decaf Coffee And Pregnancy: Considering Alternatives
Although there’s disagreement between experts and opinions on this subject, it’s probably safer for pregnant women to avoid drinking decaf coffee for the nine months. There are plenty of alternatives like iced tea, juices, water and herbal teas, as well as caffeine-free beverages. For those seeking a warm drink that can create a sense of comfort and relaxation, hot non-caffeinated beverages like herbal tea or decaffeinated hot chocolate are ideal.
Other great alternatives for a hot cup of regular tea or coffee are milk drinks. Milk contains around 120–150 mg of caffeine per liter, but it is still much lower than regular coffee. Decaffeinated tea and decaffeinated herbal teas are available that are caffeine-free, but it is important to check the label of each product, as some may still contain trace amounts.
Decaf Coffee And Pregnancy: Extra Considerations
When it comes to making smart and safe dietary choices while pregnant, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional. The doctor will be able to give an more informed opinion based on an individual’s health, lifestyle and dietary habits. At the same time, pregnant women should try to seek out information from the most reliable sources of information available, and keep an eye on any new developments on the subject.
In addition, pregnant women should also be aware that what is present in the coffee is not just caffeine. Coffee also contains compounds like chlorogenic acid and melanoidin, which can also have an effect on a pregnant woman. Although there is evidence that these compounds can help reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, it can also put extra strain on pregnant women due to the increased levels of hormones.
Decaf Coffee And Pregnancy: Research Limitations
When it comes to decaffeinated coffee, it is important to remember that it is still coffee and subject to many of the same health risks associated with regular coffee. It is worth noting that while there are some studies that have found an association between caffeine and increased risks of miscarriage or preterm birth, the results of these studies cannot be definitively linked as there are other factors at play like smoking, alcohol, and stress.
Furthermore, due to the limitations of research, it is yet to be determined whether or not lower levels of caffeine like that found in decaffeinated coffee pose any risk. As such, even though caffeine is present in decaffeinated coffee, it is still unclear if it is high enough to present any risk to the developing baby.
Decaf Coffee And Pregnancy: The Takeaway
Ultimately, the best course of action for pregnant women is to minimise their overall intake of caffeine, including decaffeinated coffee. This is because there is still a risk of exposure to contamination during the production process. Furthermore, sadly there is limited research on the health effects of low levels of caffeine on pregnant women and their unborn babies. As a result, it is best to err on the side of caution and drink decaf coffee in moderation, keeping consumption below 200 mg per day.
