Pregnant women often have to contend with many difficult health-related decisions. Coffee is a popular choice for many women during pregnancy, although some opt for decaffeinated versions to minimize potentially negative effects on the baby. This raises the question: is drinking decaf coffee ok when pregnant?
Health experts often recommend that pregnant women consume caffeine with some degree of moderation. Specifically, the American College of Gynecology and the American College of Obstetricians suggest limiting intake to less than two hundred milligrams per day. Decaffeinated coffee still contains small amounts of caffeine, although it is lower than than that found in regular coffee.
One study of nearly 4,000 pregnant women found that those who consumed more than 200 milligrams of caffeine during their pregnancy had babies who had a slightly lower birth weight than those whose mothers drank less caffeine. It’s important to note, however, that this lower birth weight does not necessarily have any long-term effects on the baby’s health.
Nevertheless, some experts suggest that pregnant women should avoid drinking caffeine altogether, arguing that any amount of consumption may be unhealthy for the fetus. For instance, they suggest that caffeine consumption may increase the risk of miscarriage and stillbirth, as well as the risk of the baby being born prematurely. Other studies, however, have found no such link between caffeine consumption and these risks.
In addition, decaffeinated coffee may still contain someioxidants, vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial for a pregnant woman. However, it’s important to remember that most of these nutrients are also found in other foods and beverages, such as fruits and vegetables, so it is not necessary to drink decaffeinated coffee in order to get these nutrients.
All in all, it’s important for pregnant women to understand the risks associated with caffeine consumption and make an informed decision about their own health. Drinking decaffeinated coffee in moderation appears to be a safe choice for pregnant women, especially if the caffeine content is kept at or below 200 mg per day.
Risky Components and Benefits of Decaf Coffee
Though there is still some caffeine present in decaffeinated coffee, pregnant women can rest assured that most of the coffee’s risky components are removed in the decaffeination process. Per a 2016 piece in Clinics in Mother and Child Health, decaffeinated coffee contains up to 99 percent less caffeine than regular coffee. Additionally, decaf coffee also contains minimal amounts of theobromine, which can act as a stimulant and is linked to low birth-weight when consumed excessively during pregnancy.
Furthermore, pregnant women can be comforted that decaf coffee still contains some of the beneficial components of regular coffee, such as polyphenols and antioxidants. As with many food and beverages, pregnant women should ensure that these beneficial components are consumed in moderation.
Though some studies suggest that decaf coffee does not have the same stimulating effects as regular coffee, women who suffer from insomnia may still benefit from consuming decaffeinated coffee over its alternative. After all, caffeine’s stimulating effects are connected to the inhibitory neurotransmitter adenosine, the hormone that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. As decaffeinated coffee contains minimal amounts of caffeine, it has less of an impact on neurotransmitters – resulting in fewer disturbances to and an uptick in quality of sleep.
Health Risks and Considerations
Though experts largely agree that decaf coffee can be a viable drink option for pregnant women, there are certain health risks to consider. According to the World Health Organization, the chemical used to decaffeinate coffee can be a cause for concern. The chemical, methylene chloride, is one of the highest-contributing sources to indoor air pollution, can cause damage to the nervous system, and may potentially lead to miscarriage or early delivery.
Another concern is the necessity to trust the food or beverage labels; in 2017, the US Food and Drug Administration reported that experiments had revealed that some coffee beans labeled as “decaffeinated” still contained measurable amounts of caffeine. As such, pregnant women should take extra precaution when choosing to drink decaf coffee and ensure that it is, indeed, decaffeinated.
Lifestyle Considerations
In addition to the health risks, pregnant women should also consider their lifestyle when making the decision to drink decaf coffee. Women who are prone to exhaustion may require the caffeine boost that comes with regular coffee, which could help them maintain their daily tasks more smoothly. On the other hand, women who find themselves more energetic later in the day may want to opt for decaffeinated coffee in order to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Some lifestyle factors may also necessarily lead to the consumption of decaffeinated coffee; those who are sensitive to the acidic effects of caffeinated coffee, for example, may opt for decaffeinated coffee over its alternative. After all, decaffeinated coffee usually contains less acid, resulting in less gastrointestinal molecules.
Cherry-Picking Brews
Though choosing decaffeinated coffee may prove to be the healthier option for pregnant women, the benefits rely heavily on the individual brew. Brews that contain added sugar, creamer, and processed ingredients – such as those found in pre-prepared coffee mixes and flavored coffees – may contain large quantities of calories and low amounts of nutrients, decreasing the overall nutritional benefit of consuming decaf coffee.
Fortunately, pregnant women can look for alternatives. Instead of syrup or creamer with sugar, for example, many pregnant women opt for naturally-sweetened syrups like those produced by pumpkin spice or coconut sugar. Similarly, creamers made from cashew milk or almond milk may provide beneficial fats and proteins in lieu of the fatty and sugary ingredients found in traditional creamers.
Choose from a Range of Beverages
In general, pregnant women should be wary of depending overly-much on one single drink for necessary nutrients. Many pregnant women opt for caffeine-free beverages, such as herbal tea and tonics, as those provide essential vitamins and minerals without the added component of caffeine that regular coffee has.
Moreover, the consumption of certain juices – such as cranberry and orange juice – may provide ample amounts of antioxidants and vitamins. Furthermore, there are specific juices designed with expectant mothers in mind; Pomegreat, for instance, offers pregnant women a blend of pomegranate, apple, and cranberry juice supplemented with folic acid and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Moderation and Balance are Key
When it comes down to it, caffeine consumption during pregnancy should be taken with a grain of salt. Drinking decaffeinated coffee appears to be safe for pregnant women, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that women should forgo the healthy components of alternative beverages. Ultimately, the decision of whether to drink decaf coffee or not should be determined by the woman in question and the medical professionals she interacts with.
