Coffee has been a favorite drink for many centuries and many people around the world enjoy a cup of coffee each day. But, is it healthy to drink coffee while pregnant? This is a question that has sparked debate and controversy among medical professionals, caregivers and coffee lovers alike.
Coffee contains caffeine, which is a powerful stimulant and can increase the heart rate and cause other physical effects. While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that it is “unclear” if caffeine is linked to risks during pregnancy, most healthcare providers recommend limiting caffeine intake as it can affect unborn babies. Moreover, research studies have found associations between high doses of caffeine during pregnancy and an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Dr. Terri Weber, a prominent physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology and an instructor at the University of Chicago School of Medicine, suggests that pregnant women should “stick to the rule of not more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day”. This is approximately the same as two 8-ounce cups of brewed coffee. Moreover, it is important to note that most of the associated risks come from higher intakes of caffeine, so if you can keep it at or under 200 mg a day, you should be able to maintain your health as you enjoy in a cup of coffee.
Researchers have also warned that pregnant women who frequently consume large amounts of caffeine might be more likely to have babies with low birth weight, who will require special care after birth. This is because caffeine, like other stimulants, can cross the placenta and affect the baby’s development. Furthermore, some studies have suggested that the frequent consumption of caffeinated beverages over time may affect childhood growth and later IQ scores, thus highlighting the importance of limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy.
However, it is worth noting that there are certain benefits associated with drinking coffee while pregnant. For example, mild amounts of caffeine can help to improve alertness, reduce tiredness and increase energy levels. Coffee also contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that may be beneficial to pregnant women and their unborn babies. Furthermore, some research indicates that drinking fewer than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day is safe during pregnancy, as long as it doesn’t replace healthy snacks or meals.
From the above discussion, it is clear that the debate surrounding caffeine and pregnancy will continue. Ultimately, it is advisable for pregnant women to discuss their individual caffeinated drink needs with their healthcare provider and try to achieve the best balance possible.
Impact on Fertility
Studies have shown that caffeine consumption can have an impact on fertility. For example, a systematic review of population-based studies found that for women who drank more than four cups of coffee per day, their chances of conceiving were reduced by 50%, compared to those who abstained from drinking coffee. This is likely because caffeine can impede a couple’s fertility by affecting the woman’s oocyte quality, decreasing their chances of conceiving each month. Thus, it is advisable for those trying to conceive to reduce or cut their caffeine consumption altogether to increase their chances of conceiving.
Effects on Caffeine Metabolism
Pregnancy has a considerable effect on the metabolism. The health requirements of the mother and the baby take priority and this means that the way in which caffeine is metabolised during pregnancy can be a cause for concern. Caffeine is a fat-soluble molecule which means it readily accumulates in the fatty tissue of the mother’s body and can continue to affect the baby for some time after. As a result, pregnant women are advised to have no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine each day – about the amount found in a small cup of coffee.
For those struggling to reduce their caffeine intake, there are other options available. One such option is to switch from coffee to tea. Tea also contains some caffeine, but at much lower levels than coffee. For example, green tea contains around 20 to 45mg of caffeine per cup, while black tea contains around 25 to 48mg of caffeine per cup. This means the overall caffeine intake can be significantly reduced but still allow the individual to get their caffeine fix.
The Effects on Breasts milk
When breastfeeding, it is important to limit caffeine intake as the caffeine ingested by the mother can find its way into the breast milk. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), ‘infants exposed to caffeine through breast milk are likely to experience changes in alertness and sleep patterns, showing increased restlessness and nighttime wakefulness, as well as decreased sleep at night’.
At this stage of life, a baby’s body is under development, and thus fluctuates in size and maturity. Since caffeine, which is a stimulant, can pass from the mother to the baby, it can affect the baby’s development and can interfere with the baby’s sleep patterns. As a result, it is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers limit their caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams per day.
Coffee Alternatives
Many pregnant or breastfeeding women find that they need to reduce their caffeine consumption, however, that doesn’t mean their days of good old morning coffee are over. There are several coffee alternatives that are caffeine-free, and that still offer the same type of rich flavour as coffee. These options include: chicory coffee, dandelion coffee, grain coffee, carob powder coffee, and roasted malt coffee. These coffee alternatives are a good way to get a caffeine-free beverage with a caffeinated taste, while also potentially having health benefits such as providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Pregnancy Coffee Alternatives
In addition to the coffee alternatives mentioned above, there are also many pregnancy-friendly coffee alternatives that are specially made for pregnant women. These coffee alternatives are 100% caffeine-free, but still provide the same rich and smooth taste as regular coffee. They are also enriched with vitamins and minerals, such as iron and folic acid, which are essential for a healthy pregnancy. Some popular brands include Mama Coffee and Pregacy.
Caffeine Consumption and Insomnia
Pregnant women should be especially cautious when it comes to their caffeine consumption, as it can lead to insomnia. Caffeine acts as a stimulant and can interfere with the hormone levels in pregnant women, which can lead to disturbed sleep. If caffeine consumption is not minimized in these cases, it is likely that sleep disturbance will arise, leading to fatigue, irritability and concentration problems. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to monitor their caffeine intake, particularly close to bedtime.
Benefits of Drinking Decaf Coffee
If you are unable to cut out your coffee altogether, switching to decaffeinated coffee may be a good solution. This can help you to get your coffee fix while minimizing the health risks associated with caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee is made with coffee beans that have had most of the caffeine removed. Therefore, it contains only a trace amount of caffeine — generally, only around 2-12 milligrams per cup, compared to 95 milligrams in an 8-ounce cup of regular coffee.
Moreover, drinking decaffeinated coffee can be beneficial in other ways. For example, decaffeinated coffee contains the same antioxidants, minerals and vitamins as regular coffee. And, it tends to taste sweeter, so it may be more tasty for those who don’t like the more acidic dark coffee.
