With mounting evidence, the answer to the question of ‘Is it okay to drink coffee when pregnant?’ seems to be an indefinite ‘maybe’. According to research conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the current daily limit for coffee consumption stands at 200 mg – equivalent to approximately one regular-sized cup of coffee per day for pregnant women. All other caffeinated drinks, including tea, are subject to the same prescription.
Coffee is a major source of caffeine, which is known to be eliminated from the mother’s body slowly and can, therefore, accumulate and produce side effects in the unborn baby. In high doses, this stimulant can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can prove dangerous for the fetus. In smaller doses, caffeine can reduce the mother’s intake of essential nutrients and cause the placenta to secrete enzymes that could harm the fetus.
On the other hand, numerous studies conducted on the correlation between caffeine consumption and birth outcomes have yielded inconclusive results, taking away the element of certainty and scrutiny as far as drinking coffee during pregnancy goes.
A study conducted by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) found no substantial evidence that consuming fewer than three cups of daily caffeine had any effect on the baby’s weight or the risk of preterm birth. However, much like any doubt concerning the mother’s health while pregnant, it is best to err on the side of caution.
According to Carolyn Gate, a registered dietitian, carrying out all the trimester tests for yourself and the newborn puts you in the position to learn about how your body responds to caffeine and make decisions accordingly. She reiterates that unless the obstetrician has strictly warned the mother about staying away from caffeine, one cup of coffee per day does not pose serious health risks.
All considered, keeping a track of the amount of caffeine you ingest through daily means, such as supplements and energy drinks, is essential to make an informed and cautious choice. Ultimately, every situation is unique and personalized, and the best judgement lies in the hands of the would-be mother and her obstetrician.
The Case of Decaffeinated Coffee
For mothers-to-be who prefer the taste of coffee over other decaffeinated beverages, several studies have studied the safety and effects of decaffeinated coffee during pregnancy. One such study conducted in Denmark in 2012, and published in BMJ, concluded that decaffeinated coffee was ‘not associated with any adverse pregnancy outcomes’, though, again, the study seemed to be inconclusive as it stated that more research was required to determine that.
In light of the findings, certain health professionals, such as Carolyn Gate, think that the amount of naturally-occurring caffeine found in decaffeinated options may still be harmful if consumed in large quantities. And, if something is labelled decaffeinated, that does not mean it is necessarily free of caffeine. Another factor to consider is that, in some cases, decaffeinated coffee has been found to contain more potentially harmful mycotoxins – produced by fungi intoxication – than regular coffee.
Conclusively, it can be said that there is no direct and definite answer either way when it comes to decaffeinated coffee and developing babies. Therefore it is advisable to err on the side of caution, as far as consumption of decaffeinated coffee is concerned.
Coffee During Labor and Delivery
Due to its stimulating effects, some would-be mothers resort to caffeine during labor and delivery. This is not recommended by most health professionals since caffeine can become a distraction to the mother during labor – at a time when her complete focus is essential for a successful delivery – and boost her anxiety levels. Furthermore, at such an important stage, caffeine might pass through the placenta and enter the baby’s circulation and cause harm.
The effects of caffeine during labor are still under research, and the chances of any dangerous side-effects during this decisive period remain uncertain. It is, therefore, imperative to seek counsel from a medical professional before consuming caffeine in any form during labor.
The Chemical Effects of Coffee During Pregnancy
Many studies have linked caffeine consumption to increased risks of early miscarriages and low birth weights. While the evidence of this relationship may be subject to dispute, the fact remains that caffeine as a stimulant is known to have psycho-chemical effects on the expecting mother, such as reduced serotonin and dopamine levels.
Depression, irritability, and anxiety during pregnancy can be a result of these hormone changes. As revealed by a study conducted by the American Psychological Association in 2017, a daily intake of 200-300 milligrams of caffeine was found to increase the chances of anxiety by 27%. Supplementing caffeine with other stimulants, such as chocolate, can intensify these symptoms.
Considering Relevant Factors Before Making a Decision
From health-related risks to more psychological implications, the decision to drink coffee while pregnant depends upon the individual’s lifestyle, preferences and diet. Combined with the opinions of health professionals, the would-be mother should consider all factors discussed above before making a decision. For instance, if she is suffering from heartburn or some other digestion-related issues, exchanging coffee for decaf might be the right choice.
Making an informed decision about coffee consumption during pregnancy requires learning about one’s own body and metabolism, and knowledge aboutwhat it can potentially mean for the growing baby. A medical expert or a nutritionist can provide valuable insight into this matter, taking the mother’s individual health condition into consideration.
Advantages for Mothers Who Quit Coffee During Pregnancy
Giving up coffee during pregnancy can be tough, especially for individuals who rely on it to kickstart their mornings. However, quitting temporarily can help the mother in many ways.
As mentioned before, the consumption of caffeine can lead to reduced levels of serotonin and dopamine, and quitting coffee can reverse the effects of these symptoms in one’s body. Additionally, it can reduce the chances of a miscarriage, preterm birth and enhance the wellbeing of both mother and baby. Healthier alternatives to coffee, such as green tea and fruit-based juices, can be helpful. Lastly, giving up coffee also reduces one’s chances of developing gestational diabetes and other post-delivery health issues.
Conclusion – Should You Consider Exchanging Coffee With Decaffeinated Alternatives?
From health to psychological factors, there are several considerations to make before deciding whether it is safe to drink coffee during pregnancy, and the route of caution is usually best. Unless strictly prohibited by a doctor, it is advisable to replace coffee with decaffeinated alternatives, and even then it is best to keep a track of other sources of caffeine and take precautions accordingly.
All things considered, while the results of studies conducted on the effects of caffeine during pregnancy may be inconclusive, the best judgement lies in taking counsel from your doctor and learning about your own body’s metabolism to make an informed and required choice.
