Overview
Drinking coffee when pregnant has remained a debated topic for years. Coffee is a caffeinated beverage and caffeine is considered a stimulant. Caffeine crosses the being through the placenta and can affect the fetus, and experts suggest not to consume it excessively during pregnancy. In this article, we will have a look at the effect of drinking coffee during pregnancy, explore research done in this area and look at the opinion of experts and medical practitioners. We will also look into different types of coffee to conclude in the end whether it is alright to drink coffee when pregnant or not.
Effect on fetus
According to various studies, too much caffeine can interfere with the normal growth and development of the fetus. It is also associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and smaller head size of the baby. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it causes an infant to pass more urine and dehydrate more rapidly, resulting in poor long-term health for the baby. On the other hand, one study suggested no significant difference between women who drank moderate amounts of coffee during pregnancy and those who did not.
Research findings
Researchers at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine compared the health of more than 15,000 babies whose mothers drank coffee during pregnancy and found no negative effects. A similar research undertaken by the University of São Paolo in Brazil reported that pregnant women who drank up to two coffee cups per day during pregnancy gave birth to babies with normal weight and size, and did not report any long-term developmental deficits.
Experts opinion
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests avoiding coffee or restricting the intake of caffeine to an absolute minimum when pregnant. According to the American Pregnancy Association, caffeine can cause problems in pregnant women such as an increase in heart rate, an increase in blood pressure, an increase in fatigue, and an increase in the risk for miscarriage.
Types of coffee
One should also consider the type of coffee when consuming it during pregnancy. Decaffeinated coffee is the best option since it has no effect on the fetus. Caffeinated coffee should be drunk in moderation and with caution. While instant coffee may have slightly lower levels of caffeine, it is not recommended due to its high sugar content.
Conclusion
It is important to be cautious while drinking coffee while pregnant, since it can have an effect on the fetus. Research has not found any concrete evidence that caffeine has a negative effect on the baby, but it is recommended to limit the amount of caffeine that you consume. It is best to go for decaffeinated coffee, and if you must have caffeine, limit it to one cup a day and drink it with caution.
Effects on fertility and pregnancy
One study concluded that the consumption of coffee during pregnancy might have an effect on fertility and pregnancy outcomes. The 2002 study included data collected from around the world and found a positive association between consumption of coffee and the risk of having a stillborn, prematurity, and pregnancy-induced hypertension. Another study conducted in Swedish hospitals on over 10,000 pregnant women compared the health outcomes of those who drank coffee during pregnancy to those who did not. Results revealed that those who drank coffee more frequently had higher risks of having a low-birth-weight baby, preterm delivery, and breech presentation.
Recommendations of experts
Most experts agree that limiting caffeine intake is important while pregnant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends staying below 300 mg per day. The American College of obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests limiting or avoiding caffeine altogether during pregnancy.
Effects on mood and energy
One other factor that must be considered when consuming coffee during pregnancy is its effects on mood and energy levels. Caffeine is a known stimulant, so it can make you feel jittery, anxious and irritable. It can also disrupt your sleep pattern, leading to fatigue and lack of energy. These side effects can manifest more quickly or be more intense in pregnant women, so they should be aware when drinking coffee while pregnant.
Natural alternatives
Instead of coffee, pregnant women can also try natural caffeine-free beverages to improve energy levels, such as herbal teas. Green tea is a good choice, as it is rich in antioxidants and has various health benefits. For an energy boost, pregnant women can also try other healthy sources of caffeine, such as dark chocolate or small amounts of black tea.
