Drinking Coffee during Early Pregnancy
Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants in the world and is commonly found in drinks such as tea, coffee and many soft drinks. During pregnancy, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with drinking too much caffeine, as it can harm the unborn baby’s development.
Generally speaking, pregnant women should try to limit their caffeine intake to no more than two cups of coffee per day, or one cup of coffee and one cup of tea. However, this will vary from woman to woman and depend on individual circumstances. It is important to talk to your doctor about your own specific caffeine intake during pregnancy.
The general consensus from health experts and midwives is that during the first trimester (first twelve weeks) of the pregnancy, caffeine should generally be avoided altogether. Similarly, decaffeinated coffee should also be avoided as it typically contains more caffeine than you may think!
During this time in the pregnancy, the baby’s organs, particularly the heart and brain, are developing rapidly, and so any increase in amount of caffeine passing through the placenta can reach the baby, resulting in potential risks to the development of the baby.
At this stage in the pregnancy, it is usually advised to opt for alternatives such as juice, water or herbal tea, which do not contain caffeine. Doing this can help to reduce the risk of the baby’s heart rate being affected, as well as providing nutrition and hydration to both mum and baby.
Drinking Coffee during the Second Trimester
During the second trimester (weeks 13-27), the recent consensus from many medical bodies is that some caffeine consumption is permissible, however it should still be kept to the recommended number of cups per day, as any excess may increase the risk of miscarriage.
Therefore, during this stage of the pregnancy it may be ok for a pregnant woman to enjoy one or two cups of coffee each day, as long as it does not contain excessive amounts of added sugars.
To be on the safe side, it is most wise for pregnant women to mostly opt for decaf coffee, as this contains less than 2 mg of caffeine per cup on average. Decaf coffee also contains the same antioxidants as regular coffee and can still provide various health benefits to the pregnant mother.
Drinking Coffee during the Third Trimester
By this stage of the pregnancy the potential risks associated with drinking too much caffeine may have decreased. However, there is still the potential for caffeine to pass through the placenta and cross the baby’s blood-brain barrier, so it is still best to limit your consumption of coffee to one or two cups per day.
When ordering coffee, it is also a good idea to choose an alternative to sugary dairy or syrup-based drinks such as cappuccinos and lattes, as these contain high levels of saturated fat, which can increase risks associated with gestational diabetes.
It is also worth noting that high levels of caffeine can be found in dark chocolate and energy drinks, so it is best to avoid these when pregnant too.
Potential Dangers of Too Much Caffeine During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, regular caffeine intake can be an issue as it can lead to various risks to the unborn baby. Although research is still inconclusive as to what amount of caffeine is safe for pregnant women to consume, some studies have shown that an increased amount of caffeine can lead to premature birth, low birth weight and congenital disabilities.
Additionally, too much caffeinated coffee or tea can lead to miscarriage and growth restrictions in pregnancy. It is also important to note that if you are suffering from nausea and vomiting during the pregnancy, it is best to not to drink any caffeinated products as they can contribute to dehydration.
Risks of Drinking Coffee while Breastfeeding
After giving birth, a pregnant woman should advise their doctor what level of caffeine they were drinking before and during the pregnancy, as this can aid in reducing the risk of postnatal risks to the baby.
For example, if the woman was drinking more than 300 mg of caffeine each day before and during the pregnancy, then it is typically advised to wait at least three days until resuming caffeine intake after giving birth. It is also advisable to gradually reintroduce caffeine during this time period, and then to limit the intake to 300 mg of caffeine per day.
Once the baby has been born, pregnant women should also be aware that if they are breastfeeding, what they eat and drink is passed on to the baby and so it is best to limit the amount of caffeine consumed. Generally, it is recommended that breastfeeding mothers should limit themselves to no more than one or two cups of regular coffee each day.
Alternatives to Coffee
Although during the pregnancy and postnatal period it is wise to limit caffeine intake, this does not necessarily mean that you have to completely miss out on the rich flavours of a cup of coffee.
There are a vast selection of coffees available which contain only trace amounts of caffeine, such as herbal and decaf drinks. Additionally, there are also a variety of nut and grain based drinks which can be used as alternatives to coffee and tea. These products contain no caffeine at all and can provide flavours a great way of getting the same caffeinated benefits without the additional risks to the baby.
Drinking Coffee during Pregnancy: The Bottom Line
Ultimately, it is important to discuss any plans to consume caffeine during the pregnancy with a health care professional, as individual circumstances will vary. As the potential risk of drinking coffee during pregnancy are not fully understood, it is generally be safe to limit consumption of caffeinated drinks during the first trimester or opt for decaf coffee.
However, during the second and third trimester if opting for any caffeinated drinks then sticking to the recommended limits of one to two cups of coffee each day is recommended. It is also wise to slowly reintroduce caffeinated drinks postnatal and again, only within the recommended amount for breastfeeding mothers.
Alternatives to Coffee During Pregnancy
For pregnant women looking for the flavour of coffee without the caffeine, then the best way is to opt for decaffeinated alternatives throughout the pregnancy. Decaffeinated coffee can still provide the same flavours of a regular coffee, and also contains beneficial antioxidants.
Similarly, caffeine free coffees are also an option, such as chai tea and herbal coffee alternatives. All of these usually contain grain and/or nut based ingredients and can provide a tasty alternative to regular coffee, without the additional risks associated with increased caffeine intake.
Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: What Should You Know?
When it comes to drinking coffee or tea during pregnancy or breastfeeding, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with drinking too much caffeine. However, with some planning and moderation, it is possible to enjoy a small amount of coffee without jeopardising the health and safety of the baby.
One way to monitor your intake is to keep an eye on the caffeine content of your coffee. During the first trimester of the pregnancy, it is generally advisable to avoid caffeinated drinks altogether and opt for tea and juice instead. During the second and third trimesters, you may be able to consume up to two cups of regular coffee, or one cup of regular and one cup of decaffeinated per day.
Once the baby has been born, it is important to talk to your doctor about the level of caffeine you were consuming during pregnancy, as this will help to determine how much caffeine is safe to consume when breastfeeding.
Frequently Asked Questions About Showing Coffee During Pregnancy
Is it safe to drink coffee while pregnant?
Yes, in moderation, it may be ok to drink one or two cups of regular coffee or tea per day during the second and third trimester of the pregnancy. However, during the first trimester it is generally advised to avoid consumption of coffee altogether.
Can I drink decaffeinated coffee?
Yes, decaffeinated coffee can be consumed during pregnancy, however it is important to be aware that it typically contains more caffeine than regular coffee, with around 1-2mg per cup. Therefore, during the first trimester it is best to avoid decaf coffee and opt for tea or juice alternatives instead.
What are the risks of drinking too much coffee during pregnancy?
Drinking more than two cups of caffeinated coffee each day during the pregnancy can increase the risk of the unborn baby having impaired growth, low birth weight, premature birth and congenital disabilities. It can also contribute to miscarriage and dehydration from nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Therefore, it is advised to keep your daily intake to one or two cups of coffee at most.
