Effects of Coffee during Pregnancy
It is understandable that currently expecting mothers feel the urge to keep up with their usual habits, despite how hard it might be to do so. Coffee is one of those habits that can prove difficult to give up. However, recent studies have shed a light on why unfortunately it is best to avoid coffee during pregnancy.
According to the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health In 2017, drinking even moderate amounts of coffee was linked to negative effects on pregnancy outcomes. The significant increase in risk of both preterm birth and low birth weight was observed for the mothers who consumed 200mg per day or more (just over 2 cups on average).
This conclusion was backed up by a study from the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2018; women who drank 4 cups of coffee a day, corresponding to about 500mg of caffeine, increased their risk of miscarriage by 79%. In comparison, women who abstained from coffee altogether had no increase in risk. This study was conducted with 1465 women during early stages of pregnancy, and further reinforces the evidence concerning the negative impacts of coffee during pregnancy.
When considering smaller amounts of coffee, there is still reason to be cautious. A paper published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health in 2020 found that mothers who drank moderately – somewhere between 1 cup and 3 cups a day – had the same increased risk of a small baby (low birth weight) as those who had 4 cups or more. This indicates that there is a correlation between coffee consumption and a higher risk, even when mothers limit themselves to a seemingly harmless amount.
So far, the sources mentioned all agree on how excessive consumption of coffee – 4 cups or more – can be dangerous for pregnant women. But what’s the verdict on just a single cup, lower than 200 milligrams? The previously-mentioned journal from BMJ warns that all pregnant women should consider cutting down on their caffeine consumption due to the possible negative effects on birth weight and gestational age, but specifics regarding smaller portions are still limited. It is recommended to keep each intake from 50 to 200 milligrams or below, however, whether one cup or 3 cups brings this amount can vary greatly depending on the strength of the drink.
While drinking coffee during pregnancy can be tempting, it is still the safest measure to abstain from its consumption altogether throughout the course of the pregnancy.
Alternatives to Coffee
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed by the sudden lack of caffeinated drinks in many expectant mother’s normal routines. But never fret as there are actually many great alternatives to coffee – all with the same caffeine punch.
Teas can be a great alternative, both herbal and caffeinated ones. There are many types of tea with different levels of caffeine, just like there are with coffee – from decaf to espresso. One favorite of many expecting mothers is green tea, as the caffeine content is quite low and the tea has many health benefits. This makes it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a bit of energy without the accompanying negative health risks.
Other than tea, there are also soda and energy drinks to consider. They are great to mix up the routine, however, care must be taken because some of these drinks can have an unpredictable caffeine content. Therefore, it is important to check the label before making a selection.
Lastly, cold brew coffee should not be overlooked as an alternative. Cold-brewing is a process of steeping coffee grounds for a minimum of 12 hours at room temperature. This method reduces the caffeine level significantly whereas giving off a smooth and flavorful taste. Cold brew coffee contains one-third of the caffeine of traditional hot-brewed coffee, and can be a great choice for expecting mothers.
Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight
As discussed before, too much coffee not only increases the chance of miscarriage but it could also cause premature births and babies with a lower weight than average.
When born before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy, a newborn is considered a premature birth. This greatly increases the risk of numerous health complications, due to an immature body – something that can develop through the final few weeks of pregnancy – making the baby more vulnerable and prone to disease.
Low birth weight, on the other hand, is a condition in which a baby weighs less than 5 lbs 8 oz. Newborns born with low birth weight are at a higher risk of developing a vast array of different illnesses and physical problems like anemia, gastrointestinal disorders and developmental delays.
So far, research suggests that the best way to avoid this is to limit or cut out all coffee consumption during pregnancy.
Risks for the Baby
The risks of coffee consumption during pregnancy does not only involve the mother, there are possible effects for the developing baby as well.
The most prominent result from caffeine exposure during the gestational period is the increase in the baby’s risk of developing congenital disabilities. These disabilities include heart defects in the baby.
Prenatal caffeine exposure has also been linked to future difficulty with self-regulation of behaviors such as attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. This is likely due to the fact research has found caffeine to pass through the placental barrier into the baby’s bloodstream, causing changes in the baby’s metabolism.
What’s more, the consumption of coffee during pregnancy is associated with the mother’s smoking habit, meaning, women who are pregnant and consume coffee are more likely to also engage in smoking – an activity that can also have a multitude of dire consequences.
Health Benefits of Not Drinking Coffee
Assuming that pregnant women are able to abstain from drinking coffee during their pregnancy, there are a few known health benefits to look out for.
One important aspect to consider is the health of the mother herself. Coffee has a diuretic effect on the body, causing dehydration and electrolyte disturbance in those who have consumed it. By cutting out coffee from their diet, pregnant women can be sure that they are not risking dehydration, a very serious condition while pregnant.
Quitting coffee can also lead to a better night’s rest for the mother, as caffeine is known to disrupt and alter one’s sleep cycle. Sleep is essential for both the expectant mother and the baby, and can help to ensure hormonal balance and the reduction of stress. By cutting out coffee, pregnant women are more likely to get more restful and beneficial sleep.
Furthermore, although not all experts agree on it, there is some research to suggest that pregnant women who cut out coffee can experience fewer headaches. This is because caffeine has a constricting effect on the blood vessels – something that can worsen headaches when expecting.
Conclusion
Pregnant women should avoid drinking coffee, as it can increase the risk of complications and birth defects. Caffeine can pass through the placenta and into the baby’s bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of stillbirth and developmental delay. Withdrawal symptoms can be tough for some pregnant women, but there are alternatives such as cold brew, tea, and soda. The prevalence of coffee consumption during pregnancy highlights how serious the medical community takes the risks associated with it.
