Is Coffee Safe for Pregnant Women?

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Is Coffee Safe for Pregnant Women?

By Alpro Pharmacy

July 24, 2024

Ah, nothing is more refreshing than waking up and having a cup of coffee! Before pregnancy, the first cup of coffee, tea, or any drink in the morning could energize us for a new day. However, during pregnancy, mothers-to-be tend to be more cautious about their diet, especially with stimulating beverages like coffee. On one hand, caffeine can refresh and help alleviate pregnancy fatigue; on the other hand, many worry that caffeine might have adverse effects on the baby. So, can pregnant women drink coffee? Let’s explore!

How Much is Too Much?

Most people get their caffeine from beverages, tea, or coffee daily. The American Pregnancy Association recommends pregnant women to limit their daily caffeine intake to 200 milligrams, including caffeine-containing foods. But how can mothers-to-be know if they’ve reached their limit? Caffeine can be found in the following foods, with content varying by brand and preparation method:

1 can of soft drink: about 30 milligrams

1 cup of tea: about 50 milligrams

1 can of 250mL energy drink: up to 80 milligrams

1 cup of instant coffee: about 60 milligrams

1 cup of filtered coffee: about 100 milligrams

1 piece of dark chocolate: about 20 milligrams

1 cup of decaffeinated coffee: about 2 milligrams

1 cup of hot chocolate: about 5 milligrams

Does Caffeine Affect Pregnant Women and Babies?

During pregnancy, the body takes longer to metabolize and clear caffeine. This means the caffeine consumed by pregnant women may stay in the bloodstream longer. The placenta provides nutrients and oxygen to the baby through the umbilical cord. Therefore, when pregnant women drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages, the baby is also exposed to the residual caffeine. Studies show that compared to pregnant women who do not drink coffee, those who drink coffee during pregnancy may reduce the baby’s birth height and weight and affect its development.

Caffeine can increase catecholamine levels in the body through the placenta, raising concerns that this increase might cause blood vessel constriction, leading to restricted baby growth, intrauterine hypoxia, premature birth, or miscarriage. However, many studies also show that moderate caffeine intake (less than 200 milligrams per day) does not lead to these outcomes.

Breastfeeding Considerations

During breastfeeding, babies might be affected by caffeine. Mothers who drink 10 cups or more of coffee daily may have babies with poor sleep patterns and irritability. Mothers who drink more than 450 milliliters of coffee daily might have lower iron content in their breast milk. Furthermore, does caffeine intake during pregnancy affect the baby’s sleep in the first three months after birth? A study found that among nearly 900 pregnant women who consumed caffeine, their babies’ sleep in the first three months was not affected by caffeine. The study also showed that mothers who consumed caffeine and breastfed found similar results.

In conclusion, pregnant women can consume caffeine in moderation. Although study results are inconsistent, it’s best to keep caffeine intake below 200 milligrams. This amount is considered safe and unlikely to harm mothers-to-be or babies. If pregnant women have any concerns about caffeine intake or feel uncomfortable after consuming caffeine, it is recommended to consult with doctors, dietitians or nutritionists to make the best dietary recommendations.

Tips: How to Safely Enjoy Caffeine

To safely enjoy caffeine, mothers-to-be can take the following measures:

Choose low-caffeine or decaffeinated beverages: Many low-caffeine or decaffeinated coffee and tea options are available in the market, making it safer to choose these alternatives.
Portion control: If you really want to drink coffee, opt for a small cup to reduce intake.
Diversify beverages: Replace caffeinated drinks with fruit tea, milk, or juice to satisfy your taste without consuming too much caffeine.

Remember, pregnancy is a special period, and mothers-to-be should pay special attention to their dietary habits to ensure both mothers-to-be and their baby’s health and happiness during this time. I hope this article helps you better understand the safety of caffeine intake during pregnancy, making the journey more reassuring and comfortable.

Need More Information? Talk to Our Expert!

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Alpro ePharmacy or visit the nearest Alpro Pharmacy. Our team, consisting of pharmacists, doctors, physiotherapists, nutritionists, audiologists and dietitians, is ready to assist and provide support.