Coffee in pregnancy - how safe is it?

CAFFEINE AND PREGNANCY

For many people, caffeine has beneficial effects. It brings more energy, you can concentrate better after it and sometimes it even prevents migraines. Caffeine is also used in health care, as a supplement to medicines. However, caffeine can also cause negative side effects in some people, which can pose greater risks during pregnancy.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF DRINKING COFFEE

Health research has shown that caffeine stimulates the brain and central nervous system. It is these factors that make you feel sleepy and help you concentrate better. Caffeine can also be effective in treating headaches when combined with painkillers. Coffee is also a source of antioxidants. Which are beneficial compounds that can protect your cells from damage, reduce inflammation and ward off chronic disease.

RISKS OF DRINKING COFFEE IN PREGNANCY

Pregnant women metabolize caffeine much more slowly. In fact, pregnant women take 1.5 to 3.5 times longer to eliminate caffeine from their bodies. In addition, caffeine crosses the placenta and enters the baby's bloodstream, raising concerns that caffeine may affect the baby's health.

However, some research suggests that even low caffeine intake can lead to low birth weight babies. For example, one study found that a low intake of 50 to 149 mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy was associated with a 13% higher risk of low birth weight. However, more research is needed.

The risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and other adverse effects due to higher caffeine intake during pregnancy remains largely unclear. Other negative side effects of caffeine include high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, increased anxiety, dizziness, restlessness, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

CAFFEINE IN PREGNANCY

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - ACOG says that moderate amounts of caffeine - less than 200 mg per day - are not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Depending on the type and method of preparation, this is equivalent to about 1 - 2 cups (240 - 580 ml) of coffee or about 2 - 4 cups (240 - 960 ml) of tea per day.

Caffeine is also found in energy drinks; you should cut these out completely. In addition to caffeine, energy drinks usually contain large amounts of added sugars or artificial sweeteners. In addition, you should avoid certain herbal teas during pregnancy, especially those made from chicory or liquorice.

CAFFEINATED DRINKS AND DECAFFEINATED COFFEE IN PREGNANCY

Count coffee, but also all other sources of caffeine, in your total daily caffeine intake. Then consider reducing your caffeine intake, for example by using decaffeinated coffee. But don't underestimate the choice of decaffeinated coffee either. You can find plenty of decaffeinated coffees for pregnant women on the market, which differ in the method of decaffeination. That is, the method of removing the caffeine. The most suitable is decaffeinated coffee by the so-called water method or the innovative and natural method using sugar cane.

The other methods will probably do more harm to your body than if you had a classic caffeinated coffee. If, on the other hand, you limit your caffeine intake from other sources, you can safely indulge in caffeinated coffee to a small extent. Always consult your doctor about your caffeine intake from any source.

SAFE TEAS FOR PREGNANCY INCLUDE :

Ginger
Peppermint
Lemon

As with any herbal medicine, it is a good idea to consult your doctor before drinking herbal teas in pregnancy.

See how much caffeine your favorite beverage may contain:

Coffee: 60-200 (240 ml)
Espresso: 30-50 mg (30 ml)
Energy drinks: 50-160 mg (240 ml)
Tea: 20-120 mg (240 ml)
Non-alcoholic beer: 30-60 mg (355 ml)
Cocoa: 3-32 mg (240 ml)
Decaffeinated coffee: 2-4 mg (240 ml)

Note that caffeine is also found in some foods. For example, chocolate may contain 1-35 mg of caffeine per 28 grams. Dark chocolate usually has a higher concentration of caffeine. In addition, some medications, such as painkillers, may contain caffeine, and often caffeine is added to supplements such as weight loss pills and pre-workout mixes. Be sure to check with your doctor if you are concerned about the caffeine content of your diet.