Ah, is there anything more stimulating than a good cup of coffee in the morning? During pregnancy, however, mothers-to-be need to be more cautious about their diet, especially when it comes to beverages that contain caffeine.
While caffeine can refresh and help alleviate pregnancy fatigue, there are concerns it could have adverse effects on the baby. As such, the American Pregnancy Association recommends that pregnant women limit their daily caffeine intake to 200mg.
But how can expectant mums 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 soft drink: about 30mg
- 1 cup tea: about 50mg
- 1 can 250ml energy drink: up to 80mg
- 1 cup instant coffee: about 60mg
- 1 cup filtered coffee: about 100mg
- 1 piece dark chocolate: about 20mg
- 1 cup decaffeinated coffee: about 2mg
- 1 cup hot chocolate: about 5mg
During pregnancy, the body takes longer to metabolise and clear caffeine. This means it 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 might also be exposed to residual caffeine.
Studies suggest that drinking coffee during pregnancy may affect the baby’s development, leading to reduced birth height and weight. Caffeine can increase catecholamine levels in the body through the placenta, which could cause blood-vessel constriction, leading to restricted baby growth.
Other potential complications include intrauterine hypoxia (when the baby is deprived of oxygen in the womb), premature birth, or miscarriage. However, many studies also show that moderate caffeine intake of less than 200mg per day does not lead to these outcomes.
Breastfeeding considerations
During breastfeeding, babies could be affected by caffeine. Mothers who drink 10 cups or more of coffee daily (which is a lot of coffee!) may have babies with poor sleep patterns and irritability.
Those who drink more than 450ml of coffee daily might also have lower iron content in their breast milk.
On the plus side, research among nearly 900 pregnant women who consumed caffeine found that their babies’ sleep in the first three months was not affected by caffeine. Similar results were found in the case of breastfeeding mothers.
As such, pregnant women should consume caffeine in moderation. Although study results are inconsistent, it’s best to keep caffeine intake below 200mg, which is an amount considered safe and unlikely to harm mothers-to-be or babies.
To safely enjoy caffeine, mothers-to-be can take the following measures:
- Choose low-caffeine or decaffeinated beverages: many such options are available in the market.
- Practise portion control: if you really want to drink coffee, opt for a small cup to reduce intake.
- Diversify beverages: replace caffeinated drinks with fruit teas, milk, or juices to satisfy your cravings without consuming too much caffeine.
Pregnant women who have concerns about caffeine intake or feel uncomfortable after consuming caffeine should consult their doctor, dietitian or nutritionist for the best dietary recommendations.
This article was written for Alpro Pharmacy, a dedicated community pharmacy committed to providing opportunities, health, and guidance to anyone striving for a better life. Speak to their professional healthcare providers at 019-702 1923.