Espresso while pregnant
Is It Safe To Drink Coffee During Pregnancy? – Eldorado Coffee Roasters
There are a lot of changes you’ll make as a mom. But, does drinking coffee have to be one of your sacrifices? Is it safe to drink coffee while you’re pregnant?
New moms especially need coffee. That exhaustion hits a whole new level: You might be struggling with fatigue due to hormones, or you’re expecting another child with a toddler running around, while working and handling a million things at once. Plus, you’re probably craving something calming, relaxing, and familiar, like your favorite cup of morning java.
We’re here to share some good news. You do not have to give up coffee while you’re pregnant. You can still indulge in a little pumpkin spice latte, cold brew, or shot of espresso, in moderate amounts.
Is caffeine safe during pregnancy?
Caffeine is safe during pregnancy in moderation.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reports that it is safe to consume less than 200mg of caffeine per day, without any notable side effects for mom or baby. There may even be some health benefits to drinking moderate amounts of coffee.
What happens if you drink too much caffeine while pregnant?
ACOG states that drinking more than 200mg of caffeine per day could show some negative effects while pregnant. Studies have shown that caffeine crosses through the placenta, which means it can affect the baby’s health. In serious cases, high caffeine consumption may cause a greater risk of miscarriage and low birth weight.
Also, pregnant women metabolize caffeine at a slower rate. It can take anywhere from 1.5 to 3 times longer to eliminate caffeine from the body. This means caffeine is circulating longer, which may have a “stressing” effect on the baby. One study even suggested that extreme caffeine use in early pregnancy might stress the baby enough to cause behavioral disorders later in life.
This slow metabolizing of caffeine may also have a negative effect on the mom, too. Some pregnant women can get unpleasant side effects from consuming high quantities of caffeine, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Increased anxiety
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
Regardless, you want to be more aware of your health when you’re pregnant. Take note of what you eat and drink to see how your body reacts. If your body doesn’t seem to experience side effects with caffeine, you can stick to drinking 200mg of caffeine. But, if you start seeing side effects, you might want to make the personal choice to cut out, or minimize, caffeine for the time being.
Asking what happens when you drink too much caffeine while pregnant is like asking what happens when you do too much of anything while pregnant. Moderation is key!
Big note—The ACOG recommends no more than 200mg of caffeine per day. That includes caffeine from coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other sources. So, if you drink a cup of coffee, you’ll want to avoid other sources of caffeine for the day. You also want to be aware of all the “extras” you put in your coffee, like added sugars or artificial sweeteners, which may also have effects on pregnancy.
Does the trimester matter?
Is caffeine during pregnancy worse in the second trimester? Is early pregnancy caffeine the worst? Will caffeine affect my pregnancy in third trimester?
By the time you get to the third trimester, you’re probably dying for a cup of coffee. But in early pregnancy, caffeine might feel especially vital to maintaining some semblance of normalcy. So does it matter when you drink your cup?
Timing may matter. It seems early pregnancy caffeine may have a greater effect than caffeine during pregnancy in the second trimester or third trimester.
Studies have suggested that drinking higher amounts of caffeine earlier in the pregnancy may have worse effects than caffeine consumption in the third trimester. The risk of miscarriage is higher in the first and second trimesters, and higher caffeine consumption may elevate this risk. Studies also show a strong association between caffeine intake in the first trimester, and late miscarriage or stillbirth later in the pregnancy.
Still, you shouldn’t up your caffeine consumption in the third trimester. Although there seem to be fewer serious risks, researchers still aren’t entirely sure of the effect of caffeine on a developing fetus or child. It’s generally recommended to keep the consumption below 200mg for the duration of the pregnancy.
How much coffee is 200mg of caffeine?
The amount of caffeine in your coffee will depend on the source and the brew (and, of course, how much coffee you consume).
Espresso has the highest caffeine content, followed by nitro cold brew coffee, cold brew coffee, brewed coffee, drip coffee, then instant coffee. Eight ounces of drip coffee will have 70-140mg of caffeine, while 1.5 ounces of espresso has 60-80mg of caffeine. So, a double shot of espresso (two ounces) is equivalent to about one cup of drip coffee.
In general, the roast of the coffee doesn’t matter much (light roast only has slightly more caffeine than dark roast). However, the type of bean does matter. Arabica and Robusta beans are the most common coffee beans. Robusta generally has more caffeine content than Arabica—sometimes up to twice as much caffeine. Colombian beans aren’t as widely used, but they’re also fairly high in caffeine. So, take note of the bean type as well.
Of course, you also want to be aware of the size of your cup. You’ll consume more caffeine if your mug holds more coffee. So you may want to start measuring your coffee amounts more closely, or stick to a coffee cup you know is the right size for your brew.
As a general rule of thumb, expectant mothers can have about 10 ounces of brewed or drip coffee per day, or one to two shots of espresso. (Psst… We sell decaf espresso, so you can enjoy your fave espresso with less caffeine!)
Psst… Just to put it in perspective. A Starbucks grande brewed coffee is 16 ounces, and contains over 330mg of caffeine. That’s already over your daily max. So, it’s not as much coffee as you think!
Go for the latte
If you’re going to drink coffee, we recommend choosing a latte. In general, lattes give you a sizable portion of liquid to sip on, but you’re generally drinking less coffee (usually around a shot or two of espresso).
Plus, using milk in lattes can provide calcium and protein that might help your baby grow. Some non-dairy milk alternatives can also provide vitamins and nutrients to your diet that can be beneficial during pregnancy.
What about decaf coffee during pregnancy?
This might surprise you, but decaf coffee still has caffeine in it! In an eight-ounce cup of decaf brewed coffee, there can be up to 15mg of caffeine. It’s a lot less than regular coffee, but you’ll still want to keep a watch on caffeine intake if you’re drinking multiple cups (or a huge mug) in a day.
You can have decaf coffee during pregnancy—Just don’t get crazy with it.
Drink water
Expectant mothers should drink more water than usual. It’s easier to get dehydrated because of all of the circulating hormones. Your body is making another person, so it needs a little extra water and nutrients!
Caffeine can be a diuretic, which means it pulls water out from the body and expels it in your urine. This can make you more dehydrated, especially during pregnancy.
So, make sure you drink plenty of water, especially alongside your consumption of coffee.
Pro tip—Drink filtered water, and use filtered water for your drip coffee. Filtered water removes unhealthy minerals and chemicals that you don’t want for yourself or your baby. Making your coffee drinks at home is a good option that allows you to regulate exactly how much caffeine you’re consuming.
Should I drink coffee while pregnant?
To wrap it up, ACOG reports that it is safe to drink less than 200mg of caffeine per day while pregnant, or hoping to become pregnant. You want to be aware of the source and amount of your caffeine, including different drinks (tea, soda, etc.) as well as roast and brew of coffee.
You don’t have to give up your favorite cup of java, but it’s definitely smart to err on the side of caution. There isn’t enough research to prove or disprove the safety of caffeine during pregnancy, so keep it in moderation. Better yet, go for a decaf cup of coffee during pregnancy to get that delicious coffee flavor without heightened risk.
Be wise, be moderate, and be healthy!
How Much Caffeine You Can Have While Pregnant
A nice Brie. The lox on your bagel. A glass of Pinot. There’s already so much you have to give up when you’re pregnant—is it really necessary to lay off the latte too? Hang on to your mugs, ladies, you’re going to like this: The answer to “Can pregnant women drink coffee?”—and tea, for that matter—is: Yes! Yes, you can.
In this article:
How much caffeine can you have while pregnant?
Coffee during pregnancy
Tea during pregnancy
Only to a certain extent, of course: Almost all medical professionals agree that consuming small amounts of caffeine while pregnant is perfectly safe. But still, for those of us who need a boost of caffeine to be civilized in the morning, every delectable drop is greatly appreciated.
“The key for determining which coffees and teas are safer than others is to be aware of the caffeine content,” says Julia Ryan, MD, a neonatologist at Abington Hospital in Abington, PA. That’s because when you load up on caffeine during pregnancy, you’re not the only one who gets a buzz—baby does too. As Shar La Porte, a licensed midwife at Midwifery Care NYC, explains, “Caffeine crosses the placenta and has been found in amniotic fluid and fetal blood samples.” Because the liver isn’t fully developed yet, the jolt to baby’s system is greater than it is to yours, and it takes longer for the caffeine to leave her system.
So what does caffeine during pregnancy do to the fetus once it’s there? For one thing, it can cause baby’s heart to beat very fast, and it can lead to arrhythmia or irregular heart rhythm, which is potentially dangerous, Ryan says. If consumed in large quantities, caffeine during pregnancy can make babies become dependent on it and then, when they’re born, they can be very irritable and exhibit withdrawal symptoms, similar to what happens in the case of drugs.
Fortunately, we’re talking only about large amounts of caffeine during pregnancy here. If you follow a few simple guidelines, you’ll easily stay within safe levels.
How Much Caffeine
Can You Have While Pregnant?According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), a “moderate amount” of caffeine during pregnancy—defined as less than 200 milligrams per day—“does not appear to be a major contributing factor in miscarriage or preterm birth.”
So how much caffeine is in a cup of coffee or tea? As you’ll see from the handy charts below, how much of your caffeinated drink you can have while pregnant depends on who’s making the coffee or tea and how big the cup is. Check them out, then scroll down for more details on coffee during pregnancy and tea during pregnancy. If you don’t find your favorite sip here, plug it into the search box at Caffeine Informer to find out its caffeine content. Remember, foods, such as chocolate, contain caffeine too, so take them into account when you choose your brew.
Here, a look at how much coffee during pregnancy is safe to drink:
Image: Smart Up Visuals
See how much tea during pregnancy is safe to drink:
Image: Smart Up Visuals
Coffee During Pregnancy
Caffeine levels can vary widely based on the type of bean, how long it was roasted and how it was brewed. Incredibly, rich, dark roast coffee contains less caffeine than light roast. That’s because beans roasted for much longer burn off more caffeine. (At Starbucks, a 12-ounce serving of dark roast contains 195 milligrams of caffeine; a serving of blonde roast in the same cup contains 270 milligrams.)
But how much caffeine is in espresso? Also to be placed in the “believe it or not” file, it’s not as much as a regular cup of coffee! An ounce generally has 77 milligrams. As potent as that cup is, it’s still a tiny cup—which means you can treat yourself to a jolt of espresso coffee during pregnancy for only half the amount of caffeine found in one 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee. So sip slowly and savor.
As for drinking decaf coffee while pregnant, you can have more than the caffeinated kind, but it’s certainly not a free-for-all. A tall cup (12 ounces) of decaf at Starbucks will set you back 20 milligrams of caffeine for the day, while a decaf instant coffee contains a mere 3 milligrams in an 8-ounce cup, which is the size of a typical coffee cup, not a mug (which can be anywhere from 10 to 12 ounces or more).
Check out how much caffeine is in Starbucks coffee:
Image: Smart Up Visuals
Here’s how much caffeine is in Dunkin’ Donuts coffee:
Image: Smart Up Visuals
Tea During Pregnancy
Pass the tea, please! Aside from water, certain teas may be just the perfect fix if you plan on having some form of caffeine during pregnancy. Not only is there generally less caffeine in tea than in coffee, but also many types of tea actually support pregnancy.
Let’s talk about real teas first—the ones made from the leaves of the tea bush—as opposed to herbal teas, which are really infusions of herbs and other ingredients in water. So how much caffeine is in black tea and does green tea have caffeine? Those two popular varieties, as well as white and oolong, contain far less caffeine than coffee. But as with coffee, the caffeine in tea varies depending on how long you’re letting it steep, as well as what type of tea it is and where it comes from.
For instance, if you’re drinking Lipton green tea while pregnant, you’ll be taking in about 16 milligrams of caffeine; but one from Stash Tea delivers around 30 milligrams. An 8-ounce cup of matcha, which is made from powdered, instead of infused, tea leaves, can contain an average of 70 milligrams of caffeine, which is more than a shot of espresso and almost as much as a cup of home-brewed joe. Drinking any sort of green tea while pregnant is completely fine—but, again, just take note of how much caffeine during pregnancy you’re having and how big that cup is.
As for black tea, Twinings Earl Grey offers around 25 milligrams of caffeine for a five minute steep; Tazo Awake, 61 milligrams; and Lipton, 47 milligrams. But a chai latte, which is black tea mixed with spices, can add up to 95 milligrams of caffeine when you order it up in a grande (16 ounces) cup. at Starbucks. Meanwhile, an 8-ounce cup of decaf Lipton contains just 5 milligrams.
When it comes to herbal tea during pregnancy, there’s more to consider. “My concerns about herbal teas stem mainly from difficulties controlling strength and purity,” La Porte says. Since herbs are not regulated by the FDA, it’s tough to determine the quality and type of herbs in each tea.
Also, certain herbs are harmful during pregnancy—and, by extension, so are the drinks made from them. Cohosh tea and pennyroyal tea, for instance, can lead to miscarriage and are teas to avoid during pregnancy. For some women, chamomile tea during pregnancy should be limited because of its anti-inflammatory properties; talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
Still, there’s a world of other herbal brews that can and should be enjoyed while pregnant. In fact, tea during pregnancy may even make you feel a lot more comfortable. Just purchase a brand you trust. (Those sold at major grocery stores and national retail tea and coffee shops are typically fine.) Here are some of the most helpful caffeine-free infusions to try during pregnancy. Give them a sip. Even if you demand the potent stuff in the morning, these herbal concoctions may be the perfect thing to tide you over till your next caffeine fix.
- Ginger tea for pregnancy helps soothe the nausea and vomiting related to morning sickness
- Rooibos tea for pregnancy contains calcium and antioxidants, nutrients that help with baby’s development
- Peppermint tea for pregnancy can help ease digestive issues and heartburn
- Red raspberry leaf tea for pregnancy can support the uterus and helps the body prepare for labor
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
Coffee during pregnancy: a complete guide to all the do's and don'ts
When a woman sees "two lines" on her test, her life begins to change that same day. In this life, there are more good habits (timely sleep, proper nutrition, moderate exercise) and less bad habits (alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy food). Coffee as a potentially dangerous product, around which there is a lot of controversy, often falls under the barrier of prohibitions.
Even without any pregnancy, coffee often raises a number of questions and concerns among people, so the debate around this drink is quite understandable and justified. But our task is to separate myth from reality and figure out when restrictions make sense and when they are a pointless obstacle to a fulfilling joyful lifestyle.
How does coffee affect the body of a pregnant woman?
Before talking about some special effect of coffee on a pregnant woman, let's refresh our memory of what actually happens to us when we drink coffee:
- After caffeine enters the blood, dopamine is released, which, as we remember, is responsible for a good mood. This hormone of joy very willingly “jumps out” in response to a shot of espresso or cappuccino and makes us feel good.
- Under the influence of dopamine, we find it easier to play sports, we become more enduring and notice less pain in the muscles. It also improves overall performance.
- If there is too much caffeine (read - dopamine), the suppression of serotonin production begins. This leads to increased anxiety and can provoke depression.
- In parallel, under the influence of caffeine, adrenaline is released, another hormone that is responsible for our good mood and cheerfulness.
- Increased concentration.
- In most cases, coffee stimulates our heart to beat faster. The rhythm of the heartbeat accelerates and at the same time the pressure rises.
- The theophylline contained in coffee acts on the intercostal muscles and muscles of the diaphragm, as a result of which our breathing becomes more relaxed and easier.
- The excretory systems (diuretic and intestines) are stimulated - under the influence of caffeine, we feel the desire to visit the restroom faster.
- Caffeine also stimulates the nervous system. The peak of this action occurs in the first hour or two after drinking coffee, then for an average of 3-4 hours the breakdown of caffeine in the blood occurs, at which time many people have difficulty falling asleep.
What changes when a pregnant woman drinks coffee? In addition to the above phenomena, the following important parameters should be additionally indicated:
- slows down the process of removing caffeine from a woman's body;
- increased fetal heart rate;
- increased fetal activity;
- Excessive use creates possible risks for the child.
It is the last item on this list that is cause for concern and doubt about the admissibility of coffee in the diet of a pregnant woman. Below we describe in detail what these risks are and in what cases concerns can be justified.
Can pregnant women drink coffee?
Let's start with a high-profile peer-reviewed study published in the BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine. Professor Jack James from Reykjavik University in Iceland conducted a series of studies in 2020 and concluded that there is no safe level of caffeine intake for pregnant women: even the smallest amount can negatively affect the development of the fetus. However, Mr. James' colleagues from other countries categorically disagree with him. The National Health Service, the European Food Safety Authority, and the American and British Colleges of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend limit but not eliminate caffeine intake during pregnancy . The research paper was deemed "too panicky" and inconsistent with the accepted evidence.
“There are so many do's and don'ts associated with pregnancy, and the last thing we want to do is cause unnecessary worry. After all, women need to be sure that caffeine can be consumed in moderation during pregnancy,” says Dr. Luc Grzeskowiak, a pharmacist at the University of Adelaide in Australia.
Most doctors around the world agree that drinking up to 200 mg of caffeine per day (1-2 cups of coffee) is a perfectly acceptable limit that will not harm either mother or child.
When thinking about the amount of caffeine consumed per day, it is very important to remember that it is added not only from your cups of cappuccino, but also from other products (energy drinks, tea, cola, chocolate, cocoa).
The World Health Organization confirms that excess caffeine intake may be associated with problems (fetal growth restriction, birth weight loss, preterm birth or stillbirth).
Is coffee allowed in early pregnancy (first trimester)?
The first trimester is the time when the foundation of the future life is laid, the most exciting and unpredictable. It is during this period that most miscarriages occur. And if we talk about coffee, then, according to studies, such miscarriages in the early stages are indeed more common in women who drink this drink often and a lot. However no one can say for sure whether high caffeine intake is a threat to the fetus or whether constant coffee consumption is a marker of a failed pregnancy (increased aversion to coffee, along with nausea and vomiting, is a feature of a healthy pregnancy).
Thus, we conclude that for a healthy woman with a healthy pregnancy, moderate coffee consumption is quite acceptable .
Can I drink coffee during the second trimester?
The second trimester is the quietest time for a future mother: by this moment the most dangerous milestones have been passed and there is no need to be afraid for the child's viability. Often it is during this period that all those strange and unexpected taste preferences of pregnant women fall, and coffee often becomes such an object of desire. If you do not have strict medical contraindications, you can continue to drink your favorite drink without any worries. The main thing is not to get carried away (remember about 200 mg of caffeine per day). To be completely calm, dilute coffee with milk. To minimize the risks, doctors recommend drinking your coffee in the morning.
Is coffee allowed in late pregnancy (3rd trimester)?
The last trimester again increases the risk that the baby will leave the mother's body earlier than necessary, so if you are not sure about your health and the health of the fetus, it is better to reduce coffee consumption to a minimum at this time. Many studies indicate that in the third trimester of pregnancy, coffee had a negative effect on the condition of the child (premature birth, miscarriage). On the other hand, scientists tend to assume that mothers who drink a lot of coffee in late pregnancy also allow themselves other questionable products (alcohol, tobacco), and this greatly distorts the picture of research.
Benefits and harms of coffee for pregnant women
As we have already found out, many studies have shown that it is unwise to drink coffee (or in general any drink containing caffeine) during pregnancy in large quantities. Unfortunately, the publication of this information at one time gave rise to a lot of rewritten materials in which it was no longer possible to trace the connection with the original and see the important mention of the amount of caffeine. Meanwhile, in the case of coffee and pregnancy, the most important thing is not to overdo it (as, indeed, in many other areas of our lives).
Benefits of coffee during pregnancy
Coffee has many pleasant and beneficial effects that do not disappear when a pregnant woman drinks it. So, for example, coffee for pregnant women with low blood pressure might be a good idea. Thanks to the effect of caffeine, the pressure rises and the well-being of the expectant mother improves.
Coffee with milk will also benefit pregnant women: it is a good source of calcium, which is so necessary for the harmonious development of the child and maintaining the health of the mother. Latte is an ideal coffee drink during pregnancy: milk takes up more cup volume, which simultaneously reduces the effect of caffeine and replenishes calcium stores.
Coffee is an effective remedy against edema characteristic of pregnant women (diuretic effect).
Do not forget that it is useful for pregnant women to be in a good mood, and coffee certainly helps to lift it.
Harm of coffee during pregnancy
As we remember, there is a version that caffeine consumption during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of infertility, birth defects, miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and fetal growth retardation. However, this version is not sufficiently proven.
But we know for sure that coffee will be harmful to pregnant women who are prone to hypertension (high blood pressure) and tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), as well as to those who have a lack of calcium, potassium and phosphorus (caffeine does little to flush out these elements). Also, coffee is contraindicated in women with hypertonicity (additional stimulation with caffeine can really cause a miscarriage).
Another unpleasant consequence of taking coffee by pregnant women is additional stimulation of the excretory systems. Not a very pleasant thing, given that a woman in position already wants to go to the toilet more often than usual. However, any drink stimulates our kidneys to work more actively, so this is a controversial argument "against".
Which coffee is safer during pregnancy?
If you are not ready to give up coffee, but want to minimize the possible risks, it is worthwhile to figure out in advance which type of coffee is best for you.
Natural bean coffee
Classic bean coffee has the highest caffeine content, especially if the coffee is made in Turkish and the blend includes a high percentage of Robusta (this type of coffee has almost twice as much caffeine as Arabica). It is worth drinking no more than one cup a day, and also pay attention to the content of the blend (the ratio of robusta to arabica).
A standard cup of Americano (70 ml.), Espresso (30 ml.) or Cappuccino (180 ml.) contains about 50-70 mg of caffeine (they use the same amount of coffee - 1 shot).
Instant coffee
Instant coffee in most cases contains less caffeine than coffee beans. Doctors believe that a pregnant woman can afford up to two servings of such a drink. 1 teaspoon (without a slide) of instant coffee contains 30–50 mg of caffeine.
Decaffeinated coffee
Perhaps the safest option is for those who value aroma and ritual more than the effect they produce. In decafe, caffeine is removed by 97-99%, which means that any risks are reduced to almost zero. One serving of decaffeinated coffee contains 3 to 6 mg of caffeine.
Alternative to coffee
If for some reason coffee is contraindicated for you (even decaffeinated), but you want to keep your favorite ritual, you can always try to make a replacement and try drinks made from chicory or barley grain. They do not contain caffeine at all.
To summarize
If the pregnant woman and her unborn child have no health problems, it is acceptable to drink 1-2 cups of coffee per day with a total caffeine content of no more than 200 mg*. At the same time, it is better to choose coffee drinks with dairy products (cappuccino, latte, raf), beware of strong coffee and choose the morning time to enjoy your favorite elixir of vigor.
Women with the following diagnoses should refrain from coffee: fetoplacental insufficiency, preeclampsia, anemia, hypertension, lack of appetite, gastrointestinal diseases, tachycardia, insomnia, toxicosis.
*This article summarizes the best studies of evidence-based medicine over the years. However, it is not a guide to action, so before allowing yourself coffee during pregnancy, be sure to check with your doctor.
Can pregnant women drink coffee? - KAPservis
Women are real coffee addicts. Some people like to drink bitter espresso in the morning, while others prefer coffee drinks with milk, such as latte or macchiato. Coffee really helps to cheer up and start work in a good mood. But what to do when you feel sleepy during pregnancy, and everyone around you says that coffee and pregnancy are incompatible. Is it so? And how does coffee coffee actually affect the body of pregnant women?
Let's try to find out if pregnant women can drink coffee, in what quantities and if there is a possibility to replace this drink with something.
How much coffee can I take during pregnancy?
Pregnant women and those trying to conceive are advised by doctors to limit their caffeine intake. And this applies not only to coffee, but also to black tea. The American non-profit organization March of Dimes conducted a study in which it turned out that drinking coffee during pregnancy is possible, but not more than 200 ml per day, which is equal to 1 cup.
Small doses of coffee can even be beneficial for pregnant women. Especially in cases where a woman suffers from low blood pressure. Therefore, a small cup of invigorating elixir will not hurt. For nausea, you can also add a slice of lemon.
Where else is caffeine found?
As already noted, caffeine is found not only in coffee, but also in tea. We invite you to read the data, which shows how much caffeine is in some products:
- brewed coffee (200 ml) - 137 mg;
- instant coffee (200 ml) - 76 mg;
- brewed tea (200 ml) - 48 mg;
- tea bags (200 ml) - 26 to 36 mg;
- caffeinated soft drinks (336 ml) - 37 mg;
- chocolate milk (200 ml) - 5-8 mg;
- dark chocolate (in 41 g) - 30 mg;
- milk chocolate (in 43 g) - 11 mg;
- chocolate syrup (1 tablespoon) - 3 mg;
- coffee ice cream - 2 mg.
That is, if you drank a cup of coffee 200 ml, then the consumption of caffeine per day should be limited. But with a cup of tea, you can also eat a few cubes of chocolate.
Why is coffee dangerous for pregnant women?
So, we have already found out how much drink can be consumed per day, but we still have not told about the risks of caffeine use by a pregnant woman.
Excessive coffee consumption during pregnancy can lead to:
Anemia . Tea and coffee contain phenols that interfere with the absorption of iron. According to WHO, from 21% to 80% of pregnant women suffer from iron deficiency anemia, which leads to functional disorders of the systems and organs. And the use of undesirable products only exacerbates the situation.
Insomnia . According to statistics, 78% of pregnant women experience insomnia. Problems can be both physiological (convulsions, hormonal changes, back pain) and psychological (fear of change, fear of childbirth). And since coffee is a stimulant, the situation with sleep can worsen even more.
Heartburn . Coffee already stimulates the secretion of stomach acid, which often causes heartburn. During pregnancy, the body needs two to three times longer to clear caffeine.
Risk of miscarriage . In 2008, media reports circulated that drinking coffee during pregnancy increased the risk of miscarriage. Thus, women who drank more than a cup of the drink a day had a 2-fold increased risk of miscarriage compared to those who did not drink caffeine at all. However, more than one study has been conducted on this subject, and some of them did not catch the connection of coffee with a possible miscarriage at all.
Low weight baby . Some studies have found that high caffeine intake during gestation results in a low birth weight baby. But these data also do not have a scientific evidence base.
Rapid heart rate in a newborn .