CAN PREGNANT HAVE COFFEE? Gynecologist clarifies everything about it ☕️

Pregnancy is naturally a phase of doubts for many women, about what they can or cannot consume during this period, for example. And a common question in this regard is whether pregnant can drink coffee or not. Check out the answer to this question below, see possible risks of inappropriate consumption and learn about other drinks and foods that contain caffeine.

Can pregnant have coffee?

Gynecologist and obstetrician Karina Tafner (CRM-SP 118066), specialist in Gynecological Endocrinology and Human Reproduction and in Assisted Reproduction, answers that yes, pregnant women can drink coffee, but caffeine intake should be limited. After decades of discussion and conflicting studies, there is still no clear answer on how much caffeine is safe during pregnancy.

“The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) advises pregnant women to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day, which is equivalent to about 1 to 2 cups (240 to 580 ml) of coffee,” explains. It is essential that the pregnant woman follows the guidelines of the gynecologist who is following her pregnancy and knows that she should not abuse coffee consumption at this stage.

Risks of inadequate coffee consumption during pregnancy

Moderate consumption, as long as it is released and guided by the doctor who is already following the pregnancy, does not tend to cause problems. Attention is paid to excessive consumption of the drink at this stage.

Possible problems for the baby

When you drink a cup of coffee, the caffeine crosses the placenta and enters the baby’s bloodstream. “After ingestion, your body works and metabolizes the caffeine, but your baby’s body is still developing and it takes a lot longer to process it. As a result, your baby is exposed to the effects of caffeine much longer than you are,” explains Karina.

“Researchers continue to try to identify the exact effect of caffeine doses on your baby and pregnancy. The ACOG reports that moderate caffeine intake (less than 200 mg) is not considered a cause of miscarriage or premature birth. No evidence was found between caffeine use and birth defects.

But, as Karina comments, other studies on the subject suggest that even low caffeine intake can result in low birth weight. “One of these studies found that low doses of caffeine, from 50 to 149 mg per day during pregnancy, are associated with a 13% higher risk of low birth weight,” she says.

Possible problems for the pregnant woman

In addition, inadequate consumption can bring direct harm to pregnant women. “Caffeine is a stimulant and can increase heart rate and blood pressure, as well as increase nervousness and anxiety and cause insomnia. It can also lead to heartburn and diarrhea”, highlights Karina. “Caffeine also increases the frequency of urination. This can cause a reduction in body fluid levels and lead to dehydration,” she adds.

Also, the body’s ability to metabolize coffee decreases in pregnancy. “During the second trimester, it takes almost twice as long to remove caffeine from your body than when you’re not pregnant. During the third trimester, it takes almost three times as long.” The gynecologist warns: “it contains compounds that make it difficult for the body to absorb iron. This is important because many pregnant women need supplementation.”

“Any amount of caffeine ingested by the mother can cause changes in the baby’s sleep pattern or movement pattern after birth”, emphasizes Karina. All this reinforces the importance of the drink being consumed with discretion and only if there is a doctor’s approval. If coffee is difficult to remove from your diet, consider switching to decaf. “Decaf drinks can contain caffeine, but it’s usually a small amount,” she says.

Other foods that contain caffeine

Karina cites a list of the caffeine content in some foods and drinks. Check out:

• Coffee: 60–200 mg per 240 ml serving
• Espresso coffee: 30–50 mg per 30 ml serving
• Mate tea: 65–130 mg per 240 ml serving
• Energy drinks: 50–160 mg per 240 ml serving
• Soft drinks: 30–60 mg per 355 ml serving
• Chocolate milk: 2–7 mg per 240 ml serving
• Decaf coffee: 2–4 mg per 240 ml serving
• Decaf coffee: 2–4 mg per 240 ml serving
• Chocolate: 1-35 mg per 28 g serving

As Karina comments, the Academy of Nutrition and Diet recommends avoiding energy drinks entirely during pregnancy, as they contain large amounts of caffeine and sugars or artificial sweeteners, as well as herbs considered unsafe for pregnant women, such as ginseng. In addition, the gynecologist points out that caffeine can also be found in chocolates, coffee ice cream and in some medications used for headaches, colds and allergies.

Now you know that, in general, pregnant women can drink coffee, but consumption should be moderate. Therefore, the ideal is always to strictly follow the recommendations of the gynecologist who follows your pregnancy. Enjoy and check if pregnant can have fennel tea.