Do you love all things caffeine but have been told not to consume it while you’re pregnant?
Well, good news for you, you can definitely consume caffeinated drinks or food but within moderation.
However, why were we told that it is bad to be consumed when you’re pregnant?
Well, here’s why.
Why Caffeine Is Considered Bad for Pregnancy
Caffeine is a stimulant that boosts energy and can be found mainly in tea and coffee.
It comes with many benefits as it can help stimulate your brain that can help you to stay awake and sharpen alertness.
It can also treat headaches when combined with pain relievers.
Then, why is it considered bad for pregnancy?
Well, according to Healthline, pregnant women metabolise caffeine much more slowly.
It takes 1.5 to 3.5 times longer to eliminate caffeine from a pregnant woman’s body.
It also crosses the placenta and enters the baby’s bloodstream which causes concern for possible health issues.
How Much Caffeine You Can Consume
It’s recommended that you limit your intake to 200 milligrams or less if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Depending on the size of cup you use or the type of coffee, you can drink about one or two cups of coffee or about two to four cups of tea.
However, it is also recommended that you avoid energy drinks entirely during pregnancy.
Caffeine and Breastfeeding
You might think that after giving birth, it’s safe for you to get your daily intake of coffee—and it is, with limitations.
OB-GYN, Dr Fran Haydanek mentioned in her video that caffeine does go into the breast milk in small amounts.
Replying to @Becca Leopold caffeine while nursing: what the evidence tells us about caffeine use while breastfeeding #caffeine #breastfeeding #lactation #postpartum
She recommended that you only get about 300 to 500 milligrams of it per day.
The side effects of the baby if you consume more than 10 cups of coffee a day include:
- fussiness
- poor sleeping
She mentioned that preterm babies and younger newborns might have a harder time metabolising the caffeine.
This would mean that you probably need a lower intake of caffeinated products during this period.
She ends her video talking about the concentration of the caffeine in your breast milk is going to peak about one hour after consumption.
Caffeine Alternatives
If you’re still wary about continue to drink your daily coffee but need that fix, Forbes shares a couple of alternatives you can try.
1. Green Tea
A cup of green tea has about 70% less caffeine than a cup of coffee.
Green tea can also manage your body weight and reduce the risk of certain health conditions.
2. Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea that can also give benefits to your gut.
If the kombucha you’re drinking is caffeinated, the content is most likely very low compared to coffee.
Stay Healthy
So there you have it, mummies!
You don’t actually have to give your daily cup of Joe.
Just remember to take it with limitations and you and your baby will be perfectly fine.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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