Coffee during pregnancy. Is drinking coffee during pregnancy allowed?

Coffee during pregnancy is a daily ritual that many moms-to-be do not want to give up, hence the question often comes from their side during one of the first visits to the gynecologist. Clinical studies have shown that 300 mg of caffeine is the maximum daily dose that expectant mothers can afford. It was unanimously agreed that this amount is safe for the baby while still in fetal life, as well as later – during breastfeeding. Are you sure? Which drinks can be drunk instead of coffee?

Why does coffee and the caffeine it contains have such beneficial effects?

Many people find coffee simply tasty and stimulates the body, making them unable to imagine starting their day without a tasty cappuccino or espresso. Coffee is widely believed to increase concentration, improve mood and reflexes. Caffeine also boosts metabolism, fights free radicals and increases heart rate. Unfortunately, but a substance like caffeine also has a downside. It impedes the absorption of the elements, i.e. calcium and iron, the lack of which is very troublesome for pregnant women.

Pregnancy and drinking coffee

Drinking coffee during pregnancy is not prohibited, although doctors’ opinions on the subject are divided. Clinical studies have shown that pregnant women must not exceed 300mg of caffeine in a daily dose. How many coffees during pregnancy can you drink in a day and which coffee during pregnancy will be appropriate? During the day you can drink two, maximum three cups of coffee of 100 ml each. It doesn’t matter what kind it is. It is important to drink coffee in moderation during pregnancy. The effects of excess caffeine can be tragic. It is one of the causes of miscarriages and malformations in the child.

Highly praised by moms-to-be is cereal coffee. It is 100% safe for the baby during pregnancy. It is a decaffeinated beverage, so it does not have the same effectiveness as regular coffee. During pregnancy, caffeinated coffee is recommended for low blood pressure. Cereal coffee can be drunk in principle without restriction. It contains soluble fiber, which facilitates intestinal peristalsis. It is helpful for constipation, which pregnant women complain of. The antioxidants in it reduce the effects of free radicals. In addition, it provides phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, whose levels are very important during pregnancy.

What can you drink instead of coffee during pregnancy? Properties similar to coffee are found in green tea. The stimulating effect from green tea lasts even longer than with the popular small black tea. This is an alternative for women who love coffee and have to give it up for the duration of pregnancy. Unfortunately, but drinking green tea is also subject to restrictions. The maximum amount is just two cups a day. More of this drink can interfere with the absorption of folic acid, and it is very important during pregnancy. Its sufficient quantity in the body of the mother-to-be determines the proper development of the child.

Drinking coffee and breastfeeding

Drinking coffee while breastfeeding is as safe as coffee during pregnancy. It is only necessary to exercise moderation, just as before childbirth. The toddler can’t get rid of caffeine from his body, so it accumulates in his tissues. Too much can cause him to have tummy aches, or anxiety. As a result, mom and baby may have sleepless nights. Stimulation does not serve the toddler. In the first months of life, a baby needs a lot of sleep.

The amount of caffeine in coffee is not always the same. Moms who drink coffee while breastfeeding should pay attention to the packaging and the caffeine content per cup of the beverage. They also need to remember that caffeine is also in food products. In which ones?

The caffeine content has:

• chocolate – bar
• sweet cocoa
• Coffee-flavored ice cream and yogurt
• stimulating energy drinks
• some soft drinks
• tea
• hot chocolate
• painkillers

Some foods contain as much as 130 mg of caffeine per serving, so every pregnant woman should read packages carefully. Given the desire of some moms-to-be for sweets, the daily limit can be exceeded very quickly.

See also: Symptoms and course of pregnancy poisoning