Introduction:
“I need my coffee to get through the day”. This is a sentence that a lot of us use. But what about consuming coffee during pregnancy?
“Should I completely cut down on coffee during pregnancy?” is a common question that a lot of pregnant mothers have asked me.
As an OBGYN and fetal medicine specialist, I advise my patients to not have more than 200 mg of caffeine (coffee or tea) per day which comes to around 1 to 2 cups of coffee a day.
What are the risks of consuming excessive coffee during pregnancy?
Coffee acts as a stimulant, enhancing brain activity and stimulating the nervous system. Unlike adults, fetuses are more sensitive to substances like caffeine and it may stay in their bloodstream for longer.
Excessive caffeine can interrupt the baby’s growth and development and may also lead to neurological issues in the baby.
High intake of caffeine might result in:
- Miscarriage
- Stillbirth
- Low birth weight
Consuming too much tea or coffee during pregnancy can also impact the mother’s sleep schedule and can lead to issues including insomnia, mood swings and high blood pressure.
Alternatives for caffeine during pregnancy
- Herbal teas
- Flavored water
- Milk
Beware of caffeine present in food items
Caffeine content in food items. Apart from coffee and tea, caffeine might also be present in other foods including:
- Energy drinks
- Soft drinks
- Certain medications
- Foods including dark chocolates
Hence it is important to be mindful of the foods that you eat and try to stay away from processed and junk food as much as possible.
Conclusion
Consuming up to 200 mg of caffeine or coffee during pregnancy per day is pretty safe for most expectant mothers as long as their doctor approves of it.
But if your doctor has asked you to stay away from caffeine for some reason, ensure to follow their advice.
Along with mindful dietary choices and physical activity, it is crucial to not miss out on any prenatal scans as they are vital to closely monitor your baby’s growth and development.
At Jammi Scans, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, FMF-Certified Fetal Medicine Specialist personally carries out all pregnancy scans and helps pregnant mothers navigate their pregnancy a lot smoother.
For appointments, Contact Jammi Scans at 07338771733.
