Introduction
Limiting caffeine intake is one of the first few pieces of advice a gynecologist might tell you during consultation.
But why is it so? Research says that excess caffeine intake during pregnancy can impact the growth of the fetus leading to various health complications.
Although it is recommended to limit the caffeine intake, you don’t have to cut it down completely.
A pregnant mother can drink up to 200 mg of coffee per day which comes around 1 to 2 cups of coffee a day.
Risks of consuming excessive coffee during pregnancy
Caffeine 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 blood stream for longer.
Excessive caffeine can interrupt with the baby’s growth and development and may also lead to neurological issues in the baby.
Apart from this, the baby could also be at higher risks of:
- Miscarriage
- Still birth
- Low birth weight
Consuming too much caffeine can also impact the mother’s sleep schedule and can lead to issues including insomnia, mood swings, and high blood pressure.
Alternatives for caffeine
Caffeine content in food items
Apart from coffee and tea, caffeine might also be present in other foods including:
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 coffee per day is pretty safe for most pregnant mothers as long as they do not have any specific complications.
But if your doctor has asked you to stay away from caffeine for some reason, ensure to follow their advice.
For consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact Jammi Scans at 07338771733.
Jammi Scans is one of the best gynecology clinics and scanning centers located in T Nagar, Chennai.
