Side Effects of Coffee during pregnancy

Coffee during pregnancy - Side Effects, Risks and Is it safe, Caffeine and Decaf Coffee

Coffee contains caffeine and polyphenols. Caffeine is a stimulant and diuretic so it increases blood pressure and heart rate both of which are not regarded as good during pregnancy. So, it's important that you limit your coffee intake during pregnancy. Instant coffee contains less amount of caffeine than filter coffee. Hence it's better to consume instant coffee or decaf coffee during pregnancy. 

Is coffee safe to drink during pregnancy?

Yes, it is safe to drink coffee during pregnancy but you have to make sure that you don't have more than 200 mg of caffeine in a day. 

Side effects of Coffee during pregnancy

Taking too much coffee may increase the concentration of two components in the body: Caffeine and Polyphenols. 


Caffeine can pass from mother to the growing baby through the placenta. There are some of the side effects of coffee during pregnancy which are given below :

Low Birth Weight

If you're taking more than 200 mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy then you're at higher risk of having a baby with low birth weight and the babies who born with low birth are at a higher risk of health issues when they grow older.

(Also read: 10 Best vegetables during pregnancy)

Miscarriage

Drinking lots of caffeine regularly during pregnancy especially in the first trimester can cause miscarriage in the early stages of pregnancy.

Growth Restriction

Excess intake of caffeine is also associated with growth restriction during pregnancy. It can affect the growth of a developing baby inside the womb.

Anemia

The deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood is known as Anemia. Caffeine may reduce iron absorption from the food to the body hence causes problems during pregnancy.

(Also read: Foods to avoid during pregnancy)

Increases Blood Sugar levels

During pregnancy, caffeine crosses the placenta and limits the blood flow to the placenta, and increases blood pressure and also blood sugar levels. 

Preterm Birth or Stillbirth

Drinking large amounts of caffeine or coffee during pregnancy can cause Preterm Birth or Stillbirth.

How much coffee to consume during pregnancy?

You can consume 200 mg of caffeine per day which means two cups (each cup of 100 ml) of coffee.

Decaf coffee during pregnancy

Decaf coffee contains less amount of caffeine than regular coffee. So, consuming decaf coffee during pregnancy is safe. 

What is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a natural stimulant and diuretic which is found in coffee and also found in other drinks and foods.

(Also read: Is Beetroot safe to eat during pregnancy?)

Which foods and drinks contain Caffeine?

Some of the foods and drinks which contain caffeine are given below :

• Brewed Tea

• Soft Drinks

• Energy Drinks

• Decaffeinated Coffee

• Coffee Flavored Products

• Milk Chocolates 

• Dark Chocolates 

• Chocolate Milk

• Chocolate Syrup

• Hot Cocoa

• Espresso

Talk to your health care provider about the amount of coffee intake in a day. Limit your coffee intake during pregnancy. Take care and have a happy pregnancy.




Also, read other health-related articles :

• Benefits of eating Cucumber during pregnancy

• Is it safe to eat Mango during pregnancy?

• Know your pregnancy week by week

• What are the signs of labor at 39 weeks?

• Is it safe to eat pineapple during pregnancy?

• Benefits of consuming Beetroots during pregnancy

• 10 Best vegetables to eat during pregnancy

• How many Avocados to eat in a day while pregnant?

Disclaimer: This content is intended for general information only and should not be used as the basis of patient treatment. The given content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment, or any diagnosis. Always consult a doctor for more information. Our website doesn't claim responsibility for this information.