Can I drink coffee while precluding?
According to a 2018 Ifop study, the French are addicted to coffee(1). Indeed 83% of French people consume it: 88% of them are men, but women are not left out, since 79% of French women do not do without their “kawa”. What about pregnant women? Find out what the recommendations are regarding coffee consumption during pregnancy.
Should coffee be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Even today, there aredebates about the effects of caffeineon the health of pregnant women and the fetus. Country-to-country recommendations are diverging, and research oncoffeeconsumption during pregnancy is growing. Nevertheless it is possible to affirm several things:
- Caffeine is apsychoactive substance(2) with stimulant and mildly diuretic effects.
- It stimulates thecentral nervoussystem and thecardiovascular system.
Also, coffee consumption will haverepercussions on the heartrate of the pregnant woman, but also on that of the fetus in utero. Indeed, caffeine easily crosses the placenta to penetrate the body of the future baby. In addition, the unborn child does not yet have the means to eliminate caffeine from his body. The substance may therefore accumulate in his body, including the brain(3).
Other studies go even further:
- A 2015 study(4) states that daily caffeine consumption by pregnant women of 150 mg could increase the risk ofmiscarriageby 19%.
- Another, dating from 2014(5), states that a consumption of more than 200 mg of caffeine per day (or about two cups of filter coffee), causes adevelopmental delayin the embryo and consequently, a lowerthan normal birth weight.
- Daily coffee consumption in pregnant women exposes the child todisrupted neurodevelopmentand consequently cognitive impairment(6).
However, other studies are much more moderate:
- For some scientists, the evidence that consuming 200 mg of caffeine per day is a major factor inprematurityis insufficient at present(7).
- For others, it is impossible to state categorically that coffee consumption can have a definite impact on a child’s birth weight(8).
Also, and on the basis of epidemiological studies, it would seem that only one principle prevails: that ofprecaution. All health administrations (FDA in the United States, Public Health France) are in any case unanimous in affirming thatcoffee consumption during pregnancy must remain very moderate.
How to continue drinking coffee while pregnant?
The World Health Organization recommends not exceeding 300 mg of caffeine per day when pregnant (9)tag. For information:
- A 250ml cup of filter coffee contains approximately 180mg of caffeine
- A small espresso of 50 ml contains 90 mg of caffeine
- A cup of instant coffee containing a teaspoon of soluble coffee contains approximately 90 mg of caffeine
Also, it is important to moderate your consumption of coffeeand, in extenso, food substances containing caffeine, when you are pregnant. This includes all coffee-based preparations (dairy dessert, cakes, ice cream, sweets), but also tea-based drinks, cola and energy drinks and cocoa, to a lesser extent. And, as a pure precautionary principle,if you can do without coffee, it is better to do so .
What are the alternatives to coffee during pregnancy?
Tea
Herbal teas
instant drinks
Instant chicory drinks often contain coffee. Also, if you are pregnant, it will be a question of controlling your consumption, so as not to risk exceeding the recommended daily threshold of caffeine. In addition, there are other options, such as coffee-free instant drinks made from roasted cereals. Their slightly toasted taste can evoke that of coffee. They are therefore a very good alternative. Finally, we can also favor the sweet touch by consuming powdered cocoa drinks. Be aware, however, that they are often very high in sugar. And the consumption ofconsumption when you when you are pregnant must be moderate, to avoid any risk of Gestational diabetes .
Decaffeinated coffee
Last option, which is aimed at coffee lovers, who swear by its unique Flavor.Decaf can be a saving option! Be aware, however, that despite the mention “decaffeinated”, this type of coffee may contain residual traces of caffeine, in the order of 10 to 30 mg per cup. Also, we will avoid drinking 10 cups of decaffeinated coffee per day, thinking that the drink will have no repercussions on her body and, consequently, on the evolution of her pregnancy.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.