For many women, giving up coffee during pregnancy is one of the hardest things they have to do. After all, mornings are hard enough without the added fatigue of pregnancy. So, can pregnant women drink coffee?
And if so, how much is too much?
Let’s take a look.
Caffeine and pregnancy: can pregnant women drink coffee?
Caffeine is a stimulant that can cross the placenta and affect your baby’s heart rate and sleeping patterns. Too much caffeine can also lead to dehydration and make it difficult for your body to absorb iron.
As a result, most health care professionals recommend limiting caffeine intake to 200 mg per day during pregnancy. That’s about one 12-ounce cup of coffee.
Of course, every pregnancy is different, and some women may be more sensitive to caffeine than others.
If you’re concerned about your caffeine intake, talk to your doctor or midwife.
They can help you figure out how much (if any) caffeine is safe for you to consume during pregnancy.
Alternatives to coffee
If you’re trying to cut back on caffeine but still need an energy boost in the morning, there are plenty of alternatives to coffee that can give you the pick-me-up you need without the jitters.
Here are a few options: tea (herbal teas are especially good), decaf coffee, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon, green juice, or a small snack like an energy bar or a handful of nuts.
Conclusion
To sum it up, yes, pregnant women can drink coffee, but they should limit themselves to no more than 200 mg per day.
Alternatives to coffee include tea, decaf coffee, sparkling water with lemon, green juice, or a small snack like an energy bar or nuts.
If you’re concerned about your caffeine intake, talk to your doctor or midwife. They can help you figure out how much (if any) caffeine is safe for you to consume during pregnancy.
