Ever wonder why your morning cup of coffee gets you buzzing? Well, it's thanks to caffeine, a stimulant found in leaves, nuts, and berries of certain plants. Caffeine revs things up, gets your brain moving, and sends signals flying through your nervous system.
For pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, restricting your caffeine intake to under 200 milligrams (mg) lowers the risk of complications. Read on to get the answer to the question “Is coffee good for pregnancy?”
Is It Okay to Have Coffee During Pregnancy?
When a pregnant woman consumes caffeine while drinking coffee, it passes on to her baby through the placenta. The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby in the womb and also removes waste products from the baby's blood. The placenta is attached to the uterus wall, and the baby's umbilical cord arises from it.
Hence, one must consider several factors, including the one cited above when drinking coffee during pregnancy.
Risks related to caffeine consumption during pregnancy:
- Consuming too much caffeine while pregnant can elevate the risk of complications. The likely outcomes are miscarriage, stillbirth, and a below-than-average birth weight. Too much caffeine consumption can also cause preterm birth or birth before the completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy.
- Some pregnant women are extra sensitive to caffeine. Even a little bit can make them jittery and anxious.
- Caffeine can make it hard to sleep during pregnancy and may worsen morning sickness. It can also increase make you want to urinate more often and irritate your bladder.
Eight ounces of brewed coffee contain 135 mg of caffeine, while 8 ounces each of instant and decaffeinated coffee contain up to 75 mg and 15 mg of caffeine, respectively. Pregnant women should always consult with their doctor before taking any medicines containing caffeine. Furthermore, breastfeeding moms must know that a small amount of caffeine finds its way into breast milk. So, if you are a breastfeeding mom who drinks 2-3 cups of coffee every day, prepare yourself to confront a fussy kid, especially when it’s bedtime.