Is it possible to drink coffee at 12 weeks of pregnancy? Acceptable consumption rate
Many women simply cannot imagine their life without coffee doping. For coffee lovers, a morning without coffee is “not good,” and a day without an aromatic cup of Espresso will be a waste. But with the appearance of a baby in the tummy, mothers begin to think about the effect of this alluring drink on the baby.
Is it harmful to drink coffee during pregnancy?
Coffee beans contain many chemical components, the main one being caffeine. With prolonged consumption of coffee in large quantities, a person develops an addiction similar to alcohol. Therefore, if a woman drank coffee before pregnancy, then when the coveted two lines appear on the test, she should not suddenly stop drinking her favorite drink. This must be done gradually, reducing the amount of coffee you drink per day. The optimal dose is no more than one cup of weak coffee per day, preferably diluted with milk.
Although it is believed that drinking coffee in small quantities during pregnancy cannot harm the unborn child, it is still recommended to completely abandon this drink while pregnant. After all, caffeine can penetrate the placenta, causing an increase in the fetal heart rate, and it can also reduce blood flow to the placenta, which increases the risk of developing anemia and fetal hypoxia.
Coffee has a strong diuretic effect on the pregnant woman herself, so it is necessary to replenish fluid loss by drinking at least 1.5 liters of pure water without gas per day. In addition, constant consumption of coffee provokes the occurrence of urolithiasis, and also contributes to the leaching of beneficial microelements and vitamins from a woman’s body. Coffee also causes heartburn and abdominal discomfort for many.
But how can you refuse aromatic coffee? It invigorates, increases attention and productivity, improves mood. Caffeine is effective for some types of headaches and enhances the effect of some painkillers.
But despite this, drinking coffee in large quantities (6-7 cups per day or more) in the early stages increases the risk of miscarriages, and in the later stages - premature birth, as well as the birth of children with low body weight. Therefore, drinking coffee during pregnancy more than one cup a day and more than 3 times a week is not recommended.
In addition to all that has been said, coffee should be naturally ground and freshly brewed, and it is better to dilute it with milk or cream.
Chicory instead of coffee during pregnancy: what are the benefits and what are the contraindications?
Chicory cannot be called a complete substitute for coffee, although these two drinks are similar in taste and color. But during pregnancy, it is preferable to drink a chicory drink than strong coffee in the morning.
Chicory is rich in B vitamins (B1, B2, B3), vitamin C, pectin, carotene, microelements (potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, iron and others), as well as inulin, proteins, organic acids and tannins. It does not contain caffeine, which means that chicory drink can be drunk by people with high blood pressure and arrhythmia.
It promotes:
- improving metabolism and cleansing the body of toxins and other harmful substances, thereby helping the liver;
- normalizing the functioning of the intestines and stomach, reducing constipation and relieving heartburn and nausea, which is especially important during pregnancy;
- reduces the load on the heart (which is important during pregnancy, because with the appearance of a belly, the volume of blood in a woman’s body increases and the load on the heart increases);
- strengthening the walls of blood vessels, purifying the blood and increasing hemoglobin, which is important for anemia in pregnant women.
Chicory is also useful for congestive diseases of the kidneys and gall bladder, because it has a diuretic and choleretic effect.
For colds, a drink made from soluble chicory relieves heat and inflammation, suppresses the development of bacteria and increases the patient's immunity. But if you have a bronchial cough (including asthma), drinking chicory is not recommended, as it can worsen the cough.
During pregnancy, chicory is an effective tonic. Chicory also acts as a mild sedative, calming the nervous system after experiences, thereby improving mood.
Pregnant women with diabetes can drink chicory without fear, because it reduces blood sugar levels. In addition, chicory root has a sweetish taste, so there is no need to sweeten the drink with a sweetener, which is also good when fighting excess weight.
During pregnancy, you should not abuse chicory drink unless directed by a doctor. It is recommended to drink this drink no more than 2 times a day. You can add milk to it, so the drink will be even healthier and tastier. In addition, people with lactose intolerance do not experience discomfort after taking chicory with milk. This is due to the fact that chicory prevents milk from curdling in the stomach.
Taking a drink from chicory root is contraindicated for pregnant women with varicose veins, as well as for hemorrhoids. This is due to the vasodilating effect of chicory.
If there is a threat of miscarriage, bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen, shortening of the cervix, placenta previa, it is not recommended to drink chicory, as it can aggravate the situation. But if the pregnancy is progressing normally, then periodically taking a chicory drink will not harm.
Pregnant women who are allergic to the herb, as well as the vitamin C it contains, should also be wary of chicory.
For gastritis, stomach and duodenal ulcers, chicory is also not recommended, because it causes an increase in appetite due to the secretion of gastric juice, which irritates the damaged mucous membrane of the patient’s gastrointestinal tract.
Pregnant coffee drinkers with gastritis who cannot resist a cup of this drink are still better off giving preference to chicory, but “soften” it with milk (can be condensed) or a scoop of ice cream and not drink it on an empty stomach.
In addition to all that has been said, chicory improves appetite, and excess weight during pregnancy is not welcome, so watch your diet and do not overeat.
Look for brands that say "100% natural chicory extract." Please note that the presence of artificial sweeteners and colors, as well as industrial fortification with vitamins, is NOT welcome.
A good product is, for example, Instant chicory with blueberries TM “Golden Root” (Russia) or TM “Galka” (Ukraine). You can also buy “pure” chicory (without added fruits and berries), but if you don’t like bitterness, then it’s still better to buy chicory with natural additives, which makes the taste softer.
A tasty and aromatic drink is also obtained from soluble chicory with extracts of green tea and chamomile TM “Elite Health Line” (Russia).
Pregnancy is not a disease! This is why doctors recommend sticking to your usual habits, only making occasional adjustments. For example, prohibited! Otherwise, there are almost no dietary restrictions associated with pregnancy. Coffee is a controversial issue. Some experts recommend it in small quantities, others categorically prohibit it. To understand, let's talk in detail about coffee during early pregnancy: after all, it is in the first trimester that the foundation for the health of the unborn baby is laid. Starting from the fourth month, you will be able to relax a little and allow yourself a little more. And now?
Read in this article
To drink or not to drink: who should not drink coffee during pregnancy?
To decide whether you can drink coffee in the early stages of pregnancy, take a short test by answering the following questions:
- You have been diagnosed with (hypertension).
- Your blood vessels are in a depressing condition: they are narrowed, their patency is reduced.
- Cottage cheese, milk, and fermented milk products rarely appear on your table.
- You regularly (more than once a year) go to the dentist to have your teeth treated.
- You suffer from headaches; before pregnancy you also suffered from migraines.
- You have a history of gastritis, pancreatitis, gastroduodenitis, ulcers, regular ulcers, and other diseases of the stomach and pancreas.
- You are taking diuretics as prescribed by your doctor.
- You are very scrupulous, suspicious and afraid of even a hint of harming your unborn child.
If you answered yes to at least 1 question, it is recommended to completely give up coffee in the early stages of pregnancy. Just three months - is this a big sacrifice for the sake of the child’s health? Starting from the second trimester, you can treat yourself to one cup of natural (preferably ground and diluted with milk) coffee a day.
If you do not suffer from any of the above problems, your consumption will still have to be reduced to 1 cup every 2-3 days.
Reasons why it is better to give up your favorite drink:
- What you drink and eat now affects more than just you. In the first trimester, the skeleton and internal organs of the baby are formed. The more nutrients a child receives, the better. It's hard to overdo it here.
- The fetus is not yet mature enough to remove caffeine on its own. And he is not harmless. In particular, it increases the baby's heart rate. Are you sure you want this? Maybe it's better not to drink coffee during early pregnancy?
In addition to reducing the amount, try to consume only grain, ground, coffee in the first half of the day, after meals. And always monitor your blood pressure.
Myths about drinking coffee during pregnancy:
Myth 1. It is believed that if the drink is diluted with milk and cream, its “harmfulness” will decrease. In fact, in this way you only compensate for the calcium that coffee “takes” with it. And other properties (for example, as a diuretic, increasing blood pressure, increasing the heart rate of the fetus, irritating the gastric mucosa) will not go away, even if you dilute it with milk in a 3:1 ratio.
Myth 2. Coffee is the only way to wake up in the morning and feel at ease. This was the case before your pregnancy, and only because you didn’t try other remedies: herbal tea, gymnastics, contrast showers, invigorating music, walks in the fresh air, yoga and other methods. Pregnancy is the time for change. Just consult your doctor first.
Myth 3. If you are hypotensive, then caffeine is useful and necessary; you can safely drink coffee in the early stages of pregnancy. Cognac also increases blood pressure, but doesn’t it occur to you to drink a glass every day? Because there is more harm than good. This also applies to coffee. As with getting up early in the morning, there are many other ways to bring your blood pressure back to normal: diet, exercise, taking vitamins, massages and physical therapy. Your doctor will prescribe the method that is most suitable for you.
Worthy replacement
Good news for people who are accustomed to drinking coffee and do not want to give up its aroma and taste even during pregnancy and even in the early stages: you can “trick” your body by giving it a similar but harmless drink. It could be:
- Chicory. Heat the milk and dissolve a spoonful of chicory in it. If bitter, add sugar. The taste and aroma are very similar to coffee, it also invigorates, gives strength, and has no side effects.
- Barley coffee. It contains no caffeine, but useful substances, on the contrary, are contained in large quantities.
- Cocoa. Preferably not soluble, but intended for cooking. Dilute with milk or consume pure.
- Herb tea. It is clear that it tastes a little like coffee. But take comfort in the fact that by drinking herbal tea (not in tea bags), you are bringing tangible benefits to yourself and your baby.
Drinking a decaffeinated drink is not a solution. Decaffeinated coffee is chemically processed. Why do you need extra chemicals in your body? Such a drink cannot be called healthy; it can provoke the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Watch this video about whether you can drink coffee during pregnancy:
Opinions of pregnant women
Alena, 23 years old, Moscow:“I’ve never been a fan of coffee, but during pregnancy I really wanted it, I couldn’t stand it! I just couldn’t look at water, juices, teas. As a result, I drank two sips from my husband and lost the desire. Then the doctor said that when you really, really, really want it, you can have a little, weakly brewed, natural…”
Diana, 30 years old, Rostov-on-Don: “Before pregnancy I drank 5-6 cups a day, I simply couldn’t live without it. The doctor forbade me to drink coffee in the early stages. Nothing, I survived, I drank glasses of chicory, then I found a substitute - barley coffee.”
Rita, 32 years old, Kazan: “I limited coffee to a cup a day, but did not cancel it. There must be little joys in life! And doctors always play it safe. She gave birth to a healthy baby, now he is 3 years and 2 months old.”
Anastasia, 26 years old, Khimki: “As soon as I read about the effects of coffee on the body of mother and baby, I immediately quit. Coffee is such a small thing! Why do so many people even ask the question: “To drink or not to drink”? Are your own comfort and whims more important than the baby’s health?”
A long-awaited and anxious event for every woman is the news of pregnancy. It brings great joy, but at the same time it turns your usual life upside down, even changing your diet. From this moment on, the woman becomes responsible not only for her health, but also for the intrauterine development of the baby. Pregnancy entails many prohibitions and sometimes you have to give up even your favorite drinks. The pressing question remains: can pregnant women drink coffee, because it has many positive properties, but at the same time it can be harmful to the health of mother and baby.
The effect of coffee on the body of the expectant mother
Coffee is known, first of all, for its tonic effect - it helps many people wake up and cheer up due to the hormone serotonin, which is part of the hormone. Pregnant women often lack energy, so a cup of aromatic drink becomes a real salvation. Most doctors believe that if a woman was an avid coffee drinker before conception, then it is not necessary to completely give up coffee - it is enough to reduce the frequency of consumption.
Coffee affects blood pressure, increasing it, and at the same time constricts blood vessels, which can be harmful to hypertensive patients. High blood pressure can cause the development of a dangerous complication - gestosis. Therefore, if pregnant women show signs of such a problem, drinking the drink is strictly prohibited. For hypotensive people, this property is not dangerous, but even in them, frequent pressure surges lead to increased stress on the cardiovascular system.
Not only does the expectant mother have unstable hormonal levels, but caffeine also leads to mood swings
Another reason why pregnant women should not drink coffee is its diuretic effect. When carrying a baby, the uterus begins to grow and puts pressure on the bladder, which naturally leads to an increase in the frequency of urination. Drinking coffee in large quantities, the urge to go to the toilet becomes even more frequent, which threatens to disrupt the water-salt balance. In addition, this drink quickly removes calcium from the body, which is so necessary to maintain the health of the mother and the formation of the correct bone skeleton of the baby.
The harm of coffee also manifests itself in increased stomach acidity. In general, this drink should not be drunk on an empty stomach without first having breakfast. In Russia, it is fashionable to start your day with an invigorating cup of coffee. Such a habit can lead not only to disruption of the digestive process, but also to the development of peptic ulcers. For pregnant women, drinking a cup of drink on an empty stomach can increase toxicosis and heartburn.
Harm from coffee for a baby
The baby receives intrauterine nutrition from its mother. When caffeine enters her body, it is instantly absorbed not only into her blood and internal organs, but also into the placenta. This substance leads to a narrowing of the placental vessels, which means the baby will experience oxygen starvation and a lack of nutrients. A woman should understand that drinking coffee during pregnancy can be done in strictly limited quantities, and excessive consumption of the drink threatens to delay the development of the child.
Some studies show that drinking the drink during pregnancy leads to the birth of babies with a weight loss of 100-200 grams. Apparently, this is directly related to the lack of intrauterine nutrition, which is caused by caffeine entering the placenta.
You should not drink coffee because it stimulates the nervous system. This negatively affects not only the mother’s body, but also the formation of the baby’s nervous system.
The leaching of calcium from the body by caffeine has a detrimental effect on the formation of the fetal bone skeleton
Coffee in early pregnancy
Particular attention is paid to studying the effects of coffee in early pregnancy. During this period, the formation of the child’s internal organs, as well as the systems of his body, occurs. Caffeine increases contraction of the heart muscle, which can lead not only to developmental delays, but also to fetal death.
A seemingly harmless drink increases the tone of the uterus, which means a threat to pregnancy and a 60% chance of miscarriage. And even if there is a successful outcome, coffee during early pregnancy can cause the following harm:
- Lack of calcium during the formation of the child’s skeleton.
- Risk of developing diabetes.
- Tendency to nervous overexcitation.
- Intrauterine heart rhythm disorder.
- Lack of nutrients.
Scientists also confirm the fact that it is harmful to drink the drink during preparation for conception. Studies have shown that among those women who cannot get pregnant for a long time, a large percentage are avid coffee drinkers.
When preparing for pregnancy, it is better to give up coffee altogether or at least reduce the number of cups per day to a minimum.
However, despite the obvious “cons”, there is no single point of view among doctors on the question of whether it is possible to drink coffee during pregnancy. After all, both the quality of the drink consumed and its quantity are of great importance. Danish scientists, after conducting research, made a clear conclusion that a woman can drink 2-3 small cups of coffee a day without harm to her health. However, it is important to understand exactly how much caffeine is acceptable in a daily dose.
What dose of coffee is acceptable?
The World Association of Gynecologists has concluded that a safe dose of caffeine for a healthy woman is 200 mg. The difficulty is that the content of this substance varies greatly depending on the type of coffee and the type of drink being prepared. Therefore, it cannot be said with certainty that you can limit yourself to drinking two cups a day.
Black coffee contains the most caffeine, and the amount depends on the type of bean. One cup of prepared Arabica contains from 45 to 60 mg of the substance, while Robusta will give the drink 170-200 mg of caffeine.
Instant coffee is generally contraindicated during pregnancy. Although the caffeine content in it varies from 60 to 80 mg, it has an increased concentration and acidity, which negatively affects the digestion of the expectant mother. In addition, low-quality grains are used for the soluble analogue, and to enhance the taste properties, the manufacturer is forced to add synthetic flavors.
Green coffee can be a good alternative. Since its grains are not processed, they retain maximum benefits, including essential fatty acids. By preparing coffee beans, you can adjust the degree of roasting and, accordingly, the amount of caffeine in the future drink.
Please note that caffeine is also found in other products: cocoa, chocolate, Coca-Cola, teas
To find out how much coffee a pregnant woman can drink, remember the permissible amount of the following drinks:
- 94 ml espresso.
- 1 liter of black tea.
- 200 ml cappuccino.
- Two Americanos.
Coffee with milk
The strength of the drink can be minimized using additives. For example, make it a rule to drink coffee with milk. These two components combine perfectly with each other. Milk is a source of protein and calcium, which are needed for the formation of the baby's bone skeleton, and coffee, in turn, helps the body digest lactose. Therefore, coffee with milk during pregnancy in reasonable quantities is not contraindicated.
Decaffeinated coffee
Some people resort to cunning and use it during pregnancy. In fact, such a drink is a marketing ploy. It still contains caffeine, just in smaller quantities - from 9 to 12 mg.
On the one hand, decaffeinated coffee is more preferable during pregnancy, but to extract this substance from it, chemical compounds are used that can negatively affect the health of the pregnant woman.
Which drink do you prefer?
The desire to drink a cup of coffee is not accidental. Often, such cravings indicate a lack of minerals in a woman’s body:
- Gland.
- Phosphorus.
- Sulfur.
Don’t ignore your desire, just replace the coffee drink with alternative ones:
- Chicory is the most similar in taste and color to coffee. It is not only not harmful, but also beneficial for a pregnant woman. Chicory increases hemoglobin, cleanses blood vessels and the liver, and calms the nervous system.
- Herbal teas – these can be combined with lemon and honey. Rose hips, lingonberries, mint, and raspberry flowers are perfect for preparing it.
- Cocoa - unlike coffee, contains a minimal amount of caffeine, but perfectly restores strength, improves mood and has a beneficial effect on the digestive system.
As a result, it is impossible to give a clear answer to the question of whether coffee can be consumed during pregnancy. It all depends on many factors, including the health of the mother herself. But you should definitely limit the number of cups per day and consume only high-quality varieties in order to receive only benefits from the drink.
The question of the dangers of this beloved drink by many still remains unsolved. Experts around the world cannot give a definite answer to the question: can pregnant women drink coffee?
Are you used to starting every morning with a cup of an invigorating and aromatic drink? Of course, coffee invigorates, helps you wake up and gives you a boost of energy, but during pregnancy it is better to significantly reduce its consumption, and if possible, stop drinking coffee altogether.
How does coffee affect pregnancy?
As you know, this drink stimulates the nervous system, which can negatively affect the well-being of a pregnant woman and result in insomnia. Coffee speeds up the functioning of the kidneys, as well as other internal organs and systems. Pregnant women should also be careful about drinking coffee because it the drink may cause and washes calcium from the expectant mother’s body, which is so necessary for pregnant women.
The caffeine found in coffee influences not only on the condition of the woman, but also on the condition of the fetus, because it quite easily penetrates the placenta. Drinking coffee during pregnancy can affect the weight of the unborn baby: coffee lovers, as a rule, give birth to underweight children.
By the way, scientists have long proven that coffee can have influence on the process of conception, studies have confirmed that it is more difficult for people who constantly drink coffee to conceive a baby than for those who do not drink this drink at all. Therefore, it is better to exclude coffee from your daily routine not only for pregnant women, but also for women who have just started planning a pregnancy.
Is it necessary to completely give up coffee during pregnancy?
Of course, small doses of coffee can even be beneficial, but you shouldn’t get carried away. If you can’t stop drinking the drink altogether, then limit yourself. You can allow one small cup of coffee a day, but if suddenly you feel that after drinking an invigorating drink, your health has worsened, then feel free to take the rest and pour it down the sink. Don't risk your health and the health of your baby.
How to replace coffee during pregnancy?
Having learned about the dangers of coffee for the body of pregnant women, many women immediately begin to be interested in another question: what to replace their favorite drink with?
Tea helps you cheer up and improves performance, but it also contains caffeine, which is why you should not replace coffee with tea. Many pregnant women prefer green tea, which is extremely wrong; this drink contains even more caffeine than coffee!
You should not replace natural coffee with instant coffee during pregnancy; this product will definitely not be beneficial. The safest and most optimal option during pregnancy is lightly brewed coffee with milk. An excellent option for replacing coffee is chicory. Its decoction has a tonic and invigorating effect and is much safer than coffee during pregnancy, however, chicory also has contraindications that should be taken into account.
If you want to carry and give birth to a healthy and strong baby, give up harmful, albeit very favorite, drinks. Start your morning with a glass of freshly squeezed juice!
Undoubtedly, you can drink coffee during pregnancy, but only in moderation, in some cases it is even beneficial. After all, coffee contains many useful substances that have a beneficial effect on the organs and systems of the body, but this exclusively applies to a natural drink, which certainly cannot be said about instant coffee. In order to understand this, we will look at what this coffee is made from.
As you know, to obtain instant coffee, coffee beans are used, but not of the best quality, namely those that have lost their presentation or those beans that remain after harvesting. As a result, when they are turned into instant coffee, they lose their smell and taste. And in order for this coffee to at least somewhat resemble natural coffee, various chemicals are added to the composition.
Of course, like any other product, it has positive qualities - it is quick to prepare and has a long shelf life of this product. But when it comes to the expectant mother, these benefits are negligible, because instant coffee will not bring any benefit to either the mother or her child.
Therefore, it is better for a pregnant woman to refrain from drinking instant coffee.
Is instant coffee harmful during pregnancy?
Of course, the harm from instant coffee during pregnancy is real, and in order to be completely convinced of this, we will look at what threat it poses.
First of all, if under any circumstances you drink instant coffee, try to limit yourself to one cup of coffee. And in some cases, it is advisable to give up coffee altogether, namely in the third trimester, because it is then that the child’s nervous system is very susceptible to caffeine. Also, large amounts of coffee can lead to many complications during pregnancy and childbirth. This may be premature birth, and miscarriages are possible in the early stages. As you know, coffee affects the normal metabolism of a pregnant woman, which in the future can lead to a child being born with a low body weight.
Based on scientific data, it is known that drinking coffee in large quantities during pregnancy may increase the risk of stillbirth and the development of diabetes in the unborn child. In addition to diabetes mellitus, the development of multiple anomalies such as abnormalities of bone tissue development, heart defects, and anemia is possible. Also, options for delaying the child’s mental and physical development in the future cannot be ruled out. Of course, without exception, the cardiovascular system also suffers.
Expectant mothers, try not to drink instant coffee during pregnancy. But, if you suffer from hypotension, give preference to natural coffee, not in large quantities and with milk.