A cup of coffee in the morning for the perfect start to the day or an enjoyable cappuccino in the afternoon as a little break – for many Eropeans, coffee is simply a part of life. And even during pregnancy, many expectant mothers do not want to do without the popular pick-me-up. But is coffee even allowed during pregnancy? And what effects does the caffeine in coffee have on the unborn baby?
The popular hot drink gives you an energy boost and makes you feel good. The reason for this is the dose of the stimulant caffeine contained in the coffee. It increases heart rate and blood pressure rises. We feel more awake. In women who drink coffee during pregnancy, the blood flow to the placenta also decreases. The caffeine can pass through the placenta unfiltered and enters the bloodstream of the unborn baby. As a result, the baby absorbs as much caffeine as its mother. Side effects such as an increased risk of premature birth or miscarriage and low birth weight can result.
Enjoy coffee in moderation during pregnancy
But the good news for all expectant mothers is that you don’t have to do without a cup of coffee completely. A caffeine dose of around 200 milligrams per day is safe for the baby. That equates to about two to three cups of filter coffee a day. Nothing stands in the way of morning coffee during pregnancy.
It is important to remember that caffeine is also found in other foods and beverages. This includes, for example, cola, black or green tea or chocolate.
Conclusion
Expectant mothers do not have to give up coffee completely during pregnancy. However, unborn babies consume the same dose of caffeine as mothers. It is therefore advisable to reduce coffee consumption during pregnancy and only enjoy it in moderation. It is crucial that pregnant women are only allowed to consume around 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. Since caffeine is not only found in coffee, but also in other drinks and foods, the specified dose can quickly be exceeded. A cup of decaffeinated coffee is a good alternative. Pregnant women can also use mint tea or a glass of fresh juice to get their circulation going.