Is a Cup of Coffee Safe During Pregnancy?

Posted on September 2, 2008 in Pregnancy Diet

Once the pregnancy test is confirmed generally women tent to say goodbye to coffee or any caffeinated product. Most of the women completely cut down their coffee consumption but few of them still continue. Probably you might have heard your grandmother or mother saying that coffee or caffeinated products are safe during pregnancy. But there are various research studies contradicting your mother and grandmothers opinion.

Various research studies show that caffeine consumption during pregnancy can result in some complications like pre-mature delivery or low birth weight. But various doctors/physicians believe that a moderate amount of caffeine is safe during pregnancy. Now the question arises is what the safe amount of caffeine is during pregnancy?

Generally an 8 ounce cup of strong coffee contains 300 milligrams of caffeine. According to various research studies any amount over 300 milligrams of caffeine is unsafe for the developing fetus. Research studies have shown that women consuming more than 300 milligrams of caffeine during their 1st trimester increase the risk of miscarriage.

Various research studies have shown that pregnant women consuming more than 500 milligrams in day have babies with higher breathing and heart rates. Research also shows that in the initial days these babies are most of the time awake. There are number of other reasons which leads a pregnant woman to cut to her coffee consumption, some of the major reasons are listed below:

All the above mentioned complication doesn’t means that you have to completely give up coffee during pregnancy. During pregnancy one need to careful with the amount of caffeine consumed. Make sure that your coffee or caffeinated product consumption is under moderation. In case you are facing difficulty in managing your day with a cup of coffee then it is better to switch to caffeine free sodas or decaffeinated coffee.

Remember one thing that even decaffeinated coffee contains small amount of caffeine, hence keep the number of decaffeinated coffee cups in moderation. The health and wellness of the new born child greatly depends on the diet consumed during the pregnancy. Hence make sure that you eat a well balanced and healthy diet and before making any dietary changes consult your gynecologist or physician.

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