Coffee is associated with the start of the day, with vigor and good mood. Caffeine really has a positive effect on the human body: you will feel alert for at least several hours after one cup of drink. In addition, this drink can be very tasty, and many people drink it not to cheer up, but to enjoy the taste.
You can drink coffee for breakfast, at lunchtime, or in the evening with friends in a cafe. But is it possible to drink this drink during pregnancy? You will find out the answer to this question in this article.
Caffeine and pregnancy
The World Health Organization makes specific recommendations about drinking coffee during pregnancy. If you are used to drinking several glasses a day, then your eating habits will have to change. This amount of caffeine negatively affects the well-being of a pregnant woman, as the drink excites the nervous system. Drinking more than two cups of coffee per day can also cause toxicosis. Caffeine can lead to increased blood pressure and tachycardia.
To avoid negative consequences, doctors recommend that expectant mothers limit themselves to one mug of coffee drink per day. If you drink coffee according to your mood (for example, once a week at your favorite coffee shop), then you don’t need to worry about it. Pregnancy is not a disease, so strict restrictions during this period are associated only with smoking and alcohol, which have a negative effect on the fetus.
Study design
The cohort study included women whose data were contained in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Fetal Growth Studies-Singletons database (2009–2013).
A secondary analysis included 2802 pregnant women without chronic diseases. Serum caffeine levels were measured in 2529 women.
Coffee consumption was assessed from 10 to 13 gestational weeks and from 16 to 22 gestational weeks. Serum caffeine levels were measured from weeks 10 to 13.
As primary endpoints
considered: diagnosis of gestational diabetes, pre-exlampsia, gestational hypertension, glucose levels and blood pressure levels.
Can pregnant women drink instant coffee?
Brewed coffee contains more caffeine than instant coffee - about 1.5-2 times. Pregnant women can drink instant coffee, but no more than two cups per day. It is recommended to make a weak drink with the addition of milk or cream. If you want to drink instant or brewed coffee with caffeine, it's best to do so in the morning to get a boost. In the afternoon, drinking can lead to insomnia and disruption of sleep and rest patterns.
One cup of coffee a day is safe, especially if you are prone to low blood pressure.
Is it possible for a pregnant woman...
During pregnancy, a woman has to give up a lot. But sometimes we don’t know how exactly something can harm us... How can carbonated drinks, varnishes and cars affect pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a woman has to give up a lot. But sometimes we don’t know how exactly something can harm us... How can carbonated drinks, varnishes and cars affect pregnancy? So, can a pregnant woman...
...drink Pepsi-Cola and other carbonated drinks?
What kind of carbonated drinks does the modern food industry offer us, promising a mood boost, no calories and a wonderful taste! How not to be tempted, especially during pregnancy, when you always want something tasty... Is it possible?
Let's figure it out, or rather, let's break the drinks down into their components.
The very name of the drinks - carbonated - indicates the presence of CO2, or carbon dioxide. Once in the stomach, gas bubbles are released, accumulate and begin to distend the stomach, preventing it from contracting and functioning normally. Some of the gas passes further into the intestines, and some “breaks out” through the esophageal opening. A belch occurs. And if you also suffer from heartburn, you may experience quite unpleasant pain along the esophagus. That part of the gas that has passed further interferes with the normal functioning of the intestines, causing bloating and disrupting peristalsis. Disturbances in intestinal motility can manifest as unexpected loose stools or constipation. And for those who suffer from gastritis, peptic ulcers or are predisposed to these diseases, carbon dioxide can provoke an exacerbation of the disease.
Many drinks use a food additive such as aspartame. Aspartame is a sweetener that is almost 200 times sweeter than sugar. Consuming large amounts of this substance in food can cause liver dysfunction and increase the concentration of triglycerides, which contributes to the development of diabetes mellitus and obesity. And not only in an adult, but also in an unborn baby. In addition, aspartame stimulates appetite, which in a pregnant woman is usually not weak anyway. It turns out that, despite the very low calorie content, such drinks can cause significant weight gain.
Carbonated drinks also contain phosphoric acid. If you have a hereditary predisposition to urolithiasis or gallstones, it may increase the risk of developing kidney or gallstones. And since a pregnant woman’s kidneys already work “for two,” the risk of stone formation becomes even greater.
The presence of dyes, flavors, and preservatives can lead to various allergies - from allergic rhinitis to bronchial asthma, provoking allergic diseases in the unborn baby.
One cannot ignore the opinion of dentists: carbonated drinks destroy tooth enamel, accelerating the development of caries. And since a pregnant woman has an increased consumption of both calcium and fluoride for building bones and laying teeth in a child, the destruction of enamel occurs both easier and faster.
As for sparkling mineral water, we have already discussed the presence of gas. But there are different salts: potassium-sodium and chloride. Potassium and sodium are elements necessary for many processes in the body: from conducting excitation along nerve fibers to metabolism in cells. Chlorides are a salt base that attracts liquid. Therefore, drinking mineral water, which contains chlorides, can provoke an increase in blood pressure and the appearance of edema.
Thus, pregnant women can drink non-carbonated mineral water containing potassium, sodium and magnesium. But it is better to exclude carbonated drinks from the diet - at least until the end of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
…paint your nails?
During pregnancy, many women are dissatisfied with their appearance: a plump figure, age spots, a far from graceful gait... And as “compensation,” they begin to intensively care for their hands and nails. At first glance, a manicure is a completely harmless decoration. Could it really affect the health of the pregnant woman and baby in some way? Unfortunately, both manicures and pedicures can be dangerous for the expectant mother.
No, no one objects to well-groomed hands. The question is what means to use. Pregnancy is a condition almost inextricably linked with a deficiency of vitamins, micro- and macroelements. This is why the condition of many women’s nails deteriorates during this period. Therefore, you should be especially careful when choosing nail care products: they should not contain potentially dangerous ingredients and worsen the condition of the nail.
The modern cosmetics industry produces a great variety of varnishes, nail enamels, various bases and fixatives. But not all of them can be used by pregnant women. Why? It's all in the composition. Unfortunately, not every woman pays attention to whether the bottle of varnish contains a description of the substances used in a particular varnish or by a specific company. Moreover, we sometimes strive to buy cheaper polish, blithely believing that our nails can withstand a lot. But in vain. The fact is that many varnishes use substances that, in principle, can have a toxic effect on the developing fetus and cause an allergic reaction. Let us list the main ones, briefly indicating their properties, which manifest themselves upon regular contact with large quantities of this substance.
Formaldehyde (synonym: formalin, formaldehyde solution). Refers to film-forming agents, added to improve the binding of the varnish film to the surface of the nail. It itself is a liquid with a pungent odor; when inhaled, it enters the body through the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs. It has a strong effect on the central nervous system, causing headaches, palpitations, and can potentially cause organic damage to the central nervous system. Theoretically, with regular contact with formaldehyde, the risk of pregnancy pathology, developmental anomalies and fetal allergization increases; this substance may also weaken the child's immune system.
Toluene (methylbenzene). It is a strong solvent, helps the polish dry quickly and stay on the nail longer. It enters the body through the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Toluene is considered to have the potential to cause fetal harm; has
Camphor. Essential oil is volatile and enters the human body through the respiratory tract. Widely used for medical purposes, not recommended for use during pregnancy. Used as an aromatherapy agent that acts on the cardiovascular system, in extreme situations it can provoke an increase in uterine tone in a pregnant woman.
So, dear ladies, when buying varnish, pay attention to the presence of a label with its composition.
When caring for nails, nail polish removers are also used. What to do with them? Of course, acetone is the best way to remove nail polish, but it is the most harmful not only for the nails of a pregnant woman. Acetone is a fairly strong solvent with a distinct, specific odor that can have a toxic effect on the central nervous system. It dries out the nail excessively, washing away the fatty protective film. In turn, this causes overdrying of the nail and, as a result, increased fragility.
What to do? Nowadays, the cosmetics industry produces various non-acetone nail polish removers: liquids, milk, wipes, etc. Moreover, many of them are enriched with vitamin complexes, calcium and creatine, which strengthen nails.
Maybe then get your nails done? It is modern, fashionable, beautiful, and lasts a long time. Everything is correct... But cosmetologists do not recommend performing such procedures during pregnancy, especially using acrylic technology. The fact is that the materials used in nail extensions are not harmless to a pregnant woman. For this, aggressive solvents are used, and the polymer itself, which forms the nail, forms an unsafe chemical “cloud” when polished.
So draw your own conclusions, dear women. Of course, all of the above does not mean that during pregnancy you should completely abandon manicure or pedicure. Just buy varnishes that do not contain the above components.
…to drive a car?
Nowadays, no one is surprised to see a woman driving. Even if the woman is an expectant mother. And the question arises: is it possible?
“Rush hour” in public transport is always a crush, a fight for every seat, often not only for a seat, but also for a standing one. In this sense, a personal car has a number of advantages. Firstly, this is your place (seated, comfortable and with a backrest), no one will ever take it. Secondly, there is no queue, and no one will step on your feet. All this is very convenient only if you continue to feel confident behind the wheel during pregnancy.
If you don’t feel very well (you have severe toxicosis with vomiting, dizziness, increased blood pressure, etc.), you will have to give up the pleasure of driving a car, at least for a while until you feel better.
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Safe coffee substitutes for expectant mothers
There is no need to give up your favorite tradition of drinking coffee with something tasty; you just need to choose a safe drink that you can drink during pregnancy. There are many options for pregnant women:
- Herbal tea with berries. Choose your favorite herbal infusions and add any berries to it. Fresh in summer, frozen in winter. This drink will warm you up and help you relax.
- Chicory. The brewed root of this plant is a tasty and healthy drink that you can drink every day. It lowers blood sugar levels and has a positive effect on metabolism. Regular use will help you control weight gain during pregnancy. Chicory contains many vitamins and minerals: calcium, magnesium, potassium, A, E, C and much more. It tastes different from coffee, but over time you can get used to it.
- Fresh juices. Buying a juicer will be worth it if you make fresh juices at least several times a week.
- Compotes. This drink with a little sugar is pleasant to drink at any time of the year - do not deny yourself the pleasure.
Important: chicory is not recommended for drinking if you have varicose veins.
Coffee is not the enemy of a pregnant woman, if you follow moderation and reduce the amount of caffeine. Treat yourself to delicious drinks made from high-quality coffee beans. But remember that there are other ways to improve your mood in life. And shopping is one of these options; there are no contraindications for it during pregnancy. The Russian brand Proud Mom invites you to familiarize yourself with an assortment of trendy items made from natural materials. Pay attention to maternity and nursing bodysuits that can be combined with jeans, skirts, jackets and trousers. They can be worn even after the baby is born, as they are supplemented with a convenient secretion for breastfeeding.
Drink delicious coffee, wear nice clothes and have a great time! And then every day of pregnancy will be remembered as joyful and carefree.
Coffee replacement
Often, at the insistence of a doctor or for their own peace of mind, expectant mothers, like nursing mothers, replace traditional coffee with healthier drinks. For example, chicory or cocoa.
Chicory instead of coffee during pregnancy is a real godsend. It helps get rid of nausea and heartburn during toxicosis, increases the level of hemoglobin in the blood, improves the functions of the digestive system, and prevents constipation, which is a huge problem for pregnant women.
Cocoa is also a great alternative to coffee as it contains very healthy plant protein and calcium. And the magnesium in its composition helps normalize blood pressure and relieve nervous tension.
Don’t forget about healthy freshly squeezed juices, herbal teas and, of course, water, which has absolutely no contraindications.
But what you should give up with absolute certainty are drinks from the “3 in 1” series and decaffeinated coffee, since they contain a huge amount of synthetic substances.
All doctors agree on one thing: the expectant mother should listen carefully to her body. If you wish, you should not deny yourself a cup of aromatic cappuccino during pregnancy, since the need for it can serve as a signal that the body lacks certain substances contained in this particular drink.
Why pregnant women should not drink coffee - contraindications
Expectant mothers should completely eliminate caffeine-containing drinks from their diet if they have kidney problems. Caffeine has a diuretic effect, so even healthy women should limit their consumption of the drink. During pregnancy, the kidneys work under additional stress, especially in the last months. This can negatively affect your well-being: blood pressure rises, swelling appears, and headaches often occur. For those who were diagnosed with kidney problems before pregnancy, it is better to completely eliminate coffee already at the stage of pregnancy planning.
Expectant mothers should monitor their blood pressure. If it increases, the pregnant woman feels dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and shortness of breath. Caffeine also increases the secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Pregnant women already suffer from heartburn, especially in the third trimester, and caffeine makes the problem worse. Doctors indicate that caffeine can cause severe toxicosis.
How to protect yourself from the harmful effects of coffee
Pregnant women who consume large amounts of caffeine-containing drinks are advised to reduce their daily intake to at least 200 mg. This applies to both black coffee and tea, cocoa, chocolate, cola and others. Since coffee is considered the most significant source on this list, you can dilute it with milk or cream. In this case, compensation occurs for calcium washed out of the body. You should also pay attention to the type of coffee beans, the preparation method and the amount of powder per serving of the drink.
Eg:
- 210 ml of coffee brewed in a Turk contains 80–135 mg of caffeine;
- in the same amount of espresso – approximately 100 mg;
- by obtaining 210 ml of drink from a drip coffee maker - from 115 to 175 mg.
Preserving and increasing the health of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby depends on moderate consumption of tea, coffee drinks, cocoa and chocolate products, as well as the complete absence of cola drinks in the diet. It is recommended to strain the coffee using a paper filter, which absorbs oily substances that pose a danger in the form of increased cholesterol levels in the blood.
Benefits and harms
Drinking large amounts of this drink during pregnancy can cause serious harm to the health of the mother and fetus.
Negative consequences may be as follows:
- The nervous system is excited, as a result of which blood pressure rises, muscle mass begins to contract more strongly, and adrenaline is released.
- The kidneys begin to work hard, and frequent urges to go to the toilet appear.
- The gastrointestinal mucosa is irritated.
- The metabolism of calcium, sodium, potassium and other beneficial substances in the body is disrupted.
Coffee drinks have few advantages. If a pregnant woman suffers from headaches as a result of low blood pressure, then coffee will help cope with this problem. It also lifts your spirits and gives you vital energy. The main thing is not to forget that you should not get carried away with this drink.
Effect on the pregnant woman's body
If you have frequent migraines, you should give up coffee.
Not all pregnant women can drink the drink. The effect of coffee on the development of pregnancy is underestimated by many. Meanwhile, those who suffer from hypertension, migraine attacks, urolithiasis, and problems with kidney function should not drink the drink. Caffeine intake during pregnancy can cause cardiac arrhythmia and vascular problems. Caffeine also flushes out necessary substances from the body of the expectant mother, the deficiency of which will negatively affect the development of the fetus. First of all, calcium and iron are washed out. In the absence of sufficient calcium, abnormal development of the fetal skeleton may begin. With a lack of iron, the body cells of both mother and child suffer from oxygen starvation.
Scientists have proven that excessive consumption of caffeine-containing drinks has a negative impact on the process of conception. Those couples who drank more than five cups a day could not conceive a child for a long time.
The drink is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women in the following cases:
- Anemia;
- Hypertension;
- Tendency to migraines;
- Toxicosis;
- Increased nervousness, excitability, tearfulness;
- Insomnia;
- Problems with fetal development.
Soluble
Now manufacturers have learned to produce instant drinks of fairly high quality, using natural raw materials and the latest technologies. But a huge disadvantage is that during the processing process, almost no beneficial properties of natural grains were preserved.
The soluble powder is easy to prepare; you just need to pour boiling water over a couple of tablespoons of the powder. But it is better to refrain from using it - there is no benefit there.
Can pregnant women have 3 in 1 coffee?
The mixture of instant coffee, sugar and cream contains quite a lot of harmful additives, so not only pregnant women, but all people should not consume this product.
3 in 1 coffee contains many harmful additives
Black
Drinking natural black coffee during pregnancy is allowed if it is a high quality product. Concentration does not have to be strong. Black coffee contains caffeine, so you should be careful and careful when consuming it. Preference is given to lightly roasted beans. You can add a spoonful of sugar or honey to the cup if the expectant mother's blood sugar levels do not exceed the norm.
Cafein free
There is no decaffeinated coffee, so the colorful labels on the packaging are just a marketing ploy. The beans are specially processed to reduce the concentration of caffeine, but it is impossible to completely get rid of it. This is not only a useless product, but it also poses a threat to the health of mother and baby. For pregnant women, it is better to replace decaffeinated coffee with a natural product.
With milk
If during pregnancy a girl cannot refuse to drink the drink, she should choose coffee with milk. Firstly, milk contains calcium, which is so necessary for the body of the expectant mother. And secondly, it reduces the concentration of caffeine. You are also allowed to drink the natural product with cream.
Is it possible to have a latte during pregnancy?
Expectant mothers can have latte, cappuccino, and macchiato, but you should know that they are high in calories. If you gain too much weight, it is better to give up these drinks.
Instant or ground coffee - which is safer?
Any drink should not be drunk on an empty stomach, since coffee provokes the production of gastric juice. Because instant powder is highly acidic, it will cause more harm if you drink a cup on an empty stomach. The soluble powder contains preservatives, so you should definitely give preference to a natural drink. A cup of brewed natural coffee will bring moments of happiness and peace to a pregnant woman. And if it’s good for the mother, then it’s good for the baby too!
Carefully! First trimester
The main thing in this situation is to set priorities correctly. If you decide that you can drink coffee during pregnancy, then you need to find out how the drink will affect the fetus. After all, the child “feeds” together with his mother. The woman’s nervous system is excited, and this condition is transmitted to the baby in her stomach. In general, the first three months of the “interesting situation” should be the most careful in drinking the drink.
Even an experienced doctor will not tell you whether pregnant women can drink coffee. But he will definitely tell you what happens to the fetus in the first trimester. And this is what happens:
- the skeleton and bones are formed;
- internal organs begin to develop;
- the rudiments of the nervous system appear.
Considering that the drink washes away calcium, and caffeine leads to excitement, it will cause a lot of harm to the child. Moreover, it is at the beginning of pregnancy that a miscarriage is possible, as the tone of the uterus increases.
