Negative Effects of Drinking Coffee and Other Caffeinated Drinks During Pregnancy

For many people, the morning is incomplete unless they have sipped coffee. They’re used to it because they wake up anytime they’re sleepy.

However, if you are pregnant, your doctor may advise you to limit your coffee consumption. Coffee has just as many negative affects on pregnant women as it does on your child.

Another study has recently been published that relates coffee to a baby’s intellect and behaviour. Here are some facts regarding it that you should be aware of.

Caffeine During Pregnancy

Coffee’s effects on pregnant mothers, as well as the baby’s cognition and behaviour, have been studied.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverage while pregnant is harmful.

According to a new study undertaken by the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of Rochester Medical Center, drinking coffee while pregnant has an effect on the baby’s brain development in the womb.

It claims that consuming coffee or other caffeine-containing beverage changes neural connections in the brain. It has the potential to induce or exacerbate behavioural issues.

Study: Drinking caffeinated drinks while pregnant lead to behavioural issues in children

This was discovered after reviewing more than 9 brain scan books from youngsters aged 9 to 10. In addition, scientists obtained information from the moms of the children to determine if they drank coffee or caffeinated drinks while pregnant. 

Despite the fact that the findings of the tests were minor and unimportant, it is nonetheless remarkable that a woman’s consumption of coffee while pregnant resulted in a change in her child’s conduct.

Children born to women who consumed coffee while pregnant showed signs of behavioural disorders, short attention span, and hyperactivity.

“These are sort of small effects and it’s not causing horrendous psychiatric conditions, but it is causing minimal but noticeable behavioural issues that should make us consider long term effects of caffeine intake during pregnancy,” said John Foxe, PhD, the leader of the said study.

“I suppose the outcome of this study will be a recommendation that any caffeine during pregnancy is probably not such a good idea,” he added.

Negative Effects of Caffeine During Pregnancy

Aside from the most recent findings, other research has already been conducted demonstrating the negative effects of coffee on pregnant women. Here are a few examples:

• It affects the growth of the baby in your womb.

Research has shown that caffeine inhibits blood flow to the placenta. Caffeine goes through the placenta to your baby when you consume it during pregnancy. The placenta develops in your uterus (womb) and provides nourishment and oxygen to the baby via the umbilical cord.

A healthy placental blood flow is essential for providing sustenance to the fetus.

The baby’s weight lowers by 0.5 pounds for every 100mg of caffeine consumed by the mother throughout the first three months of pregnancy (72g). They also stated that women who consumed caffeine frequently had smaller kids than mothers who did not drink caffeine.

Considering the importance of proper nutrition during pregnancy, one way to support a healthy pregnancy is by ensuring the intake of essential vitamins like folic acid. Research has shown that folic acid plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the baby in the womb. Products like 21st Century Pre-Natal Multivitamins With Folic Acid And Iron For Pregnancy could potentially be beneficial for expectant mothers, as they provide the necessary nutrients to support a healthy pregnancy.

• Increased likelihood of miscarriage

According to one study, consuming more than 200 mg of caffeine a day increases a pregnant woman’s chances of miscarriage.

• Your child may become overweight or obese

A 2018 study also discovered that drinking coffee while pregnant can alter a child’s overweight or obesity as he or she grows.

According to the study, children born to women who use a lot of caffeine (200 mg a day) have a 66% chance of having “excess growth” or being overweight while pregnant.

• Increased chance of getting sick

Aside from the negative consequences of coffee on your newborn, you may also have elevated blood pressure, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, stomachache, and diarrhoea.

Also, if you enjoy drinking coffee before becoming pregnant, your chances of developing gestational diabetes are great.

ALSO READ:

Study Finds One Cup Of Coffee A Day May Increase Risk Of Stillbirth

Here’s How Much Water You Should Be Drinking During Pregnancy

Pregnant Mums Can Consume Caffeine But Within Limits, Experts Say

Healthier Alternatives to Coffee

Caffeine consumption is not recommended during pregnancy due to its detrimental consequences. If it is inevitable, limit your intake to 200 mg. That’s around 1 to 2 cups of coffee a day. 

Aside from coffee, there are other caffeine-rich beverages such as tea (black), energy drinks, soda, and even chocolate.

Although some beverages are prohibited, many others are permitted for pregnant women. Some of these still have caffeine in them, but only in trace levels.

Instead of coffee, consider the following alternatives:

• Ginger tea

It is also good to drink ginger tea instead of coffee because it helps to strengthen your immune system and prevent infection.

• Lukewarm water

A little fruit juice or a slice of lemon can also be added to lukewarm water and can be used as a substitute for coffee every morning.

• Coconut water or coconut juice

It is 95% water so it really quenches your thirst. Moreover, coconut juice contains electrolytes that help fight vomiting or morning sickness.

• Chocolate milk

Aside from being tasty, it also has calcium that will strengthen your bones. It still has a small amount of caffeine (2-7mg). But it’s a good alternative to coffee if you need energy.

• Decaffeinated coffee

If you are still longing for the taste of coffee, just drink decaf of its kind. Compared to brewed coffee which has 60 to 200 mg of caffeine. Decaffeinated coffee contains only 2 to 4 mg of caffeine in a cup.

• Herbal tea

Green tea contains relatively little caffeine. Ginger root, peppermint leaf, chamomile, red raspberry leaf (limit chamomile and red raspberry leaf tea to 1 cup per day in your first trimester), and lemon balm are some herbal teas that are healthy for pregnant women.

It’s difficult to ignore coffee, especially when it’s where you receive your energy for the day. However, instead of drinking coffee, you can simply consume fruits or nuts to maintain your energy levels.

Also, increase and increase your diet to avoid becoming weak. Don’t forget to take your prenatal vitamins to keep your strength up.

There are numerous taboos around pregnant women. It’s depressing sometimes, especially when it’s something you’re used to, like drinking coffee. But it won’t last forever. Soon, you’ll be able to have the hot coffee you’ve been craving.

Simply put up with it for the next nine months. When you give birth to your baby securely and healthily, it is well worth the sacrifice.

Translated with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.

Here at theAsianparent Singapore, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advice or medical treatment. theAsianparent Singapore is not responsible for those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend consulting your doctor for clearer information.