Are you a new mom- to-be? If so, you've probably thought twice about your morning cup of coffee. You've probably heard this at home and from friends, "Oh, you're about to have a baby, so drinking coffee is not good, it will harm the baby." This story is actually a problem that many mothers have. So, let's talk about it today, and what's true or not in this story.
Is there really a link between caffeine and miscarriage risk?
Simply put, if you don't go overboard, drinking a moderate amount of caffeine-containing beverages like coffee or tea won't increase your risk of miscarriage. But there are a few details behind this story. Let's find out a little bit about them.
A few years ago, many doctors believed that even small amounts of caffeine increased the risk of miscarriage. In fact, a 2008 study found that a pregnant woman who drank two cups of coffee a day (which contains about 200 milligrams of caffeine) could double her risk of miscarriage. That's why our adults are still afraid of this old belief.
However, after analyzing many new studies on this topic, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) issued a statement in 2010. It clearly stated that drinking one regular cup of coffee or one caffeinated soft drink per day does not increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth .
"This is really good news for many people. To be honest, there is no reliable data to say that drinking one cup of coffee a day increases the risk of miscarriage. We can only talk about that risk if we drink more than two cups of coffee a day," a specialist doctor commented on this.
So what is the 'safe limit'?
Okay, so what is this "normal amount" or "safe limit"? Experts recommend keeping your total daily caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams (200 mg) during pregnancy.
Now you might be wondering, "How much is 200 milligrams?" Well, let's take a look at the table below to see how much caffeine is in the drinks we usually drink. This will give you a good idea.
| Type of drink/food | Average caffeine intake (milligrams - mg) |
|---|---|
| A regular cup of coffee (Brewed coffee - 240ml) | 95 - 140 mg |
| A cup of instant coffee (Instant coffee - 240ml) | 60 - 85 mg |
| A cup of plain tea (240ml) | 40 - 70 mg |
| Caffeinated soft drinks (Cola - 355ml) | 30 - 40 mg |
| Dark Chocolate (Dark Chocolate - 50g) | 20 - 30 mg |
| Energy Drinks | 80 - 200+ mg ( not recommended during pregnancy ) |
As you can see from this table, it's okay to have one or two regular cups of coffee or black tea a day. But if you drink coffee, tea, chocolate, or even a cola, you can exceed that 200-milligram limit. So it's important to be mindful of everything you consume throughout the day.
Other things you should be aware of
Why is too much caffeine bad?
Caffeine is a stimulant. When you consume caffeine, it crosses the placenta and reaches your baby. However, unlike our adult bodies, it is difficult for a baby's body to digest and process this caffeine. Therefore, there is a belief that consuming too much caffeine continuously can have an impact on the baby's development. That is why this safe limit has been set.
Be careful of hidden caffeine
Not just coffee and tea , but other things can contain caffeine.
- Some painkillers: For example, some paracetamol brands come with caffeine added to them. If you are taking any medication, read the label. It is best not to take any medication during pregnancy without first consulting your doctor .
- Energy drinks: Avoid these completely during pregnancy as they contain high amounts of caffeine and other chemicals.
What you can do
If you are a coffee addict, limit yourself to one cup per day. You can also try other alternatives.
- Decaffeinated coffee/tea
- Herbal tea (but some herbal teas are not suitable for pregnant women. So ask a doctor to confirm).
- Fresh fruit juice
- Clean water
The most important thing is that if you have any doubts or fears about all of this, talk to your antenatal clinic doctor or family doctor about it openly. He or she will give you the best advice based on your health condition.
Take-Home Message
- It is generally safe to consume less than 200 milligrams (200 mg) of caffeine per day during pregnancy.
- This amount is approximately equivalent to 1 regular cup of coffee or 2 cups of black tea.
- Remember that in addition to coffee and tea, soft drinks, chocolate, and some medications may also contain caffeine.
- Talk to your doctor about your diet, drinks, and any concerns you may have. It's the safest thing for you and your unborn baby.
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