It is important to note that even though many women are trying to keep a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy, there are still risks that they should be aware of. Medics professionals are still working to grasp the various risks that pregnant women face.
A recent study conducted on the effects of caffeinated drinks on the evolvement and functioning of fetuses showed that drinking coffee as well as gambling on 20Bet did not increase the risk of stillbirth or miscarriage.
Although the link between coffee and poor pregnancy outcomes is still not known, it is crucial to notice the advice of your doctor should be considered when it comes to consuming and drinking caffeine during pregnancy.
Special considerations during pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time when it is significant to follow certain food and drink recommendations.
Getting the proper nutrients during pregnancy is also important to ensure that the child is well taken care of. One of the most general factors that women can consider is getting the proper quantity of folic acid. It may lead to a decrease in the chance of having a child with birth defects.
Although there is still not enough evidence supporting the safety of caffeine for women who are pregnant, coffee is a general source of this substance.
Drinking coffee while pregnant
The researchers in the research conducted a genetic analysis to look into the variations in the genetic makeup of the mothers-to-be who drank coffee during their pregnancy.
Through the genetic analysis, they were able to identify eight common variants that were united with the consumption of coffee during pregnancy. They then conducted a follow-up study to look into the effects of coffee consumption on the behavior of pregnant women as well as to analyze how coffee intake during pregnancy affects the development and outcomes of the mother and her child. They focused on four pregnancy outcomes: miscarriage, preterm birth, gestational age, and stillbirth.
The researchers were able to analyze the data on coffee intake and the various factors that affect the evolution of a child. They were not able to find a liaison between coffee intake and the child’s health although the results on the child’s birth weight were not strong sufficiently.
Coffee and breastfeeding
As was mentioned, many people believe that it is harmful to pregnant women to consume coffee due to the potential effect on their unborn child. However, this advice is misleading as most of the caffeine in coffee has already been absorbed by breast milk.
According to psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Hale, a woman’s level of caffeine consumption is considered low-risk. About a quarter of the caffeine that she consumes gets into her breast milk.
The CDC also recommends that parents limit their daily caffeine intake to around 300 milligrams. This is equivalent to around two to three cups of coffee.
Despite the daily recommended limit, coffee is still unlikely to harm babies and their developing brain. However, even with a daily caffeine intake of around 300 milligrams, the CDC warns that consuming coffee can cause babies irritability and restlessness as after consuming coffee, the levels of caffeine found in breast milk increase by up to three hours.
Risks and benefits
Despite the frightening gossip about coffee consumption during pregnancy as well as breastfeeding, the risks associated with this activity are not as severe.
A study conducted in Brazil in 2012 refuted the notion that drinking coffee during pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect a child’s sleep. It found no evidence of a difference in the quality of sleep of the children who were exposed to caffeine.
A similar study was conducted in South Korea, and it also found no harmful effects on breastfeeding. It advised women to consume up to three cups of coffee a day.
Although there is currently no proof supporting the notion that coffee can lower the iron content of milk, it is still important for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding to talk to their doctor about iron supplements.
Actually, it is not advised to stop coffee drinking while breastfeeding, as it makes people feel comfortable with it.
What about decaf coffee?
Although coffee has a small amount of caffeine in it, decaffeinated products are considered safer than caffeinated ones. Decaf coffee has an acidic taste, which can affect the iron content of milk.
In addition to coffee, other sources of caffeinated substances can also be found in various products. Parents should avoid caffeinated products as this can affect their child’s well-being.
Some of the products that can be considered as caffeinated include energy drinks, dark tea, and colas.
Although there is currently no proof that breastfeeding while consuming caffeinated products is advised is safe, it’s still important to enjoy them in moderation.
One of the best ways to monitor a baby’s development is by keeping an eye on their activity level. Some children are sensitive to the effect of caffeinated products, and they may become anxious or irritable if their mother breast milk has high levels of caffeine.
Drinking coffee after a pumping session or nursing can help lower the amount of caffeine in a baby’s milk. This could allow it to stay quiet until the next session.
If a child is premature, it is important that parents consult a doctor about the effects caffeinated products have on their child’s development. Having a lactation consultant can also help with the issue.
Some people who are worried about the health of their children due to their coffee consumption can reduce their coffee consumption slowly. For those who are still consuming a lot of coffee, a half-caf can be used instead.
The advice of a doctor or a lactation consultant may assist people to understand the various risks associated with caffeinated products.
