Many women consume caffeine before they get pregnant, and even when they are trying. But one of the main steps you should take once you know that you are pregnant is to abandon coffee. Yes, it is complicated, but it can be done. You have to be willing and gradually replace coffee with other drinks. To convince you and have all the information we will tell you the negative effects of coffee on pregnancy.
There is a belief that during pregnancy you can consume caffeine in small amounts, but there are studies (we will tell you about it below) that refute this. Also keep in mind that caffeine is not only present in coffee but also in certain soft drinks, and other foods. We will deal with all these questions below.
Relationship between coffee in pregnancy and obesity in childhood
One of the negative effects of coffee published in the British Medical Journal, relates the Caffeine consumption of the mother, during pregnancy with an increase in the child's overweight during infancy. This negative effect is confirmed by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
A study carried out by this Norwegian Institute points out that: even an average caffeine consumption considered acceptable, that is 200 mg a day for pregnant women It would make babies more likely to become overweight as young as three years old. a risk that could dangerously increase during the childhood test.
According to these same study authors, a significant relationship has been detected between caffeine consumption in pregnancy and excess weight and / or height in childhood, but it is not known whether there is a direct cause. Therefore, the relationship detected between caffeine and the overweight of future children can be classified as weak, but it does exist, and it may be influenced by other factors. Be that as it may, it is a door that is not worth crossing, because we are going to show you other negative effects of coffee that you will not want to have, and the alternatives you have to caffeine.
Eliminate or restrict coffee during pregnancy?
Some of the guidelines that we have consulted indicate that you can consume coffee or caffeine in a moderate way, not exceeding 200 mg a day of said substance. However, we We prefer to recommend that you completely eliminate the consumption of coffee. At first it will be hard, if you are addicted to coffee, and your body will feel the need to drink it, but it will get used to it. You can go to decaffeinated coffee, which is not 100% decaffeinated, add more milk, reduce the sugar, and when you are ready, leave it too.
Remember, in addition, that caffeine is a stimulant that, in addition to being in coffee, is found in other drinks such as tea, soft drinks, and foods such as chocolate, kola nut. It is also in the energy drinks and some over-the-counter medications.
During pregnancy, the elimination of caffeine that is present in your blood is delayed, in the body of a pregnant woman it reaches up to 18 hours. There are observational studies that indicate that drinking excessive caffeine is associated with risk of miscarriage and other complications, such as the acidity of pregnancy, restrictions on the growth of the baby, premature birth or intrauterine death.
Alternatives to coffee if I am pregnant
We have told you about the negative effects of coffee, but we also want to give you some alternatives to this drink to which, most of the time, we have a more psychological than physical need. For example, you can try to get used to:
- Infusions pennyroyal, linden, chamomile, boldo, star anise. The infusions are digestive, and are ideal for after meals. You can also make your own combination of herbs.
- Infusion of chicory it has a bitter taste that may remind you of coffee.
- The cereal coffees, like rye, barley or malt they follow this same line, and they are also nutritious. Children can also take it.
El The only tea that is recommended is rooibos. This does not contain theine, which has effects very similar to caffeine and, in addition, strengthens the defenses.