We sometimes take for granted the little things in life. What becomes your usual routine suddenly stops when you become pregnant. You begin analyzing your diet, what habits you have, and of course your caffeine intake. Many pregnant moms switch to decaf coffee in the hope to maintain a little normality but how many cups of decaf coffee when pregnant is deemed ok?
How Many cups of Decaf Coffee Coffe When Pregnant – Is Safe
The short answer would be 2-3 cups.
Coffee is a stimulant that boosts energy levels leaving you feeling more alert. It contains high levels of caffeine which is why moms switch to decaf whilst pregnant. But how much decaf coffee is safe during pregnancy? For coffee to be deemed decaffeinated 97% of caffeine is removed. This means that you should still be aware of your intake.
Caffeine and Pregnancy
A popular alternative to the morning’s favorite cup of Joe is recognized as decaf. Whether it’s the taste you crave or the energy boosting effects, many moms switch to the alternative of liquid gold but how many cups of decaf coffee when pregnant is considered safe? Stick with us to find out all there is when drinking decaf whilst pregnant.
Effects of Caffeine On Pregnancy
Caffeine has many uses, it works to stimulate receptors in your brain leaving you geared up and recharged for the day. Compared to other stimulants caffeine takes time to break down in the body which leaves it rolling around your body for longer. This means that it has a chance to affect your baby.
The presence of caffeine in your bloodstream can be dangerous for your baby. You share everything you eat and drink with your little lodger inside. This means high levels of caffeine can cross the placenta and enter your baby’s system.
Obviously, there are many adverse effects that this stimulant has on pregnancy which we will explain in detail further on but just to give you an understanding of what side effects caffeine has toward your pregnancy we have listed some below:
- Low birth weight
- Risk of excess weight during childhood
- Miscarriage
Ongoing research has shown that results can be different from person to person. Caffeine may be tolerated in some pregnancies but there is no way of knowing for sure so we tend to err on the side of caution and take the risks and apply them to all pregnancies. Better to be safe than sorry right?
A pregnant woman should keep their caffeine intake to 200mg caffeine a day; this equates to 2 small cups of coffee a day or one store-bought coffee.
[Source- ACOG]
Caffeine isn’t just present in coffee although it is of a higher concentration you need to understand that hot chocolate and tea also contain caffeine.
With the risks highlighted many moms switch to decaf coffee, no point in shelving your favorite cup of Joe when an alternative is available! But how many decaf coffees a day when pregnant is safe?
How Much Caffeine is There in Decaf?
According to Healthline for coffee to become decaffeinated at least 97% of caffeine needs to be removed.
I know what you’re thinking, why drink any caffeine at all? Well if you are like me caffeine in coffee is a part of life but whilst pregnant I knew the risks involved so switching to decaf meant I could still enjoy my favorite drink without the worry I was harming my baby.
How Often Can I Drink Decaff Coffee While Pregnant?
Look at this comparison for instance, on average there is 2.4 mg of caffeine per decaffeinated cup whereas a standard cup of coffee can contain anywhere close to 96 mg.
As you can see the proof is in the cup when it comes to choosing whether to switch to decaf or not.
As with many products you need to research to ensure what you believe you are drinking is correct. After reading the following research it is clear that while we know decaf is safer it is important to note all brands are different. Each store bought jar of decaf can have varying amounts of caffeine so before chugging it down be sure to read the label carefully.
Can I Drink Decaf Coffee Everyday While Pregnant?
We have highlighted the effects drinking coffee can have and why we should avoid it during pregnancy but can drinking decaf every day harm your baby?
As I mentioned, to function at all in the mornings I rely on my coffee so being pregnant was a shock to my system not only because it wasn’t planned but also because I now had to refrain from drinking my morning fuel.
Thankfully my usual brand has a decaf version so I wasn’t at a total loss but it did make me think whether I was still putting my baby at risk.
How Much Decaf Coffee Can I Drink When Pregnant?
The guidelines for how much decaf coffee you can consume is rather vague as it would depend on the caffeine levels within the coffee you choose. The general rule of thumb would be to stick within 200 mg of caffeine per day, so depending on what brand you use as long as you stay within your limits, it is thought to cause no harm.
Of course, you could opt for alternative options such as caffeine free herbal teas but be wary as some herbs also need to be avoided.
Are There Risks Associated With Drinking Decaf?
The risks don’t lie with decaf coffee but with the caffeine itself so we have looked at the risks of consuming too much caffeine whilst pregnant. To reach further insight we have uncovered exactly what relationship and risk is involved when consuming too much caffeine whilst pregnant.
- Low birth weight
Whilst publications have unclear conclusions it is important to point out that drinking anything above 200 mgs has a 3% increase of a LBW risk. [ref]
- Risk of excess weight during childhood
This research compared the weight of children between 3 to 5 year olds and the amounts of caffeine each mom consumed in their pregnancy. There was a significant link to women who consumed over the 200mg recommendation seeing an increase in weight of children. This gives us the reasoning to link the extra weight to the caffeine consumed whilst the children were in utero.
- Miscarriage
Miscarriage can happen for many reasons but research pointed out that there was a 19% increase in loss with women who had higher levels of caffeine in their systems. Having that extra cup makes all the difference so it is essential you keep tabs on your consumption. Pregnancy loss is devastating and usually there is not just one reason behind it, however making this knowledge public can help you realize that what you put into your body can increase risks.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the answer to how many cups of decaf coffee when pregnant are safe? Doesn’t lie at the bottom of your coffee cup but in the levels of caffeine you consume.
Risks are linked to high levels of caffeine but it is not through liquid consumption alone. Many moms make the decaf switch and maintain a healthy pregnancy and baby.
If you are concerned about any risks your doctor can give you more advice but just reading this article shows that you’re already a mom who wants to protect and keep your baby safe from harm.
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