With all the joys that pregnancy brings, it also brings quite a few challenges. If you’re a coffee lover like me, then pregnancy can be incredibly challenging when it comes to caffeine consumption, choosing the right amount daily, and even the taste and smell of coffee can present surprising hurdles to overcome. Is coffee during pregnancy safe?
So how much coffee IS safe to drink during pregnancy?
This article from babycenter (written by an RN and approved by an MD) states that the max consumption for pregnant women is 200mg per day, which is approximately 1-2 cups of coffee, depending on the strength of the cup, or 1 to 2 espresso shots. There are risks associated with too much caffeine consumption during pregnancy, which is why it’s important to monitor your caffeine intake.
So what are the risks of caffeine during pregnancy?
The article also informs us of some studies that have linked high caffeine consumption to growth problems for the fetus, however other studies showed no links with moderate caffeine consumption (aka less than 200mg daily). There were also concerns for high caffeine consumptions effect on hormones causing babies to be more at risk for health complications after birth such as diabetes and heart disease. There have also been concerns about high caffeine intake lowering iron absorption, which can already be a challenge for moms with a low iron diet or anemia.
What other effects does caffeine consumption have during pregnancy?
Some other things to consider when considering how caffeine impacts you during pregnancy- is how does it make you feel? Some women will begin to notice things like aversions to smells, tastes, and they may even begin to feel the effects of heartburn. I know for me that I had an aversion to the smell of coffee during my first trimester, which was definitely a challenge on my already low energy levels. I was so grateful when I was able to start enjoying one of my favorite beverages- coffee- again during the second trimester.
So how do I limit my caffeine intake and still enjoy coffee?
If you’re anything like me, then you don’t just drink coffee for the caffeine, but you actually enjoy the taste of your coffee. There are a few things you can do to still enjoy your coffee, while also limiting your caffeine intake during pregnancy. One thing you can do is switch to decaf, or half-caf so that you can still enjoy multiple cups of coffee each day. If you’re not ready to go full on decaf, then limiting yourself to that 200 mg is crucial- which may only be one cup a day, depending on how strong you like your coffee.
How do I order specialty coffee while pregnant?
If you’re planning a trip to Starbucks, then checking their menu online ahead of time will be so helpful in staying within that 200mg pregnancy caffeine limit. Once you’re looking at their menu, select the beverage and size you’re hoping to buy, then click on, “Full Nutrition & Ingredients List.” Starbucks actually lists the amount of caffeine in each of their beverages on the nutrition list so you won’t be left guessing or hoping you made the right choice. While you’re there, be sure to check the amount of sugar in your drinks as well, especially if you are concerned about gestational diabetes.
Another option when ordering from Starbucks while pregnant is ordering your beverage half-caf or decaf- this option will only be available for espresso beverages or hot brewed coffee. Iced coffee and cold brew are typically stronger, so you’ll need to check their caffeine amounts on the menu before ordering, and will most likely have to stick to a tall. If you’re set on an iced beverage, you can get an iced americano half caf or decaf as well as any of their iced lattes or mochas.
If you have more concerns about the risks of caffeine during pregnancy, please talk to your doctor. I am just another mom sharing what I have learned through 4 pregnancies and cannot offer any medical advice. My doctors did always say that moderate caffeine intake was safe during pregnancy, and I have 4 healthy children after drinking coffee throughout each pregnancy. I made sure to follow the safe recommendations and monitored my caffeine consumption to ensure a healthy pregnancy each time.
There are actually coffees specifically made with pregnant women in mind with lower acidity and caffeine levels. I’ve put them all together on an easy shoppable list for you, and have other pregnancy faves on my Amazon Storefront. If you’re starting to plan your registry, I have a list of all the things we loved for our first registry. After four pregnancies, I have narrowed down my lists to all my must haves, including my favorite tumblers and snacks. I do earn commissions on purchases made through my storefront at no additional cost to you.
What other questions do you have about coffee during pregnancy? Post them in the comments below!
