Is it safe to indulge in a cup of coffee during pregnancy? Once a big pregnancy no-no, experts say that it’s possible to take moderate amounts of caffeine. However, you need to consider caffeine from other source, and monitor the amount you consume each day. And here’s another surprising bit of information: tea, once considered the safer alternative to coffee, isn’t as safe as you may think. Read this article before you reach for your next cup.
Small amounts of coffee are safe
Tes, you can have caffeine, but control the amounts. The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology says that women who consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day double their risk of miscarriage. So stick below 200 milligrams and you’re okay.
Don’t just watch the coffee. It can be found even chocolate bars and energy drinks. Try not to take caffeine every day, too. Studies show that your baby has a harder time metabolizing caffeine, which stays in its system long after you’ve lost that ‘coffee buzz.’
• 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg
• 1 cup of instant coffee = 75mg
• 1 cup of brewed coffee = 100mg
• 1 cup of tea = 50mg
• 1 can of cola = 40mg
• 1 can of “energy” drink = 80mg
• 1 x 50g bar of plain chocolate = up to 50mg
• 1 x 50g bar of milk chocolate = up to 25mg
Caffeine doesn’t just affect the baby, it can increase your discomfort: headaches, heart palpitations, and insomnia. Don’t drink coffee or tea within 30 minutes of a meal, since it hampers your ability to absorb iron. And read the food label! Caffeine contact can vary, depending on whether your drink is brewed, instant, strong or weak. In general, though:
A warning on herbal teas
Herbal supplements and teas may be ‘natural’ but that doesn’t mean they’re safe. The compounds can interact with the medicines you are taking, trigger contractions and nausea, or even cause birth defects. Furthermore, homeopathic substances are not monitored by food and drug authorities, so they can be sold even if they have not been subjected to any clinical trials to prove their safety or efficiency.
Thus, talk to your doctor before you take any herbal supplement, tea or remedy (such as laxatives) In fact, you shouldn’t even take vitamin or mineral supplements without his go-ahead—any substance in large amounts can be dangerous, so you need an expert to determine your correct dosage.
Herbs used in cooking are perfectly safe because the amounts (rarely more than a teaspoon) have no impact on your baby.
Read about what household products and beauty products you can safely use during pregnancy.
Photo from amgmedia.com
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