Regarding a positive conception that has already taken place and a successfully developing pregnancy, every conscious woman is already in the shortest possible time completely reconsidering her usual lifestyle, adjusting, among other things, her diet. It is known, after all, that the expectant mother, in anticipation, is no longer responsible only and not so much for herself and her own health: from now on, it also directly depends on how successfully the pregnancy will develop, and how she will feel while still very small, but growing at a rapid pace inside women new body.
Of course, every mother seeks to minimize any risks for a baby already living her own life, albeit intrauterine. And already from the early stages of pregnancy, the question of optimal nutrition and the permission or prohibition of certain foodstuffs is quite acute. Of course, all products with “synthetic” ingredients, all sorts of powerful flavors, dyes or stabilizers mommy, if possible, try to exclude from the diet as much as possible so as not to harm the baby. Those of the women who are used to starting the morning with a cup fragrant coffee or take a “coffee break” in the middle of the day, quite justifiably they also ask the question: is it possible during pregnancy?
It would seem that coffee - entirely and completely natural product, no particularly dangerous "additives" can be found in it. But at the same time, many experts strongly recommend that avid coffee addicts handle coffee very carefully, be sure to reduce the number of servings of a bitter-flavored drink drunk during the day, and in some cases, completely exclude it from the menu. So all the same: is coffee consumption acceptable when carrying a baby? Won't coffee break sessions harm the growing and still defenseless new life? Should we be afraid of the influence of coffee on the development of pregnancy and the formation of the baby? If, after all, coffee is allowed during pregnancy, then in what acceptable quantities?
Fragrant tonic drink - coffee
The main active ingredient in coffee is caffeine. Caffeine is known for its tonic ability, property, to provide an additional boost of energy and vivacity. It is caffeine that is responsible for the process of "opening the eyes" and the final awakening after coming out of sleep, in fact.
Today, in which only forms of coffee are not presented on the shelves: here you have coffee in beans, and ground coffee, already packaged in packs, and instant coffee, and coffee as part of the so-called 3-in-1 sticks. And there is also decaffeinated coffee. True, one should not be so naive to believe the claims of manufacturers, allegedly there is no caffeine in such coffee at all: it is still contained there, only in a much lower concentration than in “classic” coffee.
It is common for someone to drink 5-8 servings of coffee a day, and medical specialists unanimously condemn such eating behavior. So, constant pressure surges under the influence of coffee can play a very bad joke with gourmets addicted to coffee in the future - the load on the heart in such a situation is serious. Yes, and coffee does not have the best effect on the gastric mucosa, increasing acidity and, in some cases, contributing to the manifestation of heartburn. And therefore, it is also categorically not recommended to drink coffee on an empty stomach or immediately after waking up, without breakfast preceding coffee drinking.
Coffee in large quantities is also undesirable for women because of its negative impact on the skin condition: the abuse of a fragrant drink affects the color of the skin, thins it and dries it. In addition, coffee does not have the best effect on the condition of the teeth - tooth enamel gradually darkens under its influence. It is not surprising, therefore, that it is considered good form in the “correct” coffee houses to serve ordinary clean drinking water along with the ordered coffee. But what do experts say about coffee consumption by women who are waiting?
Dangers of drinking coffee during pregnancy
As mentioned above, one of the properties of coffee is the ability to significantly increase blood pressure. It is known that during pregnancy the volume of blood circulating in the body and the load on the cardiovascular system increases significantly, and the expectant mother simply does not need an additional jump in pressure. But on the other hand, coffee will be useful in this regard for hypotensive mothers, for whom low blood pressure is the norm.
Expectant mothers should also remember about the main effect of coffee, which is excitement. nervous system. Excessively fond of coffee or savoring it in the evening, you can earn problems with sleep and get insomnia that is not needed now. By the way, this is also true for other drinks and foods that contain caffeine - Coca-Cola, chocolate, strong tea.
It has coffee and a diuretic effect, and this factor cannot be discounted either. Keep in mind that the urge to go "small" during pregnancy makes itself felt much more often: the growing uterus puts pressure on the bladder, forcing the expectant mother to go to the bathroom more often. With excessive coffee consumption, the urge increases even more, which, in last resort, can "come around" dehydration of the body or a violation of the water-salt balance.
According to some data from individual researchers, coffee can also affect the growth and development of the fetus, penetrating the placenta. So, there is a version according to which coffee consumed during pregnancy, even in moderation, can cause the birth of children with an unkind weight of 100-200 g. And the future mother’s addiction to coffee in the form of 8-10 servings drunk during the day can end badly: hypoxia and retardation of the child in development, miscarriage (coffee increases the tone of the uterus) and even, God forbid, the birth of a dead baby.
At the same time, other studies - they were conducted by Danish scientists - say: while carrying a baby, the expectant mother can drink up to 3 small servings of coffee per day without any particular danger. At the same time, without the risk of premature birth or weight loss of newborns.
The data, as we see, surprisingly diverge. That is why doctors always emphasize: it is advisable to coordinate the issue of the admissibility of drinking coffee by a future mother with the doctor leading the pregnancy. He, based on individual data and the picture of pregnancy, will be able to most adequately determine whether a woman can drink coffee during pregnancy, or it is better to refuse a fragrant drink for the duration of the child's bearing. But, even if the coffee doctor is in small quantities still allowed, you should definitely pay attention to your condition and well-being: if during a coffee drinking session you suddenly feel unwell, without hesitation, put the cup of the drink aside and better refrain from coffee in the future.
Should you drink coffee during pregnancy?
The "horror stories" listed above will make even the most persistent mother's heart tremble, prompting avid coffee lovers to look for a way out of the situation in frustrated feelings. We dare to console you: in fact, there are no serious reasons for frustration at all: all possible Negative consequences permissible except in the case of drinking coffee during pregnancy in larger quantities than allowed. And yet - subject to addiction to coffee in a very strong form and increased concentrations.
If a woman drinks coffee reasonably, and does not “tip” a cup after a cup every third hour, there are no reasons for worries. Although, of course, it is better to agree on the issue of drinking coffee while carrying a baby already in the early stages of pregnancy with a doctor.
In the case when the specialist “gives the go-ahead” and sees no reason to ban the use of coffee, drinking an invigorating drink should, of course, not be carried away. Firstly, you will definitely have to limit your coffee consumption by drinking one, maximum two servings of coffee a day during the day. At the same time, it is better if the drink is not strong, and even better - with the addition of milk or cream. The fact is that coffee, among other things, is also known for its ability to “steal”, flush out calcium, which is so important during this period, from the body. Milk or cream will help to compensate for its partial loss, with which it is useful to dilute coffee. In addition, milk "additives" will also "soften" coffee, eliminating its aggressive effect on the gastric mucosa.
By the way, for women with a weak stomach, with the presence of gastritis or peptic ulcer, coffee during pregnancy is strictly contraindicated. It is better, having such diagnoses, not to take risks, but immediately replace coffee with a drink from chicory root. Chicory decoction, like coffee, is known for its tonic properties, therefore, it can be a worthy alternative to a fragrant drink. However, it should be remembered that chicory also has its own contraindications, which also cannot be ignored. And coffee can be replaced with both tasty and very healthy other drink - cocoa. Cocoa cooked with milk will become a source of not only the calcium necessary for future mothers, but also vegetable protein.
In general, advice for pregnant women, including coffee, is the same: if you really want something, then you can. But - in reasonable quantities and without fanaticism. From a cup of coffee, and even with milk, and even sweet, in the early morning after light delicious breakfast, nothing will happen to the expectant mother. Although no, it will happen, but it will be exceptionally good: energy, like moods, will increase, and life will go on in its usual joyful course.
Specially for- Elena Kichak
Suppose a woman loves coffee. She drinks several cups of the invigorating drink with a strong aroma a day, enjoying it. pleasant taste. But during pregnancy, the fair sex has to adjust her daily menu. She wonders: should coffee be excluded from the daily menu? After all, experts often write about the dangers of caffeine in early pregnancy. At the same time, many young mothers themselves admit that at one time they did not deny themselves the pleasure of drinking a cup of aromatic drink. So where is the "golden mean"? Can I drink coffee while expecting a baby?
The harm of a drink for a future mother
With excessive coffee consumption during pregnancy, the following complications may occur:
- premature birth;
- increased tone of the uterus;
- miscarriage.
Particular care should be taken in women with high blood pressure. The drink can contribute to vasoconstriction. As a result, the process of penetration of nutrients and oxygen to the placenta slows down. This negatively affects the well-being of a pregnant woman and the further development of the fetus. When drinking coffee in the last trimester of pregnancy, there are often sharp jumps in blood pressure, which can lead to miscarriage.
Caffeine, which is part of the drink, can lead to heartburn. Coffee increases urination, it has a diuretic effect. The drink removes calcium from the body, which is necessary for the proper formation of the bone tissue of the unborn baby. In the future, the child may experience various diseases musculoskeletal system, there are problems with teeth.
Coffee has a negative effect on the nervous system. During the period of expectation of the baby in the body of a pregnant woman, hormonal changes take place. Therefore, expectant mothers often become overwhelmed and irritable. Coffee exacerbates the situation, putting an additional burden on the body.
Is caffeine dangerous in the presence of preeclampsia in a pregnant woman?
If a woman has gestosis, drinks containing caffeine are contraindicated. Late toxicosis can lead to placental abruption or intrauterine fetal death.
There are the following symptoms of gestosis:
- the appearance of protein in the urine;
- increased blood pressure;
- the occurrence of edema.
There are several stages of late toxicosis. In advanced cases, the blood supply to the central nervous system is disrupted. A pregnant woman may experience the following complications:
- nausea;
- vomit;
- headache;
- deterioration of vision.
In the late stage of preeclampsia, called eclampsia, convulsions may occur. In some cases, a pregnant woman has a stroke, cerebral edema develops.
The benefits of drinking during pregnancy
Coffee can be useful for the fair sex with low blood pressure. The drink helps to normalize metabolism, allows you to maintain blood vessels in good shape. Coffee eliminates lethargy. The drink helps fight the headaches that many pregnant women experience with low blood pressure. For this category of women, coffee is “a kind of medicine.”
Health benefits of green coffee
Green coffee beans are not heat treated. They contain significantly less caffeine than roasted beans. This is due to the fact that the concentration of this substance increases with heat treatment product.
Green coffee has tonic and antioxidant properties. It activates mental activity. Green coffee beans are rich in useful substances:
- tannin. This substance helps to cleanse the body of heavy metals, accelerates the process of tissue repair, improves the functioning of the digestive tract;
- theophylline. It normalizes blood circulation in the body, reduces the likelihood of blood clots;
- chlorogenic acid. It is a plant based antioxidant. Chlorogenic acid improves metabolism, prevents the development of diabetes;
- lipids. They have a beneficial effect on the nervous system;
- amino acids. These substances help to increase immunity and improve appetite;
- fiber. It helps reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Green coffee should be used with caution if a pregnant woman has chronic diseases heart, gastritis, poor blood clotting.
The use of green coffee oil for cosmetic purposes
Green coffee oil is widely used in cosmetic purposes. It is present in the composition of products intended for the care of hair, face and body. Green tea oil improves hair strength. It reduces the likelihood of premature wrinkles, helps eliminate stretch marks and cellulite. Green tea oil accelerates the process of regeneration of burns and wounds present on the body.
There are the following indications for applying a mask made on the basis of green coffee:
- the presence of acne on the face;
- dull complexion;
- dry skin;
- the presence of pigment spots on the face.
A green coffee mask should be applied to thoroughly cleansed skin. Make-up is removed from the face first. The procedure can be done regularly.
A green coffee mask protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation. It has moisturizing properties. The tool fills the skin with nutrients, eliminates swelling. It has an anti-inflammatory effect.
For a nourishing mask, the following ingredients are needed:
- 20 g sour cream;
- 3 drops of green coffee oil.
Cooking:
- You need to mix sour cream with 3 drops of green coffee oil.
- The product must be applied to the face for 15 minutes.
- After this time, the mask is washed off with warm water.
- Napkins soaked in the product can be applied to the face for 20 minutes.
Useful and fruit masks. You can mix in equal proportions yogurt and ground green coffee. 1/4 of the kiwi, cut into neat slices, is added to the resulting mass. Nourishing mask applied to the face for 25 minutes. Then the agent is washed off with a sufficient amount of water.
Can I drink instant coffee while expecting a baby?
Instant coffee contains quite a lot of acids. The drink can provoke the destruction of tooth enamel. Harm instant coffee decreases if you rinse your mouth with water after using it. The drink can cause an increase in the acidity of gastric juice. The acids contained in the product have a negative effect on the condition of the gastric mucosa.
It is believed that instant powder contains approximately 15% natural coffee beans. Various impurities are added to the granules:
- powder obtained from acorns;
- cereals;
- barley;
- oats;
- stabilizers;
- flavors.
The above additives have a negative effect on the body. When consumed in large doses, the drink can cause poisoning, provoke the occurrence of diseases of the liver, heart or stomach. Therefore, when choosing coffee, preference should be given to a natural ground product.
Note! To determine the presence of impurities, you can add a couple of drops of iodine to a pre-prepared instant drink. If the color of the liquid turns blue, it is worth understanding that the cup contains low-quality coffee with impurities.
What can replace coffee during pregnancy?
Instead of coffee, a pregnant woman can drink a drink made from chicory. The plant helps to eliminate toxins from the body, improving liver function.
Chicory is rich in inulin, which helps with bloating and other digestive problems. However, it is recommended to abandon the use of the drink in case of varicose veins, hemorrhoids, gastritis and stomach ulcers.
Why shouldn’t a drink so rich in nutrients be consumed excessively while in position? Experts cannot unequivocally answer the question about the harmful effects of coffee during pregnancy. More recently, all doctors said that expectant mothers are strictly forbidden to drink it.
- coffee raises blood pressure, which increases on its own during pregnancy due to hormonal changes;
- flushes out calcium from the mother's body, which is necessary for the formation of the child's skeleton;
- increases acidity in the stomach, causes heartburn and nausea in pregnant women prone to gastritis;
- a cup strong coffee, drunk in the evening, will provide mommy with insomnia, anxiety and irritability;
- especially dangerous coffee and coffee drinks in the first trimester, when all the vital organs and systems of the child are formed. The mass of the fetus is so small that it is not able to remove caffeine, which easily enters it through the umbilical cord and placenta;
- Abuse of caffeine negatively affects the development of the baby. Every extra coffee serving leads to underweight babies;
- caffeine slows down the absorption of iron into the body. And pregnant women often suffer from anemia from the first trimester.
A small dose of coffee can:
- speed up the baby's heartbeat;
- increase nausea with toxicosis, irritating the gastric mucosa;
- remove fluid from the mother's body due to the diuretic effect. The second and third trimesters are accompanied by swelling, in which diuretic products are useful. But at first, excessive fluid loss can lead to poor blood circulation, a decrease in blood flow to the uterus, which causes an insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients to the placenta. As a result, the vessels narrow, the tone of the uterus increases;
- with excessive coffee consumption during pregnancy, there may be a threat of interruption in the early stages and premature birth due to placental abruption in the later stages.
Coffee is considered a type of recreational drug. Frequent use causes an irresistible desire in a person to drink it more and more often. Why is this happening? Already 20 minutes after drinking a cup, caffeine enters the brain, causing a feeling of joy and satisfaction. But this effect is short-lived, and after 2 hours there is a desire to brew a new portion.
Some doctors allow patients who are in position to drink coffee drinks in small quantities.
- caffeine will increase the pressure of pregnant women suffering from hypotomy;
- improve mood, as it is a powerful antioxidant;
- help to overcome stress;
- contribute to performance;
- relieves headaches
- in type 2 diabetes, caffeine will increase insulin sensitivity;
- helps to avoid constipation, thanks to a mild laxative effect.
- high pressure;
- arrhythmias, tachycardia;
- gastric ulcer, gastritis;
- toxicosis and gestosis;
- nervousness, insomnia;
- fetoplacental insufficiency;
- anemia (iron deficiency).
What coffee to choose during pregnancy
The quality of coffee directly depends on the manufacturer and the price of the product. A cheap bag of instant mix contains ten times more caffeine than a spoonful of natural ground. 3-in-1 coffee lovers should take into account that it contains not only caffeine, but also a lot of unhealthy dyes, emulsifiers and flavors. This drink should be avoided during pregnancy.
The best option would be natural grain. A small freshly brewed cup of coffee, drunk in the morning, diluted with quality cream or boiled milk will cause a minimum of harm to both mom and the unborn baby. It is important to pay attention to the type of drink. If the choice is between Robusta or Arabica, it is advisable to purchase Arabica. Its grains contain less alkaloid. Also, when buying fragrant beans, you need to look at the type of roasting. The stronger the grains are fried, the greater the concentration of alkaloids that affect the strength and peculiar flavor. Strong rich coffee is better to drink after childbirth and the end of lactation. It is not recommended for a future mother to drink coffee with a strong roast.
It is generally accepted that decaffeinated coffee during pregnancy is a complete replacement for the invigorating usual morning cup. Despite the name, caffeine is present there, although in minimum quantities. Why experts do not recommend drinking such a product even healthy people? The technology for the production of such drinks involves the use of chemicals that increase the risk of heart and vascular diseases. Such drinks are more dangerous than useful, and cannot replace natural coffee beans.
How much coffee can you drink during pregnancy
No matter how much the expectant mother loves this drink, no doctor will recommend drinking coffee during early pregnancy without good reasons (very low blood pressure).
Late to hot flavored drink benefited a woman carrying a child, precautions must be taken:
- 1 small cup is allowed 2-3 times a week. Daily dose, permissible during pregnancy 150 ml. per day.
- A teaspoon without a slide holds 3-4 g. ground coffee. When brewing, the grinding of coffee beans should be taken into account. The finer the grind, the more powder fits into the spoon. A small coffee cup (180 ml) is enough for 4 g of coffee. It will turn out a weak drink with a lower content of alkaloids. Coffee medium strong - 6 g, strong - 10 g.
- Drink coffee not on an empty stomach, but after a meal to avoid acidity, nausea, heartburn. Be sure to dilute it with milk or natural cream, which will reduce the strength.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Mineral still water, herbal, green tea, compote, juices and fruit drinks in the first trimester should be 2.5 liters. daily drinking. From the second trimester, the volume decreases to 1.5 liters.
- When drinking coffee, you need to limit other products containing alkaloid - chocolate, black tea, cocoa, cola.
Attention important! Chinese tea green varieties include caffeine, but contain vitamins A, P, C, useful during pregnancy. Drink it carefully, not exceeding a dose of 2 cups per day. .
How to replace coffee during pregnancy
How to replace an invigorating warming drink if neither black tea nor coffee can be drunk a lot? You can pick up a drink from currant leaves, fireweed, raspberries, rose hips, orange and lemon peels. They will energize, prevent colds, strengthen immune system. But you can’t get carried away with herbal preparations either. Before use, you should consult a doctor and drink decoctions no more than 2 cups a day.
Many pregnant and lactating mothers perfectly replace coffee with a barley drink. Barley does not include harmful caffeine, does not have an enticing aroma and bitter coffee aftertaste. But it contains a lot of valuable natural substances (proteins, fiber, carbohydrates), which makes the drink healthy. barley drink helps with kidney disease, stomach and intestinal disorders. Instant barley product is easy to find in stores, it is convenient for brewing and keeps everything for a long time. useful qualities. You can buy barley grains. They are fried in a dry frying pan, ground in a coffee grinder and diluted with boiling water. Then let it brew for a few minutes. Such a drink goes well with milk, sugar, cream and will be a good substitute for coffee.
Another popular substitute, reminiscent of coffee in smell and color, is chicory. It tastes good, goes well with milk and sugar. Chicory is drunk to normalize blood sugar, calm the nervous system, increase hemoglobin, cleanse the body of toxins. But a drink from chicory root has contraindications. Women suffering from varicose veins, gastritis, peptic ulcers should not use it. It also has a diuretic effect and can lead to dehydration, which is especially dangerous during pregnancy. The optimal dosage is 2-3 cups per day. It is prepared like ordinary instant drinks, simply pouring boiling water over it.
Coffee is a divine drink that has long won the hearts of people. It gives energy, protects the body from toxic effects, rejuvenates and improves metabolic processes. At the same time, it has a magical, alluring aroma and amazing taste.
Coffee fills our life with a special meaning, brings zest and variety to a boring, everyday routine. After all, how wonderful it is to be able to stop for a moment and think: about yourself, about life, about work, about loved ones, about love ... About everything!
As statistics show, many women are real coffee addicts and simply cannot imagine their life without a cup of the coveted drink.
pregnant women should not drink coffee in large doses. After all, as numerous studies have shown:
- the use of this liquid in any amount disrupts the development of the nervous system and skeleton in the fetus.
- if you drink more than three cups of coffee every day during pregnancy, the probability of not delivering a child increases by 60%.
- caffeine easily crosses the placenta and is passed through milk during breastfeeding.
- if a woman drinks a lot of coffee, blood flow to the placenta decreases, resulting in serious problems.
- frequent use caffeine can cause diabetes in an unborn child.
- the unborn baby changes the heart rate and breathing.
- the smaller the fetus, the less the body's ability to detoxify. It is because of this coffee and early pregnancy is not acceptable.
How coffee affects a pregnant woman
Many scientists classify caffeine as a drug, including it in the hundreds medicines. Thus, headache and hypertension pills are not complete without the addition of caffeine. But according to WHO criteria, such a substance as caffeine can be indicated as a conventional narcotic drug. After all, it is addictive and its action is very similar to the action of amphetamine.
Caffeine in a few seconds overcomes the blood-brain barrier and enters with the blood into the vital organs and brain of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.
Also, because of it, mood swings are aggravated, the woman feels constantly irritated and tired, she develops severe heartburn and swelling. Plus, this miracle drink interferes with the absorption of calcium, which is very necessary during pregnancy. As a result, the bones become more fragile and the teeth deteriorate.
Can you drink coffee?
Many women ask themselves the question: "Is it possible to drink coffee in small doses during pregnancy?". Unfortunately, there is still no single answer. Some doctors say that it is possible, but not a big one cup a day, while others say that it will not lead to anything good.
If without this wonderful, unique drink you can't get by, drink weak coffee brewed with filtered water. And in any case, do not buy coffee imported from countries, as very often manufacturers use banned pesticides to grow it.
You can also try coffee drinks, they have almost the same taste as coffee, but do not contain caffeine in their composition.
Some doctors advise pregnant women to drink 100 grams of weak coffee per day with milk, as it is believed that this reduces the risk of prenatal depression. But remember, it must be natural milk or cream, not 3-in-1 sachets
How to kick the caffeine habit
Even though some doctors claim that pregnant women can drink coffee in small doses, it is still better to refuse it. Indeed, during this period, a woman should only think about the health of her unborn child. Believe me, it’s better to limit yourself to low-quality food and drink this drink for nine months than to suffer all your life later.
Therefore, in order to get rid of this habit, try to constantly remember why pregnant women should not have coffee. Also try replacing it with some other drink that you also enjoy. So, for example, yogurt, juice, lemongrass or weak cocoa with milk. If there is a strong craving for a cup of aromatic coffee, do some useful work.
Weaning will be easier and more beneficial if you maintain blood sugar during this period. Therefore, eat foods rich in carbohydrates and proteins often, but in small portions. Also use special vitamins intended for pregnant women, walk more on fresh air and exercise twice a day. Thanks to this, you will not only get rid of the habit of drinking coffee, but also significantly improve your health and well-being.
Thus, after a few days of avoiding caffeine, you will feel much better, feel bad and anxiety will disappear.
