Can pregnant women rarely drink coffee? Will drinking caffeine make my baby hyperactive? Decaffeinated coffee

Expecting a baby is a happy moment for a woman. At this time, you need to carefully monitor your diet and most expectant mothers are interested in the question of whether coffee can be consumed during pregnancy in the 1st trimester.

The influence of the drink in the early stages

The habit of drinking an invigorating drink in large quantities may adversely affect the health of mother and baby. If you can’t give up completely, doctors recommend reducing coffee consumption in the first trimester of pregnancy to 1 cup.

Can pregnant women drink coffee in the first trimester? The drink is suitable for expectant mothers who do not suffer from high blood pressure. In this case, 1 cup of coffee will not cause harm.

Positive properties of coffee:

gives energy and strength. Caffeine invigorates, affecting nervous system;
is an excellent prevention of caries;
due to antioxidants, it has a positive effect on the quality of women’s skin;
the aroma has a calming effect.

In the first trimester, women often experience toxicosis. It is not recommended to drink coffee at this time, as it causes nausea.

It is forbidden to drink coffee:

hypertensive patients, women with gestosis, as well as high blood pressure;
with a lack of calcium and iron in the blood;
in the presence of any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Excessive consumption of the drink while carrying a child increases kidney function and increases the urge to go to the toilet. The drink also promotes increased salivation.

Coffee in the first trimester of pregnancy can be both beneficial and harmful.

Choice

One cup of coffee per day during pregnancy is allowed if drinking it does not cause side effects. Many women are interested in which type of drink will be more healthy and less harmful:

natural;
green;
soluble;
cafein free.

Natural coffee during pregnancy it will only bring harm. Doctors recommend completely eliminating it from the diet. Black varieties are maximally saturated with caffeine, which will negatively affect pregnancy;

The green variety is quite popular. It is allowed in the amount of 1 cup per day. It differs from others in the quality of roasting, which preserves it beneficial features and less caffeine compared to black varieties;

Soluble is the best option in the first week of pregnancy. It contains a minimal amount of caffeine, and if it is difficult to give up the invigorating drink completely, this type is allowed;

Caffeine-free - this type is not beneficial for the expectant mother and baby. It undergoes a chemical treatment, during which the good substances almost completely disappear from the grains.

In any case, you should not overuse the invigorating drink, especially during pregnancy. Each expectant mother must make her own decision and understand what is more important for her health.

Alternative

It often happens that it is very difficult to give up coffee in the first weeks of pregnancy. In this case, it can be replaced with healthier drinks that are beneficial for the body and fetal development.

The best option herbal or berry infusions will become:

raspberry leaves;
currant;
mint – fresh or dried;
dog-rose fruit;
fresh or frozen viburnum berries, blueberries, lingonberries.

The teas are tasty and healthy. They will give the body energy and strength for the whole day. You can brew one type of herb, or make a variety of herbs. Herbal infusions are recommended in the presence of edema, help cope with toxicosis, and contain vitamins.

Raspberry leaves are allowed after 34 weeks, as they help prepare the uterus for childbirth, making it more elastic. On early stages It is not advisable to brew raspberries, as this can lead to premature birth.

If there are no contraindications, it is allowed to add a teaspoon of honey to the cup. This product contains healthy sugars. Which are completely absorbed by the body.

In addition to herbal and berry teas, chicory is useful. If there is no individual intolerance, it will provide positive influence on the body.

What are the benefits of chicory:

its moderate consumption will increase the level of iron in the blood;
has a slight cleansing effect on the intestines;
maintains normal blood sugar levels;
helps with liver function.

To get the most from chicory useful substances, milk or cream is added to it.

Second and third trimester

Monitoring your diet and coffee consumption is necessary throughout pregnancy. In the second trimester, the formation of the child’s bone skeleton begins, which means calcium will become an important component of the diet. An invigorating drink washes it out of the body, which will negatively affect the development of the fetus.

In the last months of pregnancy, it is especially important to eliminate or reduce caffeine intake. In large quantities, it constricts the placental vessels, which leads to hypoxia, that is, a lack of oxygen for the unborn baby.

By suppressing appetite, coffee can contribute to weight loss and caloric undernutrition. During pregnancy, this is very dangerous, because the child will not receive enough nutrients.

One cup of aromatic drink will not harm your health if there are no contraindications to its use. After childbirth, during breastfeeding, it can cause allergic reactions in the newborn.

Will a pregnant woman drink coffee or replace it? healthy drinks and teas - this is just her choice. But while carrying a baby, it is necessary to remember that excessive abuse of this drink can harm its development.

Coffee is an aromatic drink, without which some people cannot imagine their morning. It makes it easier to wake up, and the drink also promotes the production of serotonin, which helps lift your mood. Not only men, but also women love coffee. However, there comes a time in the life of the fair sex when the diet changes. After all, while expecting a child, she is responsible for the health of the fetus and her own. Can pregnant women drink coffee?

How does caffeine affect humans?

The basis of coffee is caffeine. It is included in both natural and soluble type drink Even in decaffeinated coffee it is present in small quantities. Once in the stomach, it quickly spreads throughout the body and easily penetrates into the brain cells. Even a small concentration of caffeine in the blood is enough to have an effect on the nervous system.

What effects are observed in the human body:

Due to the effect of caffeine on blood vessels, blood pressure increases.
The pulse quickens, which can lead to tachycardia and disruption of the heart rhythm.
The respiratory center of the brain is activated. This promotes increased breathing.
Has a diuretic effect.
Thanks to caffeine, performance increases and drowsiness disappears. The duration of this effect depends on individual sensitivity to caffeine.

Can pregnant women drink coffee? Having similar properties, the drink can negatively affect a woman’s body. Therefore, the effect of the drink should be considered taking into account the characteristics of her condition.

The effect of coffee on a woman's body

The drink has been known since ancient times for its special properties. First of all, it has a tonic effect. For many people, it allows them to cheer up and finally wake up in the morning thanks to the serotonin it contains. Experts are confident that if a woman consumed the drink in large doses before conception, she should not give it up completely; it is best to reduce the number of cups per day.

The drink increases blood pressure, which can be harmful to patients who suffer from hypertension. And its high levels lead to the development of such a dangerous disease as gestosis in a pregnant woman. Therefore, if such a problem occurs, you should give up coffee. For hypotensive people, this property of the drink is not dangerous, but they also experience pressure surges, which negatively affects the heart and blood vessels.

Drinking during pregnancy can cause nervous overstimulation. This condition usually disrupts sleep.

Another negative effect of coffee is its diuretic effect. At the same time, the growing uterus is already putting pressure on the bladder. The drink increases the number of urinations in a pregnant woman, which causes an imbalance in the water-salt balance.

Can pregnant women have coffee in the morning? It increases stomach acidity. In general, drinking it on an empty stomach is not recommended; you should have breakfast first. When drinking the drink, digestive processes may be disrupted and gastric ulcers may appear. In pregnant women, drinking a cup of coffee causes heartburn and increased toxicosis.

Harm of coffee to the fetus

The drink has Negative influence not only on the body of a pregnant woman, but also on her child. After all, the fetus receives all its nutrition from its mother. When caffeine enters a woman’s body, it instantly spreads through the blood and her internal organs, including the placenta. This substance can cause a narrowing of the placental vessels, so the unborn child will lack oxygen and nutrients.

Can pregnant women drink coffee? The amount of drink is strictly limited, and its abuse can cause developmental delays in the child.

Recent studies have confirmed that drinking large quantities of coffee causes weight loss of 100-200 g. This is due to a lack of intrauterine nutrition caused by the effect of caffeine on the placenta.

The drink has a negative effect on the nervous system of not only the mother, but also the unborn child.

The dangers of coffee in the 1st trimester

Specialists pay special attention to taking the drink at the beginning of pregnancy. At this time, the formation of fetal systems and organs occurs. Caffeine can increase the contraction of the heart muscle, which can lead not only to a delay in the development of the unborn child, but also to its death.

Why shouldn't pregnant women drink coffee? A seemingly harmless drink can increase the tone of the uterus, which increases the likelihood of miscarriage by 60%. Even with a favorable outcome of pregnancy, coffee has the following harm:

an insufficient amount calcium during the formation of the child’s skeletal system;
possible development diabetes mellitus;
tendency to develop nervous excitement;
heart rhythm disturbances in the fetus;
lack of nutrients.

Modern research has found that drinking coffee is harmful during the period of preparation for conception. According to statistics, among women who cannot get pregnant for a long time, a large number of lovers of this aromatic drink.

Despite all the negative effects of coffee on the body, there is no clear point of view among doctors. After all, the harm of a drink largely depends on the quantity and quality of the drink.

Dose of coffee in the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy

Scientists are constantly conducting research on this issue. Therefore, they argue that in moderation (2-3 cups) natural coffe will not harm the body of the woman and the unborn child. This does not apply to the first months of pregnancy. Experts have come to the conclusion that you can drink no more than 150-200 ml of the drink per day.

Can pregnant women drink coffee with milk? It is best to resolve this issue with a gynecologist who is observing the woman during this period of time. This largely depends on the characteristics of the body and the condition of the expectant mother. If you have severe hypertension, coffee is strictly prohibited, as your blood pressure can rise to critical levels.

If you have problems associated with a lack of calcium in the body (headache, dizziness), drinking coffee is not recommended. After all, it flushes it out of the body, and reserves of the mineral are necessary for both the mother and her unborn baby. The drink can negatively affect the stomach and increase its acidity. But even with a woman’s absolute health, she must strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations.

How much coffee per day is acceptable?

How much coffee can pregnant women drink? It can be consumed in the following quantities:

The ideal amount is 1-2 cups (150 ml) of natural coffee per day.
It is best to add milk or cream to the drink. This will mitigate the loss of calcium from the body.
After drinking coffee, you should drink a glass of water to avoid dehydration.

How much natural coffee can pregnant women drink? It depends on many factors.

The amount of caffeine varies greatly depending on the type of coffee and its preparation process. Therefore, you won’t be able to definitely limit yourself to 2 cups.

Black coffee contains more caffeine, which also depends on its type. Arabica contains 45-60 mg of the substance, and Robusta contains 170-200 mg.

Instant coffee? Women are not recommended to drink it at all. The amount of caffeine in it is 60-80 mg, but the acidity and concentration are exceeded, which negatively affects the woman’s digestive organs. Among other things, low-quality beans are used to prepare instant coffee, and the manufacturer adds synthetic flavors to enhance the taste.

An excellent alternative could be green coffee. Due to the lack of processing, many useful substances are retained in it. When preparing coffee beans, you can independently adjust the degree of roasting and the appropriate amount of caffeine.

To figure out the permissible amount of invigorating drinks, you need to limit yourself to the following:

94 ml espresso;
liter of black tea;
200 ml cappuccino;
2 servings of Americano.

A pregnant woman must take into account the amount of coffee different varieties per day and try not to exceed them so as not to harm the body.

Can pregnant women drink coffee with milk?

To reduce the strength of the drink, you should add various additives. You can drink coffee with milk. These components go well together. After all, milk is a source of calcium, which the body of a woman and child needs. Coffee helps digest lactose. Therefore, this drink is allowed to be consumed in reasonable quantities during pregnancy.

Decaffeinated coffee

Some women try to drink a caffeine-free drink during pregnancy. However, this is a marketing ploy. This drink also contains caffeine in the amount of 9-12 mg.

Why shouldn't pregnant women drink coffee? On the one hand, a caffeine-free drink is preferable for women expecting a child, but chemical compounds are used to extract this substance from it. And they can negatively affect a woman’s health.

What drink should a pregnant woman drink?

The desire to drink coffee is not accidental. Indeed, in this case, the woman’s body lacks iron, phosphorus or sulfur.

Can pregnant women drink coffee? For replacement coffee drink you can use alternatives:

Chicory. A drink that most closely resembles coffee in color and smell. It is not harmful, and even beneficial for a woman during pregnancy. It increases hemoglobin levels, cleanses blood vessels and the liver, and also calms the nervous system.
Herbal teas that can be combined with honey and lemon. Lingonberries, mint, raspberry flowers and rose hips are suitable for its preparation.
Cocoa. The drink contains minimal amounts of caffeine. It perfectly restores strength, improves mood and has a positive effect on the digestive system.

Is coffee harmful for pregnant women? Of course, it can have a negative effect on a woman’s body if the dosage of the drink is not followed.

The basic rules for drinking the drink include:

A woman should limit the amount of coffee as much as possible during pregnancy, which proceeds without complications.
Apply only quality drink With minimum quantity caffeine
You should only drink coffee in the first half of the day and avoid drinking it at night.
Monitor blood pressure and pulse rate.

Only in this case, coffee will not harm the woman’s body and her child.

Finally

Coffee is an aromatic drink that has excellent taste properties. If used incorrectly, it can cause harm to a pregnant woman and her baby. Therefore, you should drink coffee in limited quantities and with the permission of a specialist.

Regarding the positive outcome of conception and a successfully developing pregnancy, every conscious woman in the shortest possible time completely revises her usual lifestyle, adjusting, among other things, her diet. It is known, after all, that the expecting mother is no longer responsible not only and not so much for herself and her own health: from now on, how successfully the pregnancy will develop, and how the still very small, but rapidly growing inside, will also directly depend on her. women are a new organism.

Of course, every mother strives to minimize any risks for a baby who is already living his own life, albeit intrauterine. And already from the early stages of pregnancy, the question of optimal nutrition and the permission or prohibition of certain food products arises quite acutely. Of course, if possible, mothers try to exclude all products with “synthetic” ingredients, all kinds of powerful flavors, dyes or stabilizers from the diet as much as possible, so as not to harm the baby. Those women who are used to starting the morning with a cup aromatic coffee or take a “coffee” break in the middle of the day, they are quite justifiably asking the question: is it possible during pregnancy?

It would seem that coffee is entirely natural product, no particularly dangerous “additives” can be found in it. But, at the same time, many experts strongly recommend that avid coffee lovers handle coffee very carefully, be sure to reduce the number of servings of the bitter-aromatic drink they drink during the day, and in some cases, completely exclude it from the menu. So, is it permissible to consume coffee while carrying a baby? Will “coffee break” sessions harm the growing and still defenseless new life? Should we be concerned about 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 permissible quantities?

Aromatic tonic drink - coffee

The main active component of coffee is caffeine. Caffeine is known for its tonic ability, its ability to provide an additional boost of energy and vigor. It is caffeine that is responsible for the process of “opening the eyes” and the final awakening after actually getting out of sleep.

Today, coffee is not presented on the shelves in any form: here you have coffee beans, ground coffee, already packaged in packs, instant coffee, and coffee in so-called “3 in 1” sticks. And there is also decaffeinated coffee. True, you shouldn’t be so naive to believe the manufacturers’ claims that there is no caffeine in this type of coffee: it is still contained there, only in a much lower concentration than in “classic” coffee.

Some people tend to drink 5-8 servings of coffee a day, and medical specialists unanimously condemn such eating behavior. Thus, constant pressure surges under the influence of coffee can play a very bad joke in the future on gourmets addicted to coffee - the load on the heart in such a situation is serious. And coffee does not have the best effect on the gastric mucosa, increasing acidity and, in some cases, contributing to heartburn. And therefore, it is also categorically not recommended to drink coffee on an empty stomach or immediately after waking up, without having breakfast before drinking coffee.

Coffee in large quantities is also undesirable for women because of its negative effect on the condition of the skin: abuse of the aromatic drink affects the color of the skin, thins it and dries it out. In addition, coffee does not have the best effect on the condition of teeth - tooth enamel gradually darkens under its influence. It is not surprising, therefore, that it is considered good form in “proper” coffee shops to serve ordinary clean drinking water along with the ordered coffee. But what do experts say about coffee drinking by women who are expecting?

Dangers of drinking coffee during pregnancy

As mentioned above, one of the properties of coffee is its ability to significantly increase blood pressure. It is known that during pregnancy the volume of blood circulating throughout the body and the load on cardiovascular system increases significantly, and the expectant mother simply does not need an additional surge in blood pressure. But 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 stimulation of the nervous system. Being overly addicted to coffee or savoring it in the evening, you can develop problems with sleep and get insomnia that is in no way necessary right now. By the way, this is also true for other drinks and food products that contain caffeine - Coca-Cola, chocolate, strong tea.

Coffee has a diuretic effect, and this factor also cannot be discounted. Please note that the urge to go “small” during pregnancy makes itself felt much more often: the increasing size of the uterus puts pressure on the bladder, forcing the expectant mother to make more frequent trips to the restroom. With excessive coffee consumption, the urge increases even more, which, in as a last resort, can come back to haunt you with dehydration 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 by penetrating the placenta. Thus, there is a version according to which coffee consumed during pregnancy, even in moderate quantities, can cause the birth of babies weighing 100-200 g. end badly: hypoxia and developmental delay of the child, miscarriage (coffee increases the tone of the uterus) and even, God forbid, the birth of a stillborn baby.

At the same time, other studies - they were conducted by Danish scientists - say: while pregnant, 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, is surprisingly divergent. This is why doctors always emphasize: it is advisable to discuss the permissibility of coffee consumption by an expectant 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 whether it is better to refuse the aromatic drink while pregnant. But, even if the doctor has coffee in small quantities However, he allowed it, 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 drink aside and in the future it is better to abstain from coffee.

Should you drink coffee during pregnancy?

The “horror stories” listed above will make even the most steadfast mother’s heart tremble, prompting avid coffee lovers to look for a way out of the situation in upset feelings. We dare to console you: in fact, there are no serious reasons for frustration at all: all possible Negative consequences are permissible only in the case of drinking coffee during pregnancy in larger quantities than permitted. And also - subject to an addiction to coffee in a very strong form and in high concentrations.

If a woman drinks coffee sensibly and does not “kick back” cup after cup every third hour, there is no reason to worry. Although, of course, it is better to discuss the issue of drinking coffee while carrying a baby in the early stages of pregnancy with your doctor.

In the case where a specialist “gives the go-ahead” and does not see any reasons for prohibiting the consumption of coffee, you should, of course, drink the invigorating drink without getting carried away. Firstly, you will definitely have to limit your coffee consumption by drinking one, maximum two, servings of coffee per 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” and wash away calcium, which is so important during this period, from the body. Milk or cream, which is useful to dilute coffee, will help compensate for its partial loss. 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, gastritis or peptic ulcer, coffee during pregnancy is strictly contraindicated. It is better, having such diagnoses, not to take risks, but to immediately replace coffee with a drink made from chicory root. Chicory decoction, like coffee, is known for its tonic properties, therefore, it can become a worthy alternative. aromatic drink. However, it should be remembered that chicory also has its own contraindications, which also cannot be ignored. You can also replace coffee with both a tasty and very healthy drink - cocoa. Cocoa prepared with milk will become a source of not only the calcium necessary for expectant mothers, but also vegetable protein.

In general, the advice for pregnant women, including regarding coffee, is still 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 sweets, early in the morning after light tasty breakfast, nothing will happen to the expectant mother. Although no, only good things will happen: energy, as well as mood, will increase, and life will go on as usual, joyful.

Especially for- Elena Kichak

Most modern women cannot imagine their morning without coffee. It becomes a kind of doping, thanks to which the body wakes up and prepares for a busy day of work. When a woman finds out that she is pregnant, her coffee addiction becomes something of a problem. After all, giving up a habit is very difficult. To make the right decision, it is important to figure out for yourself what the dangers of coffee during pregnancy are and what you can replace it with.

Effect of caffeine on the body healthy person quite diverse. The benefits of one cup of coffee are obvious to everyone: there is a surge of energy, improved mood, and increased performance. Coffee has the same effect during pregnancy. In addition, for hypotensive patients, a small dose of caffeine will be a temporary salvation. This action is due to the ability. Given this fact, caffeine is contraindicated for hypertensive patients.

As you get used to it, the tonic effect lasts less and less, and the number of cups you drink per day grows rapidly. At this stage, rarely does anyone think about it. Some of the most common side effects:

excessive secretion of gastric juice, which leads to heartburn and pain in the abdominal area;
decrease in calcium - bones become brittle and susceptible to fractures. Calcium deficiency in the body often provokes early osteoporosis;
tachycardia - aggravates various heart and vascular diseases.

Considering the symptoms described above, it seems clear whether pregnant women can drink coffee. However, if, long before the planned pregnancy, a woman consumed large amounts of caffeine for a long time, abrupt withdrawal can lead to deterioration in health. This appears in the form chronic fatigue, apathy, depression. To prevent this from happening, you should gradually give up your favorite drink. Ideal if pregnancy is planned. Then a number of preparatory measures should include a slow descent of the usual dose of coffee to nothing.

Why is coffee dangerous for pregnant women?

To independently conclude whether you can drink coffee during pregnancy, you should pay attention to scientifically proven side effects, which appear in the fetus at different times. Interestingly, natural coffee has a stronger effect than instant coffee.

First trimester
The most important period when they are formed internal organs and fetal systems - the first trimester of pregnancy. Right now it is important to follow the diet prescribed by the doctor and give up all foods that can have a detrimental effect on the development of the child. Including, refrain from coffee in the early stages of pregnancy, even natural coffee and milk.

Caffeine is harmful due to its ability to penetrate the barrier in the form of the placenta and, accordingly, affect the fetus. Just like in an adult, an unformed child’s blood pressure rises, the heartbeat quickens, and all organs experience enormous strain. This is the main reason why pregnant women should not drink coffee in the first months.

Second trimester
The problem of frequent urination is common among pregnant coffee drinkers during this period. The fetus is growing rapidly, and as a result, the uterus puts pressure on the bladder. The situation is aggravated by recently drunk coffee, which in itself provokes frequent urges. The whole complex creates a real problem, because of which you will have to seriously plan your route in order to find a toilet when necessary.

No less significant is the psycho-emotional state of the expectant mother. Caffeine will cause constant nervousness and excessive excitability, which is already inherent in pregnant women. Analyzing the side effects and upcoming inconveniences, coffee during pregnancy is gradually becoming a less desirable drink.

Third trimester
Much to the chagrin of coffee lovers, caffeine consumption in the last three months is also harmful. Numerous studies have proven the harmful effects of coffee during pregnancy on unborn babies. The following pathologies are quite common:

, as a result, a weak skeletal system;
chronic tachycardia;
disruption of the nervous system - nervousness, excitability;
sleep problems.

These deviations are most likely when regular use large dose of caffeine. If its value is significantly reduced, you add milk or cream to your coffee, and drink it only when you really can’t bear it, the likelihood of complications is minimized. However, this still does not give a clear answer - can pregnant women drink coffee? Because of individual characteristics body of the expectant mother, the consequences can be unpredictable.

An alternative to caffeine as a tonic drink

A number of drinks that can successfully replace coffee for pregnant women and bring significant benefits:

. A versatile drink whose taste is somewhat similar to coffee. But the benefits are many times more significant: it increases hemoglobin, regulates blood circulation, supports heart function, and calms the nervous system. Often recommended for liver and kidney diseases. But it is contraindicated for gastritis, ulcers and varicose veins. It is also worth considering that chicory stimulates the appetite. And if a woman does not plan to gain a couple of extra pounds, it is better not to lean on chicory.
- a natural antidepressant. Contains folic acid, iron, zinc. It is a source of caffeine, although not in such significant doses as coffee. But it also increases blood pressure and washes away calcium. This is why pregnant women should not drink cocoa more than one or two cups a day. It is recommended to add milk to the drink.
Weak green tea. It contains many useful substances and vitamins and is considered one of the most beneficial drinks. But, green tea leaves are also among the caffeine-containing products. In addition, they interfere with the normal absorption of folic acid. Therefore, you can drink weak green tea from the second trimester of pregnancy, no more than two cups a day.
Fruit and vegetable juices, fruit drinks. Preference should be given to natural drinks that contain all the beneficial components. Due to the high sugar and preservative content, store-bought juices contraindicated. The most suitable ones would be: apple, carrot, orange, pomegranate, beetroot.

Whether pregnant women can drink coffee or not - no one can say with complete confidence. To avoid all sorts of problems and complications, of course, it is better to say “no”. But if the desire to drink coffee comes first, then it is better to give preference to natural ground weak coffee with milk or cream and under no circumstances drink it on an empty stomach. The main thing is not to turn this into a daily tradition. The less caffeine in the body of the expectant mother, the better for both her and the child.

photo: depositphotos.com/aletia, seqoya

A woman who is expecting the birth of a child sometimes has to seriously change her lifestyle, because her main task during this period is to bear a healthy baby. This means that you need to take especially serious care of your diet and not consume foods and drinks that can harm your health. Many pregnant women have a question: should they give up their usual cup of morning coffee, or will it harm the baby? So, today we will figure out whether coffee is harmful during early pregnancy.

Is coffee dangerous during pregnancy?

Each of us knows how coffee works, and it’s not for nothing that everyone calls this drink invigorating. Once you drink a cup, drowsiness subsides and performance improves. Why does coffee have such an effect?

The caffeine contained in this drink (no matter whether grain or instant) is very quickly absorbed from the stomach into the blood, which means it is distributed throughout the body, reaching the developing embryo. Even one small cup is enough for us to feel the effect of caffeine on our nervous system.

How does coffee work:

Stimulates the vasomotor center, which is responsible for blood pressure and vascular tone. As a result, blood pressure increases.
Causes the heart to beat faster, the person's pulse increases, and also increases the reaction to other stimulants (for example, stressful situations or medications). Therefore, taking coffee during times of stress or in combination with any drugs that stimulate heart contractions can lead to tachycardia and even tachyarrhythmia (disruption of heartbeat rhythm).
Activates the respiratory center of the brain, and a person’s breathing becomes more frequent and shallow.
Increases the formation of urine and its quantity increases.
Stimulates the nerve centers of the higher parts of the brain. This is what explains the general excitement that occurs in a person after drinking coffee: reactions become faster, performance increases. This effect varies in time for different people, depending on the individual characteristics of the body and its sensitivity to caffeine. If you frequently stimulate the body with coffee, a psychological dependence may develop: without another cup of an invigorating drink, a person feels tired and sleepy.
Slows down the process of absorption of iron from food that passes through the human gastrointestinal tract. This is especially important for people who have a deficiency of this element: drinking coffee impairs the absorption of iron, which means its deficiency can become even stronger.

Is one cup of coffee a day harmful?

Many doctors believe that during a normal pregnancy, a healthy woman can safely drink one cup of coffee a day. There are even some cases where coffee can help improve your well-being:

Low pressure. When blood pressure drops significantly, many pregnant women simply drink a cup of coffee - and they feel better and their blood pressure returns to normal. But you should not abuse this method; it is better to choose other methods to increase blood pressure: side effects Coffee has more than its share of benefits.
Edema. Coffee has a diuretic effect and therefore can help combat swelling, which is characteristic of late pregnancy. But still this is not the most The best way To combat them, it is better to choose green tea for this purpose, and for severe swelling, special diuretics from the pharmacy. And be sure to consult your doctor!

So: if you do not have any health problems or pregnancy problems, you can sometimes drink a cup of this invigorating drink. But it’s better to choose quality coffee that will bring less harm health.

Natural or instant?

Experts say: coffee beans does less harm than any, even the most expensive, soluble one. And a woman who is expecting a child should choose coffee beans. IN instant coffee, especially low quality, contains a lot of “extra”: harmful additives, toxins that can harm your body and the health of the fetus more than caffeine. Remaining in the body, these substances can cause the formation of fetal defects or slow down its development, and in the early stages this is especially dangerous.

Don't drink coffee in the afternoon.
Check your blood pressure regularly. It may be elevated even if you don't feel it. Then you should refrain from drinking coffee.
Don't create it yourself caffeine addiction. If you drink this drink regularly, even once a day, your brain becomes accustomed to its effects, resulting in a physical dependence.
Drink coffee with milk. It is very important for the expectant mother to prevent loss of calcium in the body, and cream or milk will help with this.

Scientists believe that a healthy pregnant woman can drink up to 2 to 3 cups of weak coffee per day. But only small cups, not glasses!

Even during a healthy pregnancy, coffee consumption should be limited as much as possible.

When should a pregnant woman not drink coffee?

Not all pregnant women can drink coffee. There are situations when you should refuse it if you do not want to harm your baby. So, coffee is not recommended if a woman has:

Toxicosis of early pregnancy. Drinking coffee may cause increased nausea and vomiting. Once in the blood, this drink causes spasm of blood vessels, blood circulation decreases, which means that toxins that accumulate in the mother’s body are eliminated more slowly.
Poor placental circulation, abnormal placental development. Caffeine impedes blood circulation in those vessels that nourish the placenta and the fetus itself, and if such problems existed, they only get worse. If the situation is serious, drinking coffee can become one of the factors that slows down the child’s development or even lead to disturbances in its formation.
Arterial hypertension in a woman. If she was diagnosed with this before conceiving a child, drinking coffee during pregnancy is strictly not recommended. High blood pressure is especially dangerous for the expectant mother, and caffeine is known to make it even higher.
Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), irregular heartbeat. Although these problems in themselves are not usually considered something serious, they are aggravated by drinking coffee, so it is better to avoid this drink before giving birth.
Increased nervous excitability. If a pregnant woman is emotionally unstable, her mood fluctuates, she is whiny, complains of headaches, trembling hands, her body definitely does not need caffeine during this period.
Insomnia. Many pregnant women complain that they have difficulty falling asleep and often wake up. In this case, you should also not drink coffee, even in the morning.
Severe forms of anemia. Caffeine makes it difficult for the body to absorb iron, and iron deficiency can only get worse.
Gastritis with increased acidity, stomach ulcer. Coffee increases the acidity of gastric juice, so it is contraindicated for such stomach problems. At the beginning of pregnancy, many women experience stomach pain; in this case, even without gastritis, you should not drink coffee.

Drinking coffee several times a day increases cholesterol levels in the body. This is especially true for women over 35 years of age.

How to replace coffee during pregnancy?

Advising to give up coffee, doctors suggest that the young mother replace it with other drinks. What are the alternatives to coffee?

Cocoa. This drink is beneficial for pregnant women. It also contains a little caffeine, but also contains a large number of useful substances, vitamins, including iron, calcium, phosphorus, folic acid (especially important in the early stages!), and B vitamins. Cocoa improves mood and has a mild diuretic effect. You shouldn’t abuse it either, but 1 – 2 glasses of this drink a day to the expectant mother won't hurt.
Tea. Both green and black tea contain slightly less caffeine than coffee. But doctors do not prohibit pregnant women from drinking tea, emphasizing that, although not strongly brewed, this drink does not cause harm when consumed in reasonable quantities. It is better to give preference to green and white tea, and here herbal teas It should be used with caution, some herbs have a negative effect on the health of the fetus.
Chicory. This is an almost ideal coffee substitute for pregnant women. It brings only benefits, does not contain caffeine and has virtually no contraindications. It also has a coffee-like taste, which is important for coffee lovers.
Decaffeinated coffee. In fact, this drink also contains caffeine, only in smaller quantities. It would seem that, great option for those who love the taste of coffee. But doctors claim that this drink is harmful: it contains much more toxins and other harmful substances, so this coffee is also not suitable for pregnant women.

Tea, like coffee, increases the leaching of calcium from the body, so pregnant women should drink these drinks with caution.

Conclusion

Let us summarize the justification and possibility of drinking coffee during pregnancy.