When pregnant, you must consider many things you might not have thought about before. What kind of birth are you going to have? Are you going to breastfeed or formula-feed? And, of course, what will you eat and drink during pregnancy?
One of the most common questions Australian women ask is whether they can continue drinking coffee while pregnant. After all, coffee is a staple in so many people’s diets. So, can you drink coffee when pregnant? We’ve collaborated with one of the top Australian coffee companies, Glasshouse Mountains Coffee, to give you the low-down.
The Benefits of Drinking Coffee While Pregnant
Coffee is a healthy drink when consumed in moderation. Coffee beans are packed with antioxidants, which can help to protect your cells from damage. Antioxidants are essential for pregnant women because they can help reduce the risk of birth defects.
Read More: Things To Keep In Mind During Pregnancy
Coffee can also help improve your mood and energy levels, which is essential when dealing with the physical and emotional changes that arise with pregnancy. And, if you’re struggling with morning sickness, a cup of coffee can help to settle your stomach.
Of course, as with anything, it’s important to moderate. Too much caffeine can lead to unpleasant side effects like anxiety, headaches, and trouble sleeping. And, of course, you always like to make sure you’re drinking pregnancy-safe coffee.
How Much Coffee Is Safe To Drink While Pregnant?
Sipping one or two cups of coffee daily during pregnancy is considered safe. However, it’s important to remember that every pregnancy is different. Some women might be more sensitive to caffeine than others. Talk to your doctor or midwife if you’re worried about how much caffeine you’re consuming. They’ll be able to offer specific advice based on your situation.
Moreover, it’s important to remember that coffee isn’t the only source of caffeine. Caffeine is also found in tea, energy drinks, sodas, and chocolate. So, if you’re trying to reduce your caffeine intake, it’s important to be aware of all the places it might be hiding.
Also Read: When do pregnancy cravings start?
Tips for Reducing Caffeine Intake If You’re Worried About It
If you’re worried about your caffeine intake, you can do a few things to reduce it. First of all, switch to decaf coffee. Decaf coffee still has some caffeine, but it’s much less than regular coffee. You can also try drinking coffee alternatives like herbal tea or chicory coffee.
Another great way to reduce your caffeine intake is to cut down on the amount of coffee you’re drinking. If you drink two cups of coffee daily, try switching to one cup. Or, if you can’t imagine giving up your second cup of coffee, try reducing the amount of coffee you’re using. Many people use more coffee than they need to make a strong cup, so you might be surprised at how little you need.
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How To Make Sure Your Coffee Is Pregnancy-Friendly?
When pregnant, it’s important to ensure you’re drinking pregnancy-safe coffee. Here are some things to keep a sight out for:
- Make sure your coffee is organic. Pesticides, as well as chemicals, can be harmful to one developing baby.
- Choose fair trade This guarantees that the coffee farmers are compensated fairly for their efforts.
- Avoid coffee that’s been treated with chemicals. Some coffee companies use harmful chemicals to process their beans.
- Make sure your coffee is fresh. Coffee that has been sitting around for a while could perhaps lose its flavor and nutrients.
- Choose Arabica beans over Robusta beans. Arabica beans are generally of higher quality and have more antioxidants.
The Best Time Of Day To Drink Coffee While Pregnant
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. It depends on your individual schedule and preferences. If you’re a morning person, you might want to drink your coffee first thing in the morning. Or, if you’re trying to cut down on your caffeine intake, you might want to save your coffee for later in the day. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide the best time to drink coffee.
Final Words
So, can you drink coffee when pregnant? The answer is: it depends. While there are some risks associated with drinking coffee while pregnant, for the most part, moderate caffeine consumption is considered safe. If you’re unsure about whether or not drinking coffee is right for you, speak to your doctor – they will be able to advise you on the best course of action based on your individual health and pregnancy status. Thanks for reading!