Coffee during pregnancy: Here’s the tea!

Black, sweet, or frothy… regardless of how you like your coffee, there is no denying that most of us can’t start our day without a cup of joe. Coffee is what gets most of us out of bed and keeps us going through the day. So I can only imagine the shock that comes with being told you can’t drink coffee when you get pregnant. Oh wait, I don’t have to imagine it, because I’ve lived the nightmare. On one hand, you have this beautiful life growing inside you. A life you’d do anything for. But on the other hand, you have to give up on something that’s been an integral part of your daily routine for years. 

Several studies have suggested that drinking coffee during pregnancy can harm the fetus and even cause miscarriage. Is there any truth to it? Or is it just an old wive’s tale? Here’s what I found out!

Can women drink coffee during pregnancy?

Yes, pregnant women can drink coffee. Well, that’s the short answer but there is a little more to it. Coffee in moderation is permitted when you are pregnant. But what about the effects of caffeine on the fetus? Well, the studies are not wrong. Caffeine up to 180 grams is considered to be safe for pregnant women and anything above that is not recommended. When I got pregnant with my first son, I gave up on coffee completely but went through hell (caffeine withdrawal is no joke). With my second and third pregnancy, I had learnt a bit about caffeine and indulged in a small cup of coffee once in a while and other than the fact that they are arrogant brats, my kids turned out just fine. 

If you really cannot give up on your cup of joy, I suggest cutting it down to a small cup of coffee when you are really craving for it and eventually cut it out completely. But please do consult your doctor before you get to brewing a fresh cup of coffee or head to Starbucks.

**As per recent studies:

“Coffee is one of the most common sources of high caffeine intake. During pregnancy, caffeine clearance from the mother’s blood slows down significantly.”

You can read more about it here.