Can I have coffee during pregnancy?

First, most gynaecologists agree that one cup or two is okay for most pregnant women.

Coffee in general is not a healthy drink for the pregnant women. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends limiting your caffeine consumption to fewer than 200 milligrams (mg) per day. Exceeding that amount could pose danger to both expecting mothers and the growing fetus.

Why is it harmful to drink coffee during pregnancy?

All the harmful effect of coffee has to do with the caffeine in the coffee. Other food that is rich in caffeine include tea, chocolate, soft drink.

1. Coffee can cause an increase the blood pressure

2. Coffee can cause more frequent urination. Many pregnant women experience frequent urination due to growing fetus. Coffee makes it worse as coffee is a diuretic.  

3. Caffeine and polyphenols makes it harder to absorb iron. When this happens, the pregnant women may experience anemia - a common problem during pregnancy.

4. In worse situation, coffee may trigger miscarriage and premature birth. A study conducted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists found that pregnant women who consumed more than 300mg of caffeine a day were more likely to give birth to babies who were small for their gestational age.

5. Coffee can cause a change in your baby’s sleep pattern

Remember, caffeine is a stimulant and can keep both you and your baby awake.

What can I do? 

Decaffeinated coffee is one in which the caffeine content is significantly less. You can safely opt for this healthier type of coffee when you are pregnant.

If withdrawal of coffee causes headache in you, you can consider having one cup of coffee daily.

  

In conclusion, it is better to avoid coffee and other food or drink that contains caffeine. If you cannot give up coffee completely, you should minimize the consumption to one or two cups a day.

Source: Can I drink coffee during pregnancy?