Can you drink coffee during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

When I hear "Coffee wakes me up," I know you're really talking about the caffeine it contains . Indeed, the main source of caffeine in the human diet is coffee . But don't forget about tea. Caffeine is also present in products containing cocoa beans (i.e. chocolate), energy drinks and Coca-Cola . This substance is also used in the production of dietary supplements and painkillers . Taking into account the relatively high prevalence of caffeine in food products, it can be concluded that it is currently the most widely consumed psychoactive substance.

Coffee during pregnancy – can it be harmful?

The average daily caffeine intake in European countries ranges from 280-490 mg. This equates to approximately 3-5 cups of coffee (one cup of coffee has an average of 96 mg of caffeine). We attribute its stimulating properties, "clearing the mind" in the absence of sleep. However, excessive caffeine consumption may cause negative health consequences , such as psychomotor agitation, insomnia, headaches, and gastrointestinal complaints.

Caffeine is quickly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, and its maximum concentration in the blood is achieved 1-1.5 hours after consumption. This substance easily penetrates the blood-brain barrier and the placenta , and also passes into the amniotic fluid or breast milk . The advantage is that it does not accumulate in the body. However, caffeine metabolism is slowed down in pregnant women. Therefore, this compound stays in the body longer. By penetrating the placenta or into mother's milk, caffeine is passed on to the baby , who is much less able to cope with it.

How does caffeine affect pregnancy and the baby?

Researchers have noted that the greater the consumption of coffee and caffeine-containing products in pregnant and lactating women, the lower the child's IQ value . These data support current guidelines for pregnant and breastfeeding women. During this period, it is recommended not to exceed the limit of 200 mg of caffeine per day. On average, this dose is contained in one cup of coffee, one glass of tea and a bar of chocolate. However, during studies comparing the effects of drinking 2 cups of caffeinated and caffeine-free coffee per day during pregnancy, no differences in the average birth weight of children and the average duration of pregnancy were noticed.

According to current knowledge , moderate or occasional caffeine consumption (one or two cups of coffee or its equivalent) by pregnant and lactating women is not associated with adverse effects, but it also depends on other health conditions and lifestyle.

Is it worth giving up caffeine during pregnancy and lactation?

Taking into account the well-being of the child during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is worth considering giving up coffee and other sources of caffeine . However, if this option is not an option, remember not to exceed 200 mg of caffeine per day . Additionally, when breastfeeding, take into account the timing of drinking coffee/tea in relation to feeding your baby.

It is best to drink coffee immediately after feeding and avoid it for at least 4 hours before breastfeeding to minimize your baby's exposure to caffeine. This rule should also be implemented in the case of other drinks containing caffeine - e.g. tea.

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