Safe limit of coffee for pregnant mothers
Expectant mothers may drink coffee as long as they pay attention and adhere to the restrictions established by the physician.
Coffee is one of the drinks favored by many people, including pregnant women. Unfortunately, many say that pregnant women are not allowed to drink coffee because it contains caffeine that is harmful to the fetus in the womb.
Do you believe in the assumption? If not, luckily. The reason is, many health experts agree that pregnant women are still allowed to drink coffee. As long as, the amount of coffee consumed is no more than the recommended dose.
Coffee for expectant mothers
Expectant mothers are obliged to limit the number of copies to no more than two cups or equivalent to 200 milligrams of caffeine per day. To prevent this amount from being exceeded, here is information on the amount of caffeine in some types of beverages and foods:
- One cup of instant coffee contains if 100 milligrams of caffeine
- One cup of tea contains about 75 milligrams of caffeine
- One packaged soda drink contains approximately 40 milligrams of caffeine
- Chocolate weighing 50 grams contains 25 – 50 milligrams of caffeine.
- 25 – 50 mg caffeine 50 grams of chocolate.
If the expectant mother does not comply with these caffeine consumption restrictions, either derived from coffee or another intake, the adverse effects will occur as follows:
1. Anxiety disorders. Coffee can make pregnant mothers experiencing anxiety disorders, which will interfere with their daily activities.
2. Insomnia. Excessive consumption of caffeine can make expectant mothers sleep at night.
3. Heart pounding and increased blood pressure. Caffeine consumption can interfere with the work of the heart, so it will experience the feeling of palpitations and increased blood pressure.
4. Acid reflux stomach. Caffeine can increase stomach acid. If not resolved appropriately, the gastric acid reflux or esophagus can occur.
5. Anemia. Caffeine in coffee can interfere with the absorption of iron. One of the complications that can occur due to this condition is the anemia alias less blood.
6. Miscarriage. Pregnant women who consume caffeine as much as 200 milligrams or more each day have the possibility of two times higher to have a miscarriage.
Do not stop there, pregnant mothers who consume coffee or food or drink containing caffeine more than the amount that has been set also potentially cause the fetus in danger. This is because the caffeine that enters the body of the pregnant mother in excess amount can be channeled directly into the fetus's body, so that will happen is:
- The baby is riskier to suffer anemia
- Babies will be born with low body weight conditions
- Of fetus defect
- Children's brain development will experience obstacles
- Baby is born as a hyperactive child (ADHD).
Surrogate coffee for expectant mothers
If you are worried about the potential occurrence of harm due to consuming coffee or excess caffeine, better pregnant women choose other types of intake such as fruit juice, coconut water or infused water.
Furthermore, for pregnant mothers who want to be healthy and can give birth to babies with "perfect" condition, some other things to note is to regulate diet. Here is a good eating menu composition for expectant mothers:
1. Carbohydrate
During pregnancy, you need an additional 200 – 300 calories per day. These needs can be fulfilled by consuming carbohydrates, derived from grains such as oats, wheat bread, cereals, and red rice.
2. Protein
Meeting the needs of proteins is essential to help the development of organs in the fetus. Proteins can be obtained from red meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, and the like.
3. Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fibers that also maintain the condition of the mother or fetus during pregnancy. Some types of fruits and vegetables that can be chosen, namely spinach, broccoli, papaya, avocado, mango, apple, and the like. Make sure the vegetables and fruits consumed are natural aliases that do not contain preservatives or packaged in cans.
4. Milk and dairy products
Cow's milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream can be consumed according to the needs, to help meet the needs of calcium, vitamin D, and protein.
Pregnant women are not allowed to drink coffee. However, expectant mothers must know and understand the limits of coffee consumption and other types of caffeine-containing intake, to avoid adverse side effects. Do not forget to do regular pregnancy screening, so that the condition of the mother or fetus in the womb is always maintained.