Everything changes in your pregnancy because you are responsible for nourishing your growing baby, along with yourself. Caffeine in small amounts is fine, but it can pose risks when taken in excess during pregnancy. Therefore, you need to be mindful of how much caffeine you consume to lead a healthy pregnancy.
What Exactly Is Caffeine?
Caffeine is a stimulant that is naturally present in tea leaves, coffee beans, and cocoa. It may also be present in some energy drinks and medicines. It works by stimulating your nervous system and keeps your brain alert. You can find caffeine in the following products.- Tea (especially strong chai or masala chai)
- Coffee (filter coffee, instant, cappuccino, etc.)
- Soft drinks like cola
- Energy drinks
- Chocolate and cocoa-based desserts
In this article:
How Your Body Handles Caffeine During Pregnancy
Your body breaks down caffeine easily when you are not pregnant, but this process slows down during pregnancy. Your body may keep caffeine for longer hours, leading to the following consequences.- The placenta can absorb caffeine, which can transfer to your growing baby.
- The liver and kidneys of your baby are not mature enough to process caffeine, as they are still in the developmental stage.
- Consuming too much caffeine may impact the growth and development of your baby.
Possible Risks of Too Much Caffeine in Pregnancy
Please remember that taking caffeine in small quantities is fine, but higher intake can lead to several problems in pregnancy.Risk of Miscarriage
The risk of pregnancy loss in the first trimester is higher if the caffeine intake is more than 300mg, according to many studies. This amount is equivalent to drinking about 3 cups of strong coffee or 5 cups of tea per day.Low Birth Weight
Excessive caffeine in your body may restrict the blood flow to the placenta, which affects the nutrient content reaching your baby. Therefore, your baby may not gain enough weight or experience short or long-term health issues.Preterm Birth
Your risk of preterm delivery may be higher with excessive caffeine, but the research is still ongoing.Sleep and Heart Rate Disturbances
Caffeine can keep you awake and can have similar effects on your baby by affecting their sleep pattern and heart rate inside your womb.How Much Caffeine Is Safe During Pregnancy?
Most experts, including reputed organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO), suggest limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy to less than 200mg.- 1 small cup of instant coffee = 60–80 mg
- 1 small cup of filter coffee = 100–150 mg
- 1 cup of chai = 30–50 mg
- 1 can of cola = 30–40 mg
- 50 g of dark chocolate = 20–25 mg
Why This Is Especially Important for Indian Women
Tea and coffee are not just beverages in India, but an integral part of the culture, hospitality, and daily routine. Many Indian women may consume multiple cups in a day and sometimes, on an empty stomach.Another crucial thing is that most Indian teas are brewed strongly, so they already contain a higher amount of caffeine. When you also drink soft drinks or eat chocolates, you are crossing your safe limits.
Tips to Manage Caffeine During Pregnancy
Caffeine is not harmful when you take it in limited amounts. The following tips will help you manage the intake.- Track the number of cups of tea, coffee, or cola you consume in a day.
- Use a small cup to drink beverages instead of a large mug.
- Opt for decaffeinated coffee or herbal teas (like chamomile or ginger) as alternatives.
- Dilute the strength of caffeine by adding more milk to your coffee or tea.
- Consume fresh juice or coconut water to replace energy drinks for hydration and nutrients.
- Ease into reducing your caffeine intake gradually, and avoid stopping suddenly if you are a regular caffeine drinker.
Fortunately, you don't have to give up caffeine entirely, but be mindful of consuming it within safe limits to protect your growing baby. Consult your doctor for guidance if you are unsure about your caffeine habits.
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FAQs on How Too Much Caffeine May Affect Pregnancy in Indian Women
- Do I have to stop drinking tea completely during pregnancy?
You do not have to stop consuming tea, but be mindful of your caffeine intake by keeping it under 200 mg daily. It means 2–3 small cups of tea per day are enough, depending on how strong you make it. - Is coffee more harmful than tea during pregnancy?
Coffee has more caffeine than tea, so even one strong cup can be equal to almost 3 cups of tea. Limit coffee to one cup per day, if you prefer it over tea. - Can caffeine from chocolates and soft drinks also harm pregnancy?
Chocolates, cocoa and energy drinks have caffeine, and the amount may exceed when you combine them with tea or coffee. Include their count in your daily consumption.
