Life

When Do I Have To Give Up Coffee During Pregnancy? Sooner May Be Better

by Jill Di Donato

Although it's still not determined whether or not caffeine is totally safe to consume during pregnancy, it's perfectly valid to wonder when do I have to give up coffee during pregnancy? The answer is probably as soon as you can. And if you live for venti lattes, that positive sign on your pregnancy test might have you a little, er, irritated.

The reason why doctors don't know for sure if caffeine is safe for the developing fetus is, according to Parents, because no one wants to perform the needed research (i.e. giving expectant moms caffeine) to get a definitive answer. "It isn't ethical to give 1,000 pregnant women an unknown drug and see how many have complications," OB-GYN David Elmer told Parents. Point taken.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, caffeine crosses the placenta and reaches the fetus. And, since your developing baby cannot metabolize caffeine like an adult can, it may interfere with healthy development. So with the safety of coffee being up in the air, you might be wondering about alternatives that will keep you energized while also keeping baby safe. As Mayo Clinic noted, decaf coffee contains trace amounts of caffeine — between two and 12 milligrams— so to be safe, you should probably give up any kind of beverage that contains any amount of caffeine. However, there are plenty of other ways to keep your energy up, whether it's in the morning, or during that midday slump.

1

Cold Showers

Medical Daily recommended taking cold showers to boost circulation and immunity, while also waking you up and keeping you energized. Plus, the cold water will definitely help you start your day and keep your mind off that morning cup of Joe.

2

Exercise

OB-GYN Randy Fink told Babble that fitness is a natural energy booster for expectant moms. He recommended anything that gets you moving, adding a little exercise goes a long way to energize you.

3

Herbal Teas

According to the American Pregnancy Association, the average cup of non-herbal tea contains 40 to 50 milligrams of caffeine, which is less than coffee, but still not recommended for expectant moms. Try instead an herbal tea. But even herbal teas have risks associated with them, so please discuss with your physician or midwife.

4

Sleep

Well, duh. Babble noted that the more you sleep the more your body will fight fatigue. Eight to nine hours per night is recommended.

5

Drink Water

According to WebMD, being dehydrated will zap your energy. To fight fatigue, pregnant women should drink at least a galloon of water daily.

6

Mediate

A lot of fatigue is caused by stress, according to WebMD, and well, common sense. Meditation is a great way to relieve stress, and give an expectant mom some much needed me-time before her baby is born.

7

Eat Vitamin-Rich Foods

Health educator Kathleen Hall told Babble that foods rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and vitamin B6 are all natural energy boosters. So, that means loading up on plenty of fruits and veggies like broccoli, berries, sweet potatoes, and bananas.

8

Sex

Although pregnancy sex might also tire you out, it can also give you "that glow," and make you feel great about yourself. In most cases, pregnancy sex is safe, and will boost your morale, which in turn will give you all the energy you need to enjoy your pregnancy without coffee.