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Coffee is the favorite beverage of many people. But what if you are pregnant? Can you drink decaf coffee while pregnant? Is it safe for pregnancy?
We all know that the amount of caffeine that we consume will be registered in our bodies and can affect our sleep and overall well-being.
But does this routine have to end just because you’re pregnant?
This article explains it all.
What Is Decaf Coffee?
Decaf coffee is simply coffee that has had its caffeine content removed for health reasons and therefore has a few more benefits for people who suffer from acidity issues, GERD, gastritis, or other gastrointestinal problems.
The process of decaffeination is usually accomplished through a chemical process that removes the caffeine without affecting the flavor of the coffee or evoking any ill effects.
It is important to note that just because coffee has been decaffeinated does not mean that it will have no nutritional value.
Can You Drink Decaf Coffee While Pregnant?
According to many health experts, consuming 1-2 cups of decaf coffee per day won’t hurt your pregnancy.
It’s also true that there is no safe level of caffeine while you are pregnant, it’s, however, recommended to not go overboard, even though it’s decaffeinated coffee that you’re drinking.
Since there is very little caffeine, decafs do not pose a risk to a developing fetus.
However, since decaf coffee remains highly acidic, it can potentially affect the amount of iron in breast milk.
So, as for everything, drink your decaf coffee with moderation while pregnant.
Does Decaf Coffee Have Caffeine?
Yes, there is caffeine in decaf coffee.
However, decaf coffee contains very much less caffeine than regular coffee.
Contrary to popular belief, caffeinated and decaffeinated coffees are not equivalent nutritionally.
In fact, decaf coffee has been found to contain significantly lower levels of calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron than caffeinated coffee.
How Much Caffeine Is In Decaf Coffee?
The amount of caffeine that is naturally in coffee depends on the type of coffee bean.
Decaf Hawaiian coffee will have more caffeine in it than decaf Colombian coffee.
So, in order to determine how much caffeine is in decaf coffee, you must first know what type of bean it is made from.
The process of decaffeination normally removes anywhere from 85% to 95% of the original caffeine content.
What Does Caffeine Do In The Body?
Caffeine is a stimulant, and if consumed in large doses, it can cause miscarriage.
It increases the heart rate and blood pressure in the body.
Caffeine is a diuretic thus causing increased urination in the body which can result in dehydration if not closely monitored.
And yes, decaf coffee contains caffeine too!
Although most of its chemical properties are filtered out by water when brewing coffee, there are still some left in it that may be harmful to your health when you are pregnant.
But, most of the time, it does not pose a problem to pregnant women.
Is Decaf Coffee Safe?
The use of decaffeinated coffee during pregnancy has been the subject of debate.
Research into whether or not it is safe is ongoing.
Decaf coffee contains less caffeine than regular coffee. This is because the caffeine in decaffeinated coffee is removed by soaking the beans at high temperatures through a process called Swiss Water Decaffeination.
This process removes approx. 99% of the caffeine from the beans, making it practically safe to drink during pregnancy.
However, pregnant women are cautioned against drinking caffeinated beverages.
It may cause heartburn and decreased blood clotting which can be harmful to babies born prematurely or with low weight.
How Often Can I Drink Decaf Coffee While Pregnant?
Many women enjoy drinking decaf coffee while pregnant but are unsure how often they can drink coffee.
The real question is how much decaf coffee is safe during pregnancy.
There is a concern that caffeine consumption may contribute to low birth weight, premature labor, miscarriage, and other complications for the fetus.
There is no evidence to suggest that moderate caffeine consumption poses any risk to women or their babies.
What Decaf Coffee Brand Is Good?
So, you’ve got clearance to drink decaf coffee while pregnant, but which brand of coffee is good to drink?
There are many kinds of decaf coffees out there.
It all depends on your preference for taste, texture, aroma, etc.
I have a blog post on the 6 Best Decaf Coffee Brands that I recently published. You can definitely check that out as well as this link above.
Final Thoughts
So, in conclusion, there are some concerns when it comes to drinking decaf coffee while pregnant.
However, if consumed in moderation and with medical consultation it should pose no health risks to your baby or yourself during pregnancy.
It is always important to be mindful of the amount of coffee that you consume.
Be sure to drink decaf in moderation so that you do not exceed the recommended dosage of caffeine for pregnant women.
As always, talk to your doctor before if you’re not too sure.
