Can You Drink Decaffeinated Coffee When Pregnant?
The short answer is yes, pregnant women can have decaffeinated coffee. But not as much as they would like. Generally, it is recommended to limit intake of decaffeinated coffee to one cup per day while pregnant.
Advantages of Drinking Decaffeinated Coffee
Though it is best to restrict any form of caffeine during pregnancy, decaffeinated coffee can be ideal for pregnant women due to a few advantages it has compared to regular coffee.
Here are some benefits of having decaff coffee:
- No added caffeine to disrupt natural hormones
- Hydrating and nutritious
- Just as enjoyable and flavorful
- No as many potential discomforts
Caffeine Intake in Pregnant Women
In general, more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day is said to be harmful during pregnancy. With the average cup of brewed coffee containing 95-165 milligrams of caffeine, that would mean you could consume no more than 1-2 cups of regular coffee per day.
Switching to decaffeinated coffee is a great option if you are craving coffee while pregnant but don’t want to take in too much caffeine. As decaff coffee only contains an average of 2-5 milligrams of caffeine, you can enjoy one cup without high levels of caffeine intake.
Adding Nutrition and Hydration to Your Diet
Decaffeinated coffee can be a great addition for women who are looking for more fluids or nutrition during pregnancy. It can be served either hot or iced, which can be refreshing and nutritious depending on what you add to it.
Adding things like full-fat milk, fortified plant-based milks, honey, cinnamon, and real maple syrup are all great ways to increase nutrition, hydration and flavor to your decaffeinated coffee.
In Conclusion
Drinking decaffeinated coffee can be a way to reduce potential health risks, while still allowing you to enjoy the flavor and experience of coffee.
It is recommended to limit consumption to one cup per day when pregnant and to always speak to your doctor before making any major changes to your diet while pregnant.
Having decaffeinated coffee can also be a way to add higher levels of nutrition and hydration to your diet during pregnancy.
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Whether you are pregnant or not, be sure to drink moderately, avoid sugary coffee drinks and opt for whole, nutritious ingredients when it comes to your coffee.
