What is better for pregnant coffee to drink tea. Do's and don'ts during pregnancy. Coffee is allowed, but not for all pregnant women

Pregnant women often become hostages to their situation. They have to limit themselves in certain types of entertainment, give up bad habits and take medications, and, finally, scrupulously revise their usual diet. The last point is especially controversial, since some women do not consider pregnancy a disease that requires adherence to a diet, while others are very careful about their new menu. And this is where serious problems begin. If you can easily refuse some products or at least replace them, then what to do with coffee. Indeed, many of us simply cannot imagine our morning without the invigorating aroma and unsurpassed taste of Arabica. To dispel all misunderstandings on this score, we propose to understand how coffee affects pregnancy, is this drink so dangerous, how doctors scare and how to drink coffee in a "delicate" position.

Coffee during pregnancy. How frequent drinking of coffee affects the female body

Drinking one cup of a fragrant drink made from coffee beans, we fill our body not only with cheerfulness and a pleasant sensation of taste, but also get more than 1000 different substances. More than a third of these elements are aromatic compounds that give coffee its main zest - aroma.

Alkaloids are second in number - tonic compounds that provide a burst of energy after each serving of coffee. The main place among them is caffeine. Its concentration depends on the type of coffee, but on average, one coffee spoon of ground coffee contains about 0.2 g of caffeine.

What else makes coffee so healthy? It turns out that it contains enough vitamins, mineral salts and carbohydrates. In addition, scientists argue that the chemical composition of coffee beans has not been fully studied and many components have not yet been identified.

100 g of ground coffee contains 50% of the daily requirement of vitamin B2, D, phosphorus and iron, as well as 132% of the daily requirement of vitamin PP, and 20% of sodium, calcium, amino acids and carbohydrates.

Interesting! An alkaloid is present in coffee beans, which, during roasting, depletes the characteristic aroma and is converted into niacin. And she, in turn, actively affects the nerve center.

Such a multifaceted composition makes coffee both useful and hazardous to health. But how the drink will affect you depends on the individual characteristics of your body and the amount of coffee you drink.

If we briefly describe the beneficial properties of coffee, then moderate consumption of the drink (up to 2-3 cups per day) has such a positive effect on health:

provides a good mood;
gives a feeling of a surge of strength for a long time;
increases efficiency, concentration of attention;
stimulates the intestines;
prevents the appearance of caries;
contribute to the stabilization of the state in case of vegetative-vascular dystonia and hypotension;
exhibits a stable antioxidant effect;
eases the condition with exacerbation of bronchial asthma;
reduces the risk of developing cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

On a note! Coffee during pregnancy is sometimes the safest remedy for low blood pressure, which often annoys women in the first weeks after conception.

The main consequences of abuse of this drink are:

urolithiasis disease;
potassium deficiency;
increased cholesterol;
exacerbation of migraine attacks;
dehydration;
hypertension.

Important! Caffeine belongs to the class of light narcotic compounds, which is why many coffee lovers are addicted to coffee, both physically and mentally.

Coffee during pregnancy: is it possible or not?

Many women are frightened by the loud statements of experts that coffee and carrying a baby are completely incompatible. Therefore, all pregnant women are advised to refrain from drinking a caffeine drink prior to childbirth. But how justified is this? Indeed, there is a lot of reliable research data on the negative effects of caffeine on the fetus and woman.

Official statistical reports suggest that drinking coffee during early pregnancy often ends in miscarriage, and in the last weeks - premature delivery. But such consequences threaten not women who occasionally allow themselves a cup of weak coffee, but avid coffee lovers who drink many servings of strong espresso.

To solve the dilemma of whether coffee can be used during pregnancy, Danish scientists conducted an experiment. Its results showed that a woman in a position can safely drink up to 150 mg of coffee. This is enough for vivacity, well-being, and complete safety of the baby.

Similar studies have been carried out in collaboration with American, Australian and European scientists. In 2010, they provided a recommendation for a 200 g daily allowable dose of caffeine. This amount corresponds to 2 servings.

Important! These guidelines are intended for healthy women who have an uncomplicated pregnancy. If a woman has liver disease, kidney disease, anemia, then it is better not to drink coffee. Especially dangerous can be coffee during pregnancy in the 3rd trimester, if there is a highly progressive gestosis.

Coffee during pregnancy. Why women in position have different attitudes towards coffee

If a woman before conception was not fond of coffee, then the question of its use rarely arises. And sometimes even his intolerance may occur, especially during the period of toxicosis. In women, the coffee aroma can provoke a sharp attack of vomiting, mild malaise, and even fainting.

Interesting! Berlin scientists have established an interesting fact. Women who drink a lot of coffee have a much harder time getting pregnant. Therefore, when planning a pregnancy, it is better to exclude coffee from the list of favorite drinks.

Why can't other women refuse coffee, they brew it over and over again? There are two reasons for this. The first is the desire to constantly receive energy "recharge". No matter how unrealistic it may seem, coffee really causes addiction along with smoking and the use of energy drinks. Once in the body, caffeine is absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the brain, and there it activates the synthesis of dopamine. This neurotransmitter induces the desired feeling of joy, vigor, and drive. But this effect is short-lived, and after 2-3 hours the body begins to demand another portion of caffeine.

The second reason a pregnant woman wants coffee is because of iron deficiency in the body. Its lack causes oxygen starvation in the mother and fetus, feeling unwell and fatigue. But in such a situation, you do not need to succumb to the temptation and improve your well-being with the next portion of coffee. It is better to tell the doctor about the problem, to do an examination and if the deficiency is confirmed, to undergo treatment.

Harmful properties of coffee or why coffee is not allowed during pregnancy

Those women who have no obvious contraindications to coffee can safely enjoy coffee and at the same time receive tangible benefits from it. For pregnant women with hypotension and vegetative dystonia, weak coffee is recommended. But the main condition is to consume it after breakfast.

Coffee will also be useful during pregnancy from the 2nd trimester if a woman suffers from physiological edema. This is due to the strong diuretic effects of coffee beans. But this method of getting rid of edema is appropriate only in the absence of preeclampsia, proteinuria and iron deficiency anemia.

Much to the chagrin of coffee lovers, the list of its beneficial qualities during pregnancy is limited to this. But the list of possible negative reactions is much longer.

The undesirable consequences of coffee abuse can occur at all stages of gestation and be of different nature:

Due to its diuretic effect, coffee is able to flush vital calcium, phosphorus and potassium from the body. This threatens with impaired development of the skeleton in the fetus and osteoporosis for the mother.
Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee in the second trimester of pregnancy leads to underweight in the fetus.
Caffeine increases blood pressure, which is accompanied by vasoconstriction, including the vasculature of the placenta. This provokes phytoplacental insufficiency and oxygen starvation of the fetus.
All components of coffee can overcome the placental barrier and provoke a change in the baby's heart rate.
An overdose of caffeine causes nervous overstrain in women: insomnia, irritability, anxiety, aggressiveness.

Important! Drinking coffee against the background of hypertonicity of the uterus may result in a miscarriage.

When drinking coffee during pregnancy is prohibited

Coffee is a conditionally hazardous product during gestation, so if you cannot refuse it, you need to consult a doctor to rule out the presence of contraindications. These include the following conditions and diseases:

Hypertension
Diseases of the digestive system.
Tachycardia.
Toxicosis and gestosis.
Sleep problems.
Anemia.
Loss of appetite.
Violation of phytoplacental blood flow.

In such situations, even weakly brewed coffee can greatly aggravate a woman's condition.

How to drink coffee for pregnant women

In order for a cup of invigorating drink to benefit the pregnant woman and not harm the baby, doctors strongly recommend adhering to the rules of safe coffee:

Coffee is allowed to be drunk only after a meal, because if it gets into an empty stomach, caffeine will irritate the mucous membranes and provoke nausea, heartburn and stomach pains.
It is better to dilute coffee with milk or natural cream. This will lower the strength of the coffee slightly and will also help replenish the calcium supply.
Coffee makes you dehydrated, so after every cup of coffee you need to drink 3 glasses of mineral water to restore the disturbed water balance.
When drinking coffee, you need to consider the caffeine content of other drinks.

What type of coffee is better to give preference to during pregnancy?

The assortment of coffee is large, so it is not always clear for a woman which variety is best to use during pregnancy. There are no clear instructions on this, but experts advise buying only natural coffee beans in order to exclude the presence of third-party additives.

Black coffee during pregnancy

In stores, you can buy coffee in beans or already ground, of varying degrees of grinding, in the form of a mixture or a specific type. It all depends on your preferences. But it should be borne in mind that the degree of roasting of the beans affects the strength of the drink. The longer they are fried, the more alkaloids are formed. Therefore, it is better for women to choose not very roasted coffee with milk during pregnancy.

There is one more important point. All coffee comes in two flavors - arabica and robusta. Arabica is distinguished by its noble sourness, delicate taste and aroma, and the weakness of the drink. And robusta is much inferior in taste, but there is much more caffeine in it.

On a note! The degree of extraction of coffee is influenced by its grinding. The finer the grind, the richer the drink will be.

Instant coffee during pregnancy

It is mistakenly believed that instant coffee is less dangerous because it contains less caffeine. This is not entirely true, since this type of coffee is made from sorted robusta beans. And the caffeine concentration can even be higher than that of regular brewed coffee.

Another reason to refuse this type of coffee is its undefined composition. Experts say that in instant coffee, coffee extract is only 15-25%, and the rest is chemical additives. Therefore, it is simply impossible to speak of its naturalness.

The same goes for your favorite 3in1 drinks. There, in addition to flavorings, there are vegetable fats and preservatives.

Decaffeinated coffee during pregnancy

Coffee labeled “caffeine-free” is considered a fraudulent practice. Although the beans are processed to lower the concentration of caffeine, it still remains in the beans. In addition, many experts are of the opinion that such coffee is not only useless, but also dangerous. Because different solvents are used to extract caffeine.

Several studies have shown that decaffeinated coffee leads to the development of atherosclerosis.

Not the best way to extract caffeine affects the taste of coffee. It becomes unscented and insipid in taste. Therefore, it is better to refuse such processed coffee and use natural varieties with a low caffeine content.

Is there an alternative to coffee during pregnancy

If coffee is absolutely contraindicated for you, but you really want to pamper yourself with something aromatic and invigorating, there is a very good way out - to brew a coffee drink on a plant basis.

You may have noticed drinks containing chicory, barley, herb and berry extracts on the supermarket shelves. They can be in the form of a soluble powder or a ground raw material that must be pre-welded.

Chicory instead of coffee during pregnancy

An excellent substitute for coffee is chicory root. After preparation, a drink based on it is very similar to the taste and smell of instant coffee. Chicory has many beneficial properties and is not contraindicated during gestation:

It stabilizes blood glucose levels.
Raises hemoglobin.
Has a cleansing effect.
Improves appetite.
Shows a sedative effect.

It is impossible to use chicory only for stomach diseases and varicose veins.

Chicory has a diuretic effect, so you shouldn't drink more than 3-4 cups a day. You need to prepare a drink according to the recommendations on the package. In most cases, it is sold in powder form, which must be mixed with sugar and boiled over. To improve the taste, you can add cream, condensed milk or milk.

Barley instead of coffee during pregnancy

The barley drink is also caffeine-free and rich in vitamins and minerals. It is very different from coffee, but it has a pleasant taste and fresh aroma. Unlike chicory, this product has no contraindications.

A barley drink is prepared in the same way as coffee. It can be a standalone drink or is part of combined coffee blends containing chicory, herbs, rose hips, berry powder.

"Kurzeme" instead of coffee during pregnancy

This is another well-known coffee drink. It contains roasted and finely ground chicory and cereals (oats, barley, rye).

This is a real lifeguard for pregnant women. It is even served in perinatal centers and maternity hospitals as a general tonic. "Kurzeme" protects the cardiovascular system, increases appetite, and supports the kidneys.

This drink is combined with milk, cocoa, hot chocolate, juices.

Ultimately, it is up to the pregnant woman to decide whether to drink coffee or not. But you should always remember that in large quantities, even vitamins can become poison, and vice versa. Therefore, if you drink only 1 cup of coffee, you can recharge yourself with positive emotions without harming your baby. And in case of abuse, you can face many problems during pregnancy. Be attentive to your health!

Video "Coffee and Pregnancy"

Coffee during pregnancy

Probably, almost every woman thought about whether it is possible to drink coffee during pregnancy? On this issue, the opinions of scientists differ. Some believe that in the early stages of pregnancy, this drink does no harm to either the fetus or the mother. Others insist not to drink. So who should you believe?

Recent studies by gynecologists have shown that drinking coffee while pregnant can lead to negative consequences. Studies have been conducted on hundreds of women. 90% of those who found out about their position did not stop drinking coffee. Among these women, 80% of babies were born early.

Those women who drank instant coffee were much more likely to experience swelling and bouts of heartburn. In addition, they often suffered from cystitis. Based on the data obtained, the doctors conducted an analysis and came to the following conclusion: drinking coffee during pregnancy increases the risk of developing complications, both from the unborn baby and from the side of the mother's body.

In addition, it is recommended to give up coffee and those women who are just planning a pregnancy. If a woman consumes just one cup of coffee every day, then her chances of getting pregnant are reduced by 10%. At first glance, everything is not so scary. However, if more of this drink is drunk per day, for example 4-5 cups. It is not difficult to calculate the results.

Coffee is addictive. Therefore, drinking it during pregnancy will not be very easy for those who are accustomed to it. In order not to torment yourself, it is recommended to replace regular coffee with decaffeinated coffee. It, of course, differs from natural coffee in taste, but still helps the body to get rid of caffeine. addiction during pregnancy.

Some people think that coffee with milk does not cause any harm to the body, since milk neutralizes the negative effects of caffeine. However, this opinion is erroneous. Milk only changes the taste. Therefore, it is better to drink tea with milk rather than coffee during pregnancy.

Tea during pregnancy

Tea can be a good alternative to coffee. But the choice of tea also needs to be taken seriously, since not all tea will go to the benefit of the expectant mother and baby. For example, black tea contains theanine, which in large quantities can harm the fetus.

Many people think that herbal teas are the best drink for a pregnant mom. But this opinion is not entirely correct either. These types of tea should be chosen with care. And it is best to consult a doctor first. After all, some herbs contained in teas can not only badly affect the fetus, but also lead to premature birth or provoke a miscarriage.

Before you start drinking tea from the kidneys, it is also recommended to first consult with your doctor. Excessive consumption of this tea can lead to the leaching of useful elements from the body, xy edema, and even metabolic disorders.

To make it easier for you to decide on the choice of tea, below will be described all the positive and negative properties that different varieties of this drink have.

Green tea

Despite all its beneficial properties, doctors do not recommend using it during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that green tea is able to interfere with the absorption of folic acid by the body. And this element is extremely important for the expectant mother. Folic acid is responsible for the correct laying and further formation of the internal organs of the unborn baby. Lack of this substance can lead to abnormalities in the development of the fetus.

Insti tea

Many people prefer to drink it during the flu and cold. Medical reviews about this tea are ambiguous. Some believe that it is absolutely safe, while others argue that it is not worth the risk, since its frequent use may affect the unborn child. Therefore, if you decide to drink this tea, first consult your doctor.

Lime tea

This tea can be an excellent alternative to pharmacological drugs for colds. Linden tea will help get rid of headaches, it relieves nasal congestion and normalizes the nervous system. And if you add raspberries to linden tea, you can achieve an antipyretic effect. Just do not forget that raspberries are a powerful perspiration. Therefore, immediately after drinking such tea, it is necessary to go to bed. Linden tea with honey is an excellent soothing remedy.

Tea with lemon

This tea tones up well. In addition, lemon contains vitamin C, which is very beneficial for our health.

Chamomile tea

Of course, this tea is useful, but it should be used with caution during pregnancy. Chamomile has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and sedative effect, in addition, it stimulates the production of estrogen by acting on the ovaries. Therefore, gynecologists do not recommend drinking chamomile tea to those who have even the slightest threat of miscarriage. If pregnancy proceeds without complications, then it is recommended to drink no more than half a liter of such tea per day, and then only with the permission of a doctor.

Mint tea

At a young age of pregnancy, this tea can help eliminate the symptoms of toxicosis. In addition, it relieves puffiness well. The main thing is to choose natural teas with mint. It is best to add fresh or dry mint leaves separately to your tea. It is recommended to drink no more than a liter of it during the day. Lemon balm tea has similar properties.

Ginger tea

This tea will help to cope with toxicosis. Ginger quickly and permanently relieves nausea, and its effect lasts about ten hours. Also, ginger helps with motion sickness.

White tea

White tea increases the absorption of calcium, which is very important for a pregnant woman. In addition, it normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system, lowers vascular permeability and has a general strengthening effect on the entire body.

Rosehip tea

This tea contains many vitamins. However, rose hips have a diuretic effect, so drinking this tea should be done with caution.

Hibiscus tea

This tea is unique, it is able to lower and increase pressure. At low pressure it is recommended to drink hibiscus cold, high pressure - hot.

Bergamot tea

This tea has a pleasant aroma and taste. But it is not recommended to use it during pregnancy, as in its action it is similar to green tea.

Lingonberry tea

It has a diuretic effect, due to which it can quickly relieve puffiness. But you can drink it only as directed by a doctor.

Thyme tea contraindicated in pregnancy.

Kuril tea and rooibos

These two teas are the best options for consistent use during pregnancy. They have a pleasant aroma and taste and at the same time have no contraindications.

Most modern women cannot imagine their morning without coffee. It becomes a kind of doping, thanks to which the body wakes up and prepares for a busy day at work. When a woman finds out that she is pregnant, her coffee mania becomes a problem of sorts. After all, giving up a habit is very difficult. To make the right decision, it is important to figure out on your own what the danger of coffee during pregnancy is and how you can replace it.

The effect of caffeine on the body of a healthy person is quite diverse. The benefits of one cup of coffee are obvious to everyone: there is a surge of energy, mood improves, and efficiency increases. Coffee has the same effect during pregnancy. In addition, for hypotonic patients, a small dose of caffeine will be a temporary salvation. This action is due to ability. Given this fact, caffeine is contraindicated for hypertensive patients.

As you get used to it, the tonic effect lasts less and less, and the number of cups drunk per day is growing rapidly. At this stage, rarely does anyone think about. Some of the most common side effects are:

excessive secretion of gastric juice, which leads to heartburn and pain in the abdomen;
decrease in calcium - bones become fragile, prone to fractures. Calcium deficiency in the body often provokes early osteoporosis;
tachycardia - aggravates various heart and vascular diseases.

Given the above symptoms, it seems to be becoming obvious if pregnant women can drink coffee. However, if a woman has consumed large amounts of caffeine for a long time before the planned pregnancy, abrupt refusal can lead to poor health. This manifests itself in the form of chronic fatigue, apathy, depression. To prevent this from happening, you should give up your favorite drink gradually. Ideal if a pregnancy is planned. Then a series of preparatory measures should include the unhurried convergence of the usual dose of coffee to nothing.

Why coffee is dangerous for women in position

To independently conclude whether you can drink coffee during pregnancy, you should pay attention to scientifically proven side effects that appear in the fetus at different times. Interestingly, natural coffee has a stronger effect than instant coffee.

First trimester
The most important period when the internal organs and systems of the fetus are formed is the first trimester of pregnancy. Right now, it is important to follow the diet prescribed by the doctor and refuse all products that can have a detrimental effect on the development of the child. Including, refrain from coffee in early pregnancy, even or natural and with milk.

Caffeine is harmful due to its ability to penetrate the barrier in the form of the placenta, respectively, to affect the fetus. Just like in an adult, in an unformed child, the pressure rises, the heartbeat increases, all organs are under tremendous stress. This is the main reason why pregnant women should not drink coffee in the first months.

Second trimester
The problem of frequent urination is inherent in pregnant coffee lovers during this period. The fetus grows rapidly, as a result, the uterus exerts pressure on the bladder. The situation is aggravated by recently drunk coffee, which in itself provokes frequent urges. The complex turns out to be a real problem, because of which you have to seriously plan your route in order to find a toilet when you need it.

The psychoemotional state of the expectant mother is no less important. Caffeine will cause constant nervousness and excessive excitability, which is already inherent in women in position. By analyzing the side effects and upcoming inconveniences, coffee during pregnancy is gradually becoming a less coveted drink.

Third trimester
Much to the chagrin of coffee lovers, in the past three months, caffeine consumption is also harmful. Numerous studies have proven the harmful effects of coffee during pregnancy on newborn babies. The following pathologies are quite common:

as a result, a weak skeletal system;
chronic tachycardia;
disruption of the nervous system - nervousness, excitability;
sleep problems.

These deviations are most likely with regular high doses of caffeine. If its value is significantly reduced, add milk or cream to coffee, and drink only when it is completely unbearable - the likelihood of complications is minimized. Nevertheless, this still does not give an unambiguous answer - is it possible for pregnant women to drink coffee. Due to the individual characteristics of the organism of the expectant mother, the consequences can be unpredictable.

An alternative to caffeine as a tonic

A number of drinks that can successfully replace coffee for pregnant women and bring significant benefits:

... A versatile drink that tastes somewhat like coffee. But the benefits are many times more significant: it increases hemoglobin, regulates blood circulation, supports the work of the heart, and soothes the nervous system. It is often recommended for liver and kidney diseases. But it is contraindicated for gastritis, ulcers and varicose veins. It should also be borne in mind that chicory stimulates the appetite. And if a woman does not plan to gain a couple of extra pounds, it is better not to lean on chicory.
- natural antidepressant. Contains folic acid, iron, zinc. It is a source of caffeine, although not in such significant doses as coffee. But it also increases blood pressure and flushes out calcium. This is why pregnant women should not drink more than one or two cups of cocoa a day. It is recommended to add milk to the drink.
Weak green tea. Contains many useful substances and vitamins, it is considered one of the most beneficial drinks. But, green tea leaves are also a caffeinated product. In addition, they interfere with the normal absorption of folic acid. Therefore, you can drink weak green tea from the second trimester of pregnancy, no more than two cups a day.
Fruit and vegetable juices, fruit drinks. Preference should be given to natural drinks, in which all the useful components are preserved. Due to the high content of sugar and preservatives, store juices are contraindicated. The most suitable will be: apple, carrot, orange, pomegranate, beetroot.

Whether pregnant women can drink coffee or not - no one can say with complete certainty. To avoid all sorts of problems and complications, of course, it is better to say no. But if the desire to drink coffee is above all, then it is better to give preference to natural ground weak coffee with milk or cream and, in no case, do not use it on an empty stomach. The main thing is not to turn it into a daily tradition and coordinate an appointment with your doctor. The less caffeine in the body of the expectant mother, the better for both her and the child.

photo: depositphotos.com/aletia, seqoya

Excessive consumption of tea and coffee during pregnancy can lead to serious complications and interfere with the normal development of the baby, experts warn. Today the site tells all about the benefits and dangers of drinking these drinks during pregnancy.

Coffee during pregnancy

We have to disappoint the lovers of this aromatic drink. Doctors agree: coffee, especially in large quantities, is more harmful than good for the expectant mother and baby.

“Caffeine is a powerful nervous system stimulant and can affect calcium metabolism in the body, which will certainly affect the baby,” says Glade Curtis, M.D., Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. - If a mother drinks four cups of coffee a day, then the baby's weight and the size of its head at birth will most likely be less than normal. Caffeine constricts blood vessels in the placenta and interferes with the baby's normal nutrition.

It should be noted that doctors have not yet determined the exact amount of caffeine that can harm the health of mothers and babies. But one thing is absolutely clear - during pregnancy it is wiser to limit its use to a minimum.

“You can afford no more than 250 mg of caffeine a day - about 2 cups of coffee,” says Milanda Johnson, nutritionist from Phoenix, representative of the American Dietetic Association. - Keep in mind that caffeine can cross the placenta to the unborn baby and hinder his metabolism. Studies have shown that excessive caffeine consumption can cause miscarriage and premature babies. "

Keep in mind that caffeine is found not only in coffee, but also in many foods and beverages, including tea, cola and chocolate. Caffeine is also found in some medicines, such as cough and headache medicines. Don't be lazy to read food labels and pay attention to medication instructions.

Green tea during pregnancy

Green tea is a storehouse of substances beneficial to our health. First of all, it is rich in antioxidants that prevent cell destruction. It also contains many important trace elements: magnesium, zinc, calcium, selenium.

Tea and coffee during pregnancy: effects, harms and benefits

Green tea normalizes the work of the cardiovascular system, improves immunity, and strengthens tooth enamel. During pregnancy, it is a good way to prevent diabetes because the drink has the ability to regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels. It also helps with toxicosis. And yet, despite the obvious advantages of green tea, expectant mothers cannot drink it in unlimited quantities.

“First of all, in green tea, like in coffee, there is quite a lot of caffeine, only it is absorbed a little more slowly,” says Elena Mikheeva, obstetrician-gynecologist of the Family Medical Center. - In addition, in the process of many years of scientific research, it has been proven that green tea reduces the amount of folic acid in the body, and also prevents the iron from being fully absorbed. Folic acid deficiency leads to impaired formation of the neural tube in the fetus. And the lack of iron increases the risk of hypoxia, and subsequently intrauterine growth retardation - the baby may lag behind by 1-2, or even more weeks in the calendar of pregnancy. "

The optimal amount of green tea in the diet of an expectant mother is 1-2 cups per day. To minimize the negative tendency of the drink to lower folate and iron levels, do not drink tea with or immediately after a meal. Wait at least one and a half to two hours. Don't get carried away with strongly brewed tea - the thicker the brew, the higher the caffeine content.

Black tea during pregnancy

In terms of the total content of vitamins and microelements, black tea is somewhat inferior to green tea, but this does not make it less valuable for our health. Black tea is rich in theobromine, theophylline, vitamins C, K, PP, B, pantothenic acid. It also contains many necessary minerals - phosphorus, potassium, calcium, fluorine. Black tea stimulates the functioning of the central nervous system, heart and blood vessels. It is good for the kidneys and the gastrointestinal tract.

Tea and coffee during pregnancy: effects, harms and benefits

Unfortunately, black tea contains even more caffeine than green tea. Drinking in large quantities during pregnancy leads not only to iron deficiency, but also to magnesium deficiency, which can cause fetal growth retardation, premature birth and miscarriage, eclampsia, and increased uterine tone.

To avoid negative consequences, limit yourself to 1-2 cups of tea a day and drink it only freshly brewed.

"Yesterday's" brewing becomes a favorable environment for the development of pathogenic bacteria, not to mention the fact that all the beneficial properties of tea disappear without a trace. Always brew your tea with boiling water, not just hot water. Boiling water kills harmful microorganisms.

The tea we drink most often grows in India and Asia, where feces are often used as fertilizer on plantations. Fertilizer residues get on the tea leaves and may not be completely washed off during their preparation for drying. These residues, in turn, can cause E. coli infection if the tea leaves are not rinsed and prepared properly. Therefore, it is better not to order tea in cafes and restaurants if you are not sure that it is prepared according to all the rules.

Herbal teas and pregnancy

Herbal drinks are a great alternative to coffee and regular tea during pregnancy. Herbal teas are delicious and delicious. They will not harm, and even help improve overall well-being, relieving you of discomfort and discomfort.

; it can be used alone or with chamomile.

Common raspberry... Relieves nausea and stabilizes hormones.

Some herbs are dangerous during pregnancy as they can harm your baby's health. “A mother-to-be should avoid using herbs such as mint, yarrow, wormwood, comfrey, coltsfoot, juniper, tansy,” says Elena Mikheeva... - Be careful with sage and hay. In large quantities, they can cause complications. "

Some researchers argue that coffee in early pregnancy does not harm either the mother or the fetus. Another group of scientists says that pregnancy and coffee are two mutually exclusive concepts. So who should you believe? Who can provide accurate information on how coffee affects pregnancy? And is the effect of coffee dangerous on pregnancy?

Recent studies by Russian gynecologists, conducted jointly with neonatologists, have shown that drinking coffee during pregnancy can have the most negative consequences.

Scientists have studied hundreds of women who have lost their pregnancies as a result of spontaneous miscarriage. More than 90% of them did not stop drinking coffee after learning about pregnancy. Among women who gave birth to their babies ahead of time, 80% also drank coffee throughout their pregnancy.

Women who drank instant coffee during pregnancy were much more likely to have a tendency to form swelling and bouts of heartburn. In addition, this group of women most often has a disease such as cystitis.

Based on the data obtained, the doctors conducted an analysis and came to the following conclusion: drinking coffee during pregnancy increases the risk of developing all kinds of complications, both from the maternal body and from the fetus.

In addition, pregnancy planning and coffee are also things that are not compatible. Regular consumption of every cup of coffee per day by a woman will reduce her chances of getting pregnant by about 10%. It would seem that it is not so scary. In the event that a woman drinks only one cup of coffee, and if 4 - 5 cups? It's easy to calculate how her chances of becoming a mom are diminishing.

Sometimes it happens that a woman simply cannot bring herself to stop drinking coffee even during pregnancy. In this case, decaf coffee may be the safest alternative. Of course, it differs from the usual taste of natural coffee, but nevertheless it can deceive the body and help to get rid of coffee addiction at least for the period of pregnancy to eliminate the harm of coffee during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and coffee with milk should also be mutually exclusive. There is a misconception that milk will neutralize the negative effects of coffee. However, this is not the case - milk only changes the taste of the coffee. So it is better to drink tea with milk, which will not harm your baby and not worry about whether coffee is possible during pregnancy.

Pregnancy and tea

Tea can be a worthy substitute for coffee. However, the choice of tea must also be approached with caution, because not every tea will benefit the expectant mother and her baby. For example, black tea during pregnancy should be drunk with caution, as theanine will be retained in it. Strong tea can harm your baby's health.

Herbal teas, even such harmless ones as Ivan tea, should also be consumed very carefully during pregnancy and only with the permission of your doctor - gynecologist. This precaution is explained by the fact that some of the herbs included in herbal tea can negatively affect the development of the fetus, and even provoke a miscarriage or premature birth.

Kidney tea during pregnancy should also be drunk only as directed and under medical supervision. Excessive abuse of renal tea can lead not only to the removal of edema, but also to the leaching of a large amount of useful micro and macro elements from the body, and as a result, metabolic disorders.

In order for you to decide what kind of tea to drink during pregnancy, all the positive and negative properties that various types of tea have are described below.

Despite its wide popularity, green tea during pregnancy is strongly discouraged. This is due to the peculiarity of green tea, which is that it completely prevents the body from absorbing folic acid, which is so necessary for a pregnant woman. It is folic acid that is responsible for the correct laying and further formation of the internal organs of the fetus. Lack of folic acid can lead to fetal malformations. That is why you should not drink green tea during pregnancy.
Insti tea is a favorite remedy for colds and flu for many pregnant women. Medical reviews about this tea are ambiguous: some doctors believe that its use is absolutely safe, while others argue that this risk is not justified. When making a choice, consult your doctor - gynecologist.
Linden tea during pregnancy is an excellent alternative to pharmacological drugs for colds. Linden tea will relieve nasal congestion, relieve headaches, and normalize the nervous system. And if you drink linden tea with raspberries, then it is possible to achieve a decrease in the highest temperature. Just remember that raspberries are a powerful diaphoretic. Therefore, after you drink your tea, you will need to go to bed. And tea with honey during pregnancy is an excellent sedative.
Lemon tea during pregnancy can be a great tonic. In addition, do not forget about the benefits of vitamin C found in lemons.
But chamomile tea, despite its undeniable benefits, should be taken very, very carefully. Chamomile has a pronounced sedative and anti-inflammatory effect, however, in addition, it has an estrogen-stimulating effect on the ovaries. That is why, if there is even the slightest threat of spontaneous abortion, it is necessary to refuse from drinking chamomile tea. The same women, whose pregnancy proceeds without complications, should limit themselves to 0.5 liters of chamomile tea per day. Chamomile tea during pregnancy should only be consumed with the permission of your doctor.
Tea with mint during pregnancy will help prevent the appearance of edema and eliminate the existing ones. And in the early stages of pregnancy, mint tea will help eliminate the symptoms of toxicosis. The main thing to look out for when choosing mint tea is whether natural mint is used, or just mint flavors. The recommended amount of tea per day is no more than one liter. Tea with lemon balm has similar properties.
Some women in the first trimester of pregnancy experience severe, debilitating toxicosis, accompanied by constant nausea and bouts of vomiting. Ginger tea can be a real salvation in this situation. Ginger tea has a wonderful ability to quickly and permanently eliminate nausea. Typically, one cup of ginger tea lasts about 10 hours. It is worth taking note of this remedy for those women who are seasick in transport.
White tea during pregnancy increases the absorption of calcium, which is very important for the normal course of pregnancy. In addition, white tea normalizes the functions of the cardiovascular system, lowers vascular permeability and has a general strengthening effect on the body of a pregnant woman.
Rosehip tea is a real storehouse of vitamins. The rose hips contain almost all vitamins necessary for the body. To make tea, pour 20 grams of rose hips with a liter of boiling water and let it brew for 5 hours. However, do not forget that rose hips have a mild diuretic effect.
Hibiscus tea has the unique ability to both raise and lower blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure, you need to drink this tea cold, if you have high blood pressure, then hot.
Bergamot tea has a pleasant taste and aroma, just like jasmine tea. However, they belong to the category of green tea and their use is highly undesirable.
Lingonberry tea is also diuretic and quickly relieves swelling. However, it cannot be consumed without a doctor's prescription, since diuretic teas during pregnancy should be drunk only if indicated.
But the tea with thyme, beloved by many women, is strictly contraindicated in pregnancy.
For constant consumption, it is better to choose some kind of neutral tea. Kuril tea has a pleasant taste and smell, has no contraindications to use during pregnancy. For lovers of the classic version, rooibos tea is ideal.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and is not a guide to action. For the correct choice, consult your doctor.