It's an exciting time for sure, but the further I get into my pregnancy, the more I seem to read and hear about things to avoid. I don't want to be an overly stressed mom-to-be that barely lives those 9 months for fear of doing something wrong but I obviously don't want to be the polar extreme of that. So where is the middle ground? What do you do away with completely and what do you allow yourself to have in moderation?
Today I'm specifically asking this question about caffeine. Pre-pregnancy, I woke up to drink that marvelous cup of piping hot joe every morning. Since about 5 weeks into my 1st trimester, I stopped drinking coffee entirely. I didn't want to risk it but even more so, the "morning" sickness made the smell I had once loved turn my stomach sour. But lately, my craving has returned. The brisk cool air, fall colors and promise of Christmas along with my new sick-free days have made brewing and drinking that morning cup of goodness a soothing way to start my day. I confess that even as I type this, I am drinking a cup - mind you, it is 3/4 decaf and is a small cup. But I am plagued with the conflicting information that's out there on how much is okay. I'm tempted to think that even my small cup of almost entirely decaf coffee could be damaging to my baby, but my gut conviction is that this is ridiculous. Everything in moderation... right?
So ladies, mothers, pregnant mommas-to-be, I want to hear what you think and why. What are your experiences or maybe you know someone who has dealt with this issue even if you haven't yourself. I want to hear your thoughts.
**I should mention, I do enjoy a glass of sweet tea a few times per week, but I always make sure that I only have it on days when I have not had any coffee.
4 comments:
My mom smoked and drank(VERY SPARINGLY) when she was pregnant with me, granted it was the 80's and I think I came out all right. You obviously dont smoke and Im willing to wager that you probably pass on grandpa's cough medicine. While too much of a good thing is certainly bad, I think there is a balance to be maintained like many things in life. Now given that I am not a phd in babymechanics ;) I dont think a cup of decaf coffee would hurt you nor the baby. And certainly dont split hairs here... but then again dont whip out the buzz your hair machine either
"There is no evidence that regular amounts of caffeinated beverages, such as tea, coffee or colas, cause birth defects, but some studies indicate that heavy use of these beverages may be associated with a slight increase in your risk of miscarriage in the first and second trimesters. In a study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development the researchers found no harm in drinking up to three cups of coffee a day, but most experts advise limiting consumption to no more than two caffeinated beverages a day, or switching to decaf. Tea and colas have less caffeine than coffee does, and are also available in decaffeinated formulas."
I think this statement nails it.
~Brent ;)
One cup a day is perfectly fine! I was like you, when the "morning" sickness started I simply didn't WANT it. I never did drink it again until after Maddy was born... but I did enjoy sweet tea and an occasional coke! A little caffeine will not hurt... at least that's what I was told by my doctor and what I read! :)
You are doing a great job and you are already a fantastic mom to that baby!
Personally just keep it in moderation. They say the first trimester is the most important time to avoid it. With Jacob I only had a glass of sweet tea a few times a week. With Rachel I tried switching to decaf (and eventually ended up back at regular) and kept it to once a day. With Madi I never cut back, I would even enjoy sweet tea on the same days.
With all 3 I did avoid it as much as possible in the first trimester...
Go with your gut!
Good advice out there ladies and gentlemen : D I am agree that the key is moderation. I am currently craving coke and sweet tea more than coffee so i'm just enjoying them in small amounts. And I always drink LOTS of water - over 8 glasses per day. I mean, have you ever seen me without my Bubba Keg?
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