During pregnancy, it’s natural for women to crave certain foods and beverages, including coffee. However, we have to be cautious about our consumption of coffee because it contains caffeine.

Caffeine is a stimulant that passes through the placenta, and it can have an impact on the baby’s development, including their birth weight, sleep, and growth. In this article, we will focus on how drinking two cups of coffee a day during pregnancy can affect your child’s height.

What Are the Effects of Caffeine on the Developing Fetus?

Caffeine is a psychoactive drug that affects the central nervous system. It’s a stimulant that can increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and make you more alert.

However, caffeine can also pass through the placenta and reach the developing fetus, who doesn’t have an efficient metabolism to process it. As a result, caffeine can have a longer half-life in the baby’s system, and it can cause several negative effects on their development.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams per day, which is equivalent to one cup of coffee.

However, many women consume more than that, and they are not aware of the consequences it can have on their child’s growth.

How Does Caffeine Affect the Baby’s Growth?

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, women who consume more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day during pregnancy are more likely to have babies with lower birth weights.

The study also found that the negative effect of caffeine on birth weight was more significant among women who drank more than two cups of coffee a day.

Moreover, caffeine can affect the baby’s sleep, which can have an impact on their growth. Studies have shown that babies who don’t get enough sleep have lower levels of growth hormones.

Growth hormones are essential for bone growth and development, and they play a crucial role in determining the child’s final height.

How Does Caffeine Affect Breastfeeding?

If you’re breastfeeding, you have to be careful about your caffeine consumption because caffeine can pass into breast milk and affect your baby’s sleep and growth.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, breastfeeding women should limit their caffeine intake to no more than 300 milligrams per day, which is equivalent to about two cups of coffee. However, some babies are more sensitive to caffeine than others, and even a small amount can affect their sleep patterns.

What Are the Alternatives to Coffee During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding?

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding and you’re looking for an alternative to coffee, there are several options that you can consider:.

Herbal tea: Herbal tea is a great alternative to coffee because it’s caffeine-free, and it can have several health benefits. However, some herbs are not safe during pregnancy, so it’s essential to ask your doctor before consuming herbal tea.
Decaf coffee: Decaf coffee is an option for women who want a cup of coffee without the caffeine. However, decaf coffee may not be entirely caffeine-free, so it’s essential to check the label to know how much caffeine it contains.
Water: Drinking water is essential during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It helps to keep you hydrated, and it’s caffeine-free.

Conclusion

Drinking two cups of coffee a day during pregnancy can have an impact on your child’s height. Caffeine can affect the baby’s growth by lowering their birth weight and disrupting their sleep patterns.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s essential to monitor your caffeine intake and limit it to a safe amount. There are several alternatives to coffee that you can consider, such as herbal tea, decaf coffee, and water.