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Every mother-to-be knows that some eating habits need to be changed during pregnancy. Something that so far seemed to us a normal part of the day, such as afternoon coffee, becomes questionable: can I really drink it? What’s wrong with my baby? There are many myths about allowed and forbidden drinks during pregnancy. It’s time to dispel these doubts!
The fact that in this state you must not drink alcohol seems obvious. Alcohol affects not only the body of the pregnant woman, but also her unborn child. Particles of a drink, beer or wine consumed by the mother cross the placenta and may have a negative effect on the fetus. Thirty minutes after a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, the concentration of this substance in the fetal blood is the same as in the mother’s blood. Therefore, it can lead to numerous complications.
Little black dress in the morning. Pregnant coffee
Some people find it hard to imagine a morning without a cup of coffee. It invigorates, stimulates action and… is addictive. Coffee, just like cigarettes and other stimulants, can be addictive. In the case of pregnant women, the safety of drinking coffee depends on its amount. Too much of this drink can even lead to miscarriage.
Unfortunately, coffee also has another disadvantage – it washes out valuable vitamins and microelements from the body, e.g. magnesium, which is not very good for the developing fetus. It happens that a pregnant woman does not want to drink coffee on her own, because her body “knows” better what is good for the fetus. Fortunately, you don’t have to give up coffee completely – the safest amount is 200mg of caffeine per day, which is no more than two cups of coffee. Note: however, you should give up green coffee, as they are simply uncooked coffee beans.
Green tea stimulates action
Green tea, which also has stimulating properties, can be a substitute for coffee during pregnancy. All you have to do is convince yourself of its taste, and you will certainly quickly appreciate its stimulating and health properties. Green tea is an element of any healthy diet, because it contains important antioxidants that delay the aging process and protect against dangerous diseases, as well as accelerate metabolism and support weight loss.
Opinions about green tea during pregnancy are divided, because too much of this drink can hinder the absorption of folic acid, which is very important for fetal development. Therefore, it is best to limit its consumption during pregnancy to a maximum of two cups a day, in addition between meals, as it can reduce the absorption of vitamins and minerals, e.g. iron.
Other recommended drinks for pregnant women:
- Natural juices from vegetables, fruits, full of pulp, high in fiber. Filling, full of vitamins and supporting the absorption of some ingredients.
- Cereal and blended coffee, or decaffeinated latte – as a replacement for regular coffee.
- Milk drinks that have a lot of calcium. Try a yogurt and fruit shake, warm milk, bitter cocoa. They are excellent sources of vitamins.
- Herbal infusions – chamomile, lemon balm, fruit teas. Herbal and fruit infusions have a relaxing effect.
- Still water is always a good choice. This slightly carbonated one will also work. If you don’t like drinking pure water, add mint, lime, lemon or fruit or ginger to it to relieve nausea.