Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s recent social media post featuring a cup of coffee and a cookie has sparked a familiar question for expectant mothers: Can you drink coffee during pregnancy, and how much caffeine is considered safe?
According to dietitian Dt Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, coffee does not necessarily have to be eliminated during pregnancy. However, caffeine intake should be monitored.
The commonly recommended limit is 200 mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy. Importantly, this refers to total daily caffeine intake, rather than just the amount consumed through coffee.
Coffee is only one source of caffeine. Tea, cola, chocolate, energy drinks and some medications can also contribute to the day's total.
The actual caffeine content of coffee can vary considerably depending on the type of coffee, serving size and preparation method. Therefore, assuming that every cup contains the same amount of caffeine can lead to an inaccurate estimate of daily intake.
The US FDA notes that caffeine sensitivity varies between individuals and recommends that people who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or breastfeeding discuss caffeine limits with their healthcare provider.
For most pregnant women, the issue is generally how much caffeine is consumed, rather than an automatic need to eliminate every caffeinated drink. Staying within the recommended daily limit can help keep intake controlled.
Anyone with pregnancy-specific health concerns or questions about their individual caffeine intake should discuss them with their obstetrician or other healthcare professional.
Samantha’s coffee photo, therefore, cannot tell us how much caffeine she consumed or whether it represents her usual intake. A social media image is not a reliable measure of an individual’s caffeine consumption.