WHAT CAN YOUR
PREGNANT
CLIENT DRINK?
When it comes to drinking during pregnancy, alcohol isn’t the only thing that needs to be
taken into consideration, writes nutritionist and exercise scientist Brooke Turner.
t is well known that alcohol
should be avoided during
pregnancy as there is no safe
limit – but what about caffeine, kombucha,
smoothies or protein powder? With
confusion surrounding these beverages
during pregnancy, do you know what
recommendations you can make for your
expecting clients?
I
Caffeine
Australian guidelines recommend expecting
women limit their caffeine intake to less than
200mg per day, which equates to about
two instant coffees or three black teas. It is
important for women to be mindful of their
caffeine intake during the first trimester
due to this time bearing the greatest risk
of miscarriage, and higher consumption
of caffeine having been linked to low birth
weights.
There has been a reasonable amount
of research into consumption of caffeine
during pregnancy. Studies have reported
that excessive caffeine intake has been
associated with a reduction in birth weight,
though the exact level is still unknown. One
UK study involving more than 2,500 women
confirmed that a maternal intake of more
than 300mg per day was associated with
low birth weight or foetal growth restriction,
and that no ill effects were recorded in the
babies of the women who consumed 100mg
or less daily.
It is also important to consider
other sources of caffeine, such as
chocolate, soft drinks and energy drinks.
Consumption of these contribute to daily
caffeine intake. The table over the page
lists some common sources of caffeine
and their concentration levels.
With
regards
caffeine
and
micronutrients, tannins found in caffeinated
substances, like tea and coffee, can inhibit
the absorption of iron, as can calcium (think
milky coffee). If clients are struggling with
iron levels, then check in with them on how
much coffee, tea or chocolate they are
consuming per day, advise them to have
any pre-natal vitamins they may take at a
separate time from their coffee, and ensure
they are meeting their recommended daily
intake of vitamin C, which assists with the
absorption of iron.
THE QUICK READ
• Pregnant women should not consume
more than 200mg of coffee per day
• Inclusions of protein and fat sources in
smoothies are beneficial for tissue
growth, cognitive and retinal
development of the growing baby
• Smoothies are a great way to hit
micronutrient requirements during
pregnancy, particularly in women who
become averse to fresh fruit and/or
vegetables due to morning sickness or
nausea
• Protein powders can be useful
throughout pregnancy, however, not all
are created equal and artificial
sweeteners, additives, fillers and
stimulants should be avoided
• Pregnant women should choose a diet
high in fresh, whole, healthy foods and
engage in regular physical activity.
NETWORK SUMMER 2019 | 23