Does decaf coffee raise BP?

smallfry5909

Sorry to be a PW, but I have to ask... my BP has been high at my last few appointments, and now with having an ultrasound today I'm sure it's not going to be any better. I am dying for a cup of decaf, but I've heard regular coffee can temporarily raise BP, and I don't want them to think it's too high and start talking induction. I've never had protein in my urine, but still... what would you do???

Foolish5336

I don't know about the decaf coffee, but you should really try doing some stuff to decompress and get rid of some of your stress. Don't worry about induction, and all that. It will only make your blood pressure go up even more. Besides, you can always talk to your doctor about the anxiety you're feeling, and how that may be helping to contribute to the high BP. If it's only a high BP, and not swelling or other symptoms, that in and of itself isn't necessarily a reason to induce.

But honestly, just try to relax before your appointments (easier said than done, I know) and hopefully that will make a bigger impact than on whether or not you've had a cup of coffee.

If you think that having some decaf will help you relax, then go for it! That's what I would do.

smallfry5909

I know, you're so right... I swear during the week I am fine, but once I walk into those doors I can feel the stress coming on. I wish I didn't love my OB so much, otherwise I would never step foot in that office again. It's the same place where we were told our son wasn't going to make it, so it holds now as many bad memories as good ones.

Thanks for the good thoughts... I decided to get a cup anyway! Since I'm not really swelling, I figure they know the difference between pre-clampsia and nerves.

Izabella22

Caffeinated coffee could raise your bp but I've never heard that decaf could. I agree w/ pp, it sounds like you need to relax more than anything but definitely I can understand going back to the office bringing up anxiety - I switched offices and I still get nervous going through those doors. My bp is usually ridiculously low but not when I'm there. Its fine when they check it at my OMT doc though, probably because I know hes' going to make me feel better! Have you tried any yoga or meditation to relax? Prenatal massage is good too!

Foolish5336

smallfry5909:

I know, you're so right... I swear during the week I am fine, but once I walk into those doors I can feel the stress coming on. I wish I didn't love my OB so much, otherwise I would never step foot in that office again. It's the same place where we were told our son wasn't going to make it, so it holds now as many bad memories as good ones.

Thanks for the good thoughts... I decided to get a cup anyway! Since I'm not really swelling, I figure they know the difference between pre-clampsia and nerves.

I understand the feeling. One thing you could do too, even for your own peace of mind, would be going to a drug store every once in a while where they have the self testing blood pressure cuffs. That way, you could have the numbers when you are less stressed to back up any numbers that they get there while you're (for good reason) a little bit more nervous and tense.

Good luck at your appointment today. And early congrats on getting to see your daughter wiggling around again.