Pregnancy requires many sacrifices, but for some women, their morning coffee is non-negotiable. One Australian writer, Sarah Thompson, recently faced an absurd situation when a barista refused to serve her a cup of coffee because she was 27 weeks pregnant.
In a candid essay for the Australian Metropolis, Sarah recounted her experience. After fasting for routine blood tests, she eagerly stopped by a local coffee shop, craving a delicious cup of joe. However, when the male barista spotted her baby bump, he immediately shook his head and told her, “No caffeine for you.”
“I thought I must have misheard him,” Sarah wrote. “I was ordering coffee, not a cocktail! But despite my expressions of shock, he remained firm.” Instead of honoring her request, the barista insisted she choose a decaf option or a flat white, which is essentially just steamed milk with a hint of espresso.
Feeling guilty and shamed, Sarah ultimately settled for the watered-down beverage. “I watched in dismay as a mere droplet of coffee was poured into an oversized cup,” she lamented. “It was little more than a babycino for adults.” Later, when she shared her story with friends, she found out she wasn’t alone—many women recounted similar experiences of being denied their cravings.
For the record, most healthcare professionals agree that a moderate caffeine intake during pregnancy is generally safe. My own OB-GYN said enjoying a cup of coffee is perfectly acceptable, as long as I’m not consuming it by the pot. The American Pregnancy Association also states that up to 300 mg of caffeine per day, which translates to about two cups of brewed coffee, poses no significant risks to unborn babies. So why the judgment?
Sarah’s experience highlights one of the most frustrating aspects of pregnancy: the feeling that everyone suddenly has a say in your life. Friends, family, and even strangers often feel entitled to share their unsolicited opinions about what a pregnant woman should or shouldn’t do, even when she’s already consulting with medical professionals.
The barista’s actions exemplify a troubling tendency to police a pregnant woman’s choices simply because they see a baby bump. Pregnant women have the right to make their own decisions, including what they choose to drink. When a woman orders coffee, the only question she should face is whether she wants cream or sugar—and not an unsolicited lecture.
For more on navigating pregnancy and personal choices, check out our blog post about making informed decisions during this time here. If you’re looking for reputable resources on pregnancy, check out March of Dimes, which offers valuable week-by-week guidance. And if you’re considering home insemination options, Make a Mom has a trusted range of products to help you on your journey.
In summary, it’s essential to recognize that pregnant women deserve agency over their choices. Whether it’s enjoying a cup of coffee or any other small pleasure, they should be free from judgment and concern-trolling.
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