Caffeine during pregnancy

Can pregnant women drink coffee?

Caffeine is one of the most popular stimulants, which also makes caffeine and pregnancy problems common. If you are pregnant, you may need to reduce your daily intake of your favorite caffeinated drinks and treats.

Caffeine is a stimulant and diuretic

As a stimulant, caffeine tends to increase blood pressure and heart rate. As a general rule, both of these effects should be avoided during pregnancy. Caffeine also tends to increase the frequency of urination, thereby causing a decrease in fluid levels in the body and leading to possible dehydration.

Caffeine crosses the placenta to the baby

While you can process your own caffeine safely, your child doesn't have the same ability because their metabolism is still maturing. Even small amounts of caffeine can cause changes in your baby's sleep patterns or normal movement patterns later in pregnancy. Remember that because caffeine is a stimulant, it can keep you and your baby from falling asleep.

Caffeine is in more than coffee

In addition to coffee, caffeine is also found in tea, sodas, chocolate, energy drinks, and some over-the-counter medications (many migraine medications contain caffeine). Therefore, it is important to know what is in your food and what drinks you drink.

Caffeine causes birth defects

Fact or myth?

Are you having an affair with coffee or another caffeinated beverage and wondering if you should cut it out during pregnancy? Some doctors will encourage you to stop using it entirely, while others will give you permission for limited use. It is always best to consult a doctor before making a decision on your own.

Caffeine causes birth defects in humans

Fact: Numerous animal studies have shown that caffeine can cause birth defects, premature birth, reduced fertility, and increase the risk of low birth weight and other reproductive harm. While human studies are currently inconclusive, it's best to play it safe when it comes to your child's health. They are usually caused by high consumption over a long period of time.

Caffeine causes infertility

Fact: Several studies have shown a link between high caffeine intake and delayed conception. This is why we suggest women and their partners abstain from caffeine when trying to conceive.

Caffeine causes miscarriages

Fact: In 2008, two studies on the effect of caffeine on miscarriage showed significantly different results. A study found that women who consumed 200 mg or more of caffeine per day were twice as likely to have a miscarriage as those who did not consume caffeine.

Another study showed no increased risk in women who drank the minimum amount of coffee per day (200 to 350 mg per day). Because of the conflicting findings of many studies, experts say that until more convincing research is available, pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day.

This is equivalent to approximately one 350 ml cup of coffee.

Pregnant women should not consume caffeine

Fact: Experts say that moderate levels of caffeine do not adversely affect pregnancy. The definition of moderate can vary from 150 mg to 300 mg per day.

Caffeine levels in common drinks and snacks

Coffee, medium (check the specific blend and the coffee you buy for specific levels):

Brewed, 240ml. | 95 – 165 mg
Brewed, decaf, 240ml. | 2 – 5 mg
Espresso, 30ml | 47 – 64 mg
Latte, 240ml. | 63 – 126 mg
Dr. Pepper (350 ml) 37 mg
7 Eleven Big Gulp Diet Coke (950 ml) 124 mg
7 Eleven Big Gulp Coca-Cola (950 ml) 92 mg
Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Buzz Ice Cream (240ml) 72 mg
Baker’s chocolate (30ml) 26 mg
Green tea (180 ml) 40 mg
Black tea (180 ml) 45 mg
Excedrin (per capsule) 65mg

How much caffeine is too much?

Many experts say that the less caffeine you consume, the better. Others say that more than 150 mg of caffeine per day is too much, while others say that more than 300 mg per day is excessive. Avoiding caffeine as much as possible is your safest course of action. If you can't resist caffeine, it's best to discuss the details with your doctor.