Pregnancy and Caffeine

There have been numerous studies concerning the effects of caffeine during pregnancy, mostly with conflicting results, but most experts now agree that moderate caffeine intake (150 to 300 mg per day, according to which study you believe) won't harm the developing baby. Two to three eight ounce cups of coffee a day will provide approximately 300 mg of caffeine, depending on how strongly the coffee is brewed and the brewing method used. Other products also contain varying amounts of caffeine: chocolate, tea, carbonated beverages and some over-the-counter medications to treat headaches, colds and allergies.

More than 300 mg of caffeine per day increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight and pre term labor. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, reducing the blood flow to the placenta, and the baby whose mother has an excessive caffeine intake may not get enough nourishment for proper development. Babies born to mothers who consumed more than 500 mg of caffeine per day had faster breathing rates and heart rates and stayed awake longer the first few days after delivery. The evidence is not conclusive, since other lifestyle factors such as smoking also have effects, but it makes sense to cut back on any substance that has no nutritional value and may be a risk to your unborn child.

Caffeine has effects on pregnancy other than the potential harm to the baby. It is a stimulant that may worsen the insomnia, irritability, and nausea that often accompany pregnancy. Caffeine contributes to heartburn by stimulating the secretion of stomach acid. The diuretic effects make you have to use the bathroom more often, as if you weren't going often enough already! As your pregnancy progresses the caffeine breaks down more slowly and higher levels remain in the bloodstream. It contains phenols which inhibit iron absorption, and most pregnant women don't get enough iron anyway. Drinking caffeinated beverages between meals will have less of an effect on your body's ability to absorb iron.

Reduce your caffeine intake gradually to avoid severe withdrawal headaches. Replace some of your daily coffee with water or use a half-caf blend. Drip coffee generally has less caffeine than coffee brewed in a percolator, and instant coffee may have less than either dripped or perked. Decaffeinate coffee may still have small amounts of caffeine. Replace your soda with fruit juice.

Herbal teas often have no caffeine but may have herbs and additives that may not be safe during pregnancy, so read labels carefully and consult with your health care practitioner before consuming them. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants, has no caffeine, and is safe for the expectant mother and her baby.

Dark chocolate has more caffeine than milk chocolate and you might be able to satisfy your chocolate cravings with chocolate milk which has very little caffeine and adds important nutrients to your diet.

No safe level of caffeine has been established and your best bet is to avoid caffeinated products all together during your first trimester and use them in moderation during the second and third.