
By: Whittier Hospital Medical Center
Pregnancy is an exciting time for many expectant families, but there is
a huge amount of information about what pregnant individuals should and
shouldn’t do. One hotly debated topic is caffeine consumption. Learn
more about caffeine and how it can affect your pregnancy.
Can I Still Drink Coffee While Pregnant?
Many studies have been conducted on the effects of caffeine consumption
while pregnant. And while there’s no conclusive answer yet, the
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends
that expectant individuals should limit their consumption of caffeine.
The recommended limit is 200 milligrams of caffeine per day, which is
approximately the amount in an 11-ounce cup of coffee. Other foods, medications,
and beverages may contain caffeine as well, so it is important to understand
that the total amount of caffeine you’re consuming may surpass this
limit if you aren’t mindful.
The Effects of Caffeine on Pregnancy
While small amounts of caffeine haven’t been found to cause significant
changes in pregnancy, levels over 300mg of caffeine per day have been
linked to reduced birth size, according to the ACOG. Because caffeine
can cross the placenta, your baby can be exposed to caffeine, and their
developing system is unable to process the substance appropriately. Babies
exposed to high levels of caffeine during the gestational period are more
likely to be significantly small for their gestational age.
Caffeine can also affect pregnant people differently. As your pregnancy
progresses, your body’s ability to process caffeine is diminished.
Caffeine will linger longer in your system and can increase the exposure
of your baby to caffeine. Fetuses are still developing their metabolism,
and they aren’t able to properly metabolize caffeine the way adults
do. Limiting your caffeine intake reduces the amount of exposure your
child may experience.
In addition to affecting your child, caffeine affects your body. Caffeine
is a stimulant, and can increase your blood pressure and heart rate. This
can be harmful to pregnant individuals. Caffeine is also a diuretic, and
can cause dehydration and frequent urination.
What Foods and Drinks Contain Caffeine?
While coffee and energy drinks are well known for the amount of caffeine
they contain, many other foods and drinks contain high doses as well.
Research your favorite treats and beverages to learn about their caffeine
levels. Here are some items that contain caffeine;
Drinks:
- Coffee
- Energy drinks
- Tea
- Soda
- Iced tea
- Chocolate milk
- Hot cocoa
- Energy-boosting waters
Foods:
- Dark and milk chocolate
- Coffee ice cream or frozen yogurt
- Chocolate chips
- Protein bars
- Energy candies or gum
Medications:
- Migraine medications, like Excedrin
- Menstrual relief medication, such as Midol
- Energy supplements
- Weight loss supplements
- Some daily vitamins
Avoiding caffeine during your pregnancy can be difficult. Caffeine is present
in many popular foods and drinks, and small amounts can be found in unexpected
items. Read labels carefully for caffeine content, and ask your doctor
for recommended alternatives to high-caffeine products, including medications.
This article contains general information about medical conditions and
treatments. The information is not advice and should not be treated as
such. The information is not intended to replace the advice or diagnosis
of a physician. If you have any specific questions about any medical matter,
you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.