The bottom line? It’s fine to have a little bit of caffeine if you need it, provided you keep an eye on how much you’re consuming. That said, there’s no conclusive evidence showing that caffeine offers benefits during pregnancy. In general, moderate amounts of caffeine have been shown to improve energy and alertness, and it can also perk you up after a night spent tossing and turning.Ĭonsuming low to moderate amounts of caffeine during the second trimester may even reduce your risk of gestational diabetes, one recent study found. Are there any benefits of caffeine during pregnancy? If you already suffer from low iron levels, you may want to cut caffeine out entirely while pregnant. One note of caution: It’s possible that too much caffeine during pregnancy can impact your body’s ability to absorb iron, which can increase your risk of iron deficiency or anemia. Some women also find the taste changes during pregnancy. On the other hand, it’s possible that you may react differently to caffeine once you’re pregnant.Ĭoffee in particular can make you poop, so if you already find yourself running to the restroom, you may want to put coffee on the "do not drink" list until your baby makes his arrival.Īnd whereas you once would have been able to down three cups of coffee a day without issue, you may now find that even one small cup worsens your heartburn or gives you the shakes or jitters. You may find it doesn’t affect you at all. How does caffeine affect me when I’m pregnant? Experts know that caffeine can cross the placenta, and some studies tie very high caffeine consumption to a greater risk for pregnancy loss and lower birth weights.īut beyond that, research on the effects has been inconclusive, which is why experts recommend sticking to 200 milligrams or less. How does caffeine affect my baby when I'm pregnant? And while it’s not necessary to give up caffeine entirely while you’re pregnant, you'll want to be mindful of how much you’re consuming and err on the side of being more conservative. Keep in mind that caffeine is also found in chocolate and soda. What if you’re not a coffee fan - but you love a morning cup of tea? The amount of caffeine per serving will vary from substance to substance, but here are some general guidelines:
Consuming moderate amounts of caffeine during pregnancy may also result in slightly lower birth weights, one recent study found.įor these reasons, many doctors recommend exercising caution and sticking firmly with the 200-milligram limit.
More than that may slightly increase the risk of miscarriage, though the existing evidence is inconclusive. How much caffeine is safe during pregnancy?Ĭurrent guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and other experts say that it's safe for pregnant women to consume up to 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day (the equivalent of one 12-ounce cup of coffee). It's true that in the past, pregnant women were advised to avoid coffee and other forms of caffeine entirely, but experts now believe that low to moderate amounts are okay, as long as you take a few precautions. You don't have to completely kick your caffeine habit once you're expecting a baby.
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