Caffeine and Pregnancy: How Coffee, Tea, and Energy Drinks Affect the Fetus

Many of us love starting the day with a cup of coffee or a nice cup of tea. But when you’re pregnant, there are a few things you should consider when it comes to caffeine. Research has shown that moderate caffeine intake is safe during pregnancy, but excessive caffeine consumption can have negative effects.

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Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy

The safest advice from experts is to limit your daily caffeine intake to 200-300 milligrams when you’re pregnant. That’s roughly what you get from two cups of coffee or four cups of tea. Remember that some other drinks, such as soda and energy drinks, also contain caffeine. So if you enjoy these, you’ll need to account for them in your total caffeine intake.

Caffeine Content Varies

The caffeine content in coffee and tea can vary depending on different factors, including how strong your drink is and where the coffee beans or tea leaves were grown. Black tea and coffee usually contain more caffeine than other teas. White tea and oolong tea have about the same amount of caffeine as black tea. Even cocoa contains a small amount of caffeine.

Risks of Too Much Caffeine

Exceeding the recommended daily caffeine intake during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, especially in the early stages. Even if you don’t go over 300 milligrams a day, higher doses than 200 milligrams can negatively affect the baby’s birth weight. That’s why it’s a good idea to be mindful of how much caffeine you consume.