Is it ok to drink coffee while pregnant? I love coffee, Is decaf ok if caffinated isn't?

Answer 1

Can I continue to drink coffee or tea?
There is no evidence that regular amounts of caffeinated beverages, such as tea, coffee or colas, cause birth defects, but some studies indicate that heavy use of these beverages may be associated with a slight increase in your risk of miscarriage in the first and second trimesters. In a study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development the researchers found no harm in drinking up to three cups of coffee a day, but most experts advise limiting consumption to no more than two caffeinated beverages a day, or switching to decaf. Tea and colas have less caffeine than coffee does, and are also available in decaffeinated formulas.
http://www.netwellness.org/healthtopics/pregnancy/faq10.cfm

Answer 2

It's okay to have up to 300mg of caffeine per day...that's actually quite a lot. Be aware, however, that most "decaf" coffee isn't really caffeine-free! It has a much smaller amount of caffeine than regular coffee, but not a negligible amount. I read an article online several weeks ago that warns of this (unfortunately, I tried to go back to the link and it has been removed - it was in an online newspaper that is updated frequently). If you want proof, check out the nutritional info on the decaf coffee at Starbucks...one serving there has 25mg. Just something to be aware of! Good luck and congrats!

Answer 3

You can safely consume two 8oz cups of caffeinated coffee a day. But if you drink decaf, make sure it is the decaf that you yourself have brewed. Many places say they have decaf but it turns out that for one reason or another, those cups can have just as much caffeine as regular.

Answer 4

If you can stomach it and you love it than no more than a cup a day is fine...a normal cup...not an extra tall from Starbucks though!!! I couldn't even stand the smell of coffee after about 6 weeks so I had no problem. I did develop a craving for Pepsi though...and that does have caffeine, but I just had small amounts and so far everything is okay! Good luck!

Answer 5

There's no definitive answer to this question. The general rule is to have less than 300 mg of caffeine each day (and that includes everything that contains caffeine, like chocolate, sodas, etc.). However, my personal feeling is, when studies indicate that consuming more than 500 mg of caffeine a day does contribute to miscarriage, why even risk it at all? It's just coffee and you're talking about creating a child.

Answer 6

I've heard it's ok, but, if you do a search online - there are so many mixed opinions. I'm not sure how you feel, but, at this point, I'd rather not do something at all, then, risk it. I was dead set on just having a cup a day - but, a few weeks ago I quit cold turkey! I thought I was going to die..but, after a few days, I was better. Now, I don't even think about it - only on the weekends when I may have a sip or to. Good luck deciding...

Answer 7

Yes, coffee is fine. One or two cups a day is okay. If you have more caffeine than that just drink more water. Caffeine causes you to urinate a lot or become dehydrated, so by drinking more fluids, mostly water, you can balance it out.

And yes decaf is completely okay!

Answer 8

Yeah, I'd think that one cup of caffeinated a day wouldn't hurt, then go decaf if you need the taste later on. I think that caffeine could hurt the baby, but one cup shouldn't.

But when the baby's born make sure you give it a cup in the morning too, since it will be used to it. After all, they have what you have.

Answer 9

It's OK to have coffee in moderation. As long as you are not downing 3-5 cups a day, it's fine. My OB told me it's fine to have a cup of coffee a day.

Answer 10

decaf is fine..i love coffee too and my doc said no more than 8oz a day..about a small cup, but def try decaf! it's not soo bad as i thought..good luck!