I am 16 weeks pregnant & I drink like one caffeine drink a day.Can caffeine consumption harm the baby?

Answer 1

Do I have to give up caffeine now that I'm pregnant?
Not necessarily. You can still enjoy your favorite caffeinated drinks as long as you don't overdo it. After years of controversy over the issue, most researchers now believe that, although caffeine does cross the placenta, moderate amounts (less than 300 milligrams a day) won't harm your baby.

That's about what you may get from just one strongly brewed 8-ounce cup of coffee. Keep in mind that the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee varies widely depending on how strong it is, and that your serving size depends on how big your mug is — a typical mug holds about 10 ounces.

Many pregnant women limit their intake even further or cut out caffeine completely. If that seems wise to you, you won't get any arguments from your midwife or doctor.

s it dangerous to get more than a moderate amount of caffeine during pregnancy?
No one knows for sure. Some studies found that women who got 300 mg of caffeine or more a day had a higher risk of miscarriage. And according to the March of Dimes, high caffeine consumption may slightly increase the risk of preterm labor or low birth weight, which could make a difference for a baby who's already at risk for these problems.

Other research has shown that babies of women who got more than 500 mg a day had faster heart rates and breathing rates, and spent more time awake in the first few days after birth. Though the research isn't conclusive, it makes sense to cut back if you're downing more than three cups of java or more than 300 mg a day from all sources — sodas, tea, coffee, and chocolate — combined.

One thing's for sure: You'll feel better if you cut back on caffeine. It's a stimulant, so it increases your heart rate and metabolism and can cause insomnia, nervousness, and headaches. It contributes to heartburn by stimulating the secretion of stomach acid. It's a diuretic, so it makes you pee more often and become dehydrated more easily.

What's more, it has no nutritional value — in fact, it causes your bones to lose calcium. And all these effects are only likely to get worse as you approach your due date because your body breaks down caffeine more slowly as your pregnancy progresses, and that means a higher level of caffeine in your bloodstream (and in your baby's).

By the way, there's one more reason to cut back on coffee and tea during your pregnancy, whether it's caffeinated or not. These beverages contain compounds called phenols that make it harder for your body to absorb iron. This is particularly important because many pregnant women are already low on iron. If you drink any coffee or tea, have it between meals so it has less of an effect on your iron absorption.

Answer 2

When I was pregnant I was very worried about my caffeine consumption. I craved caffeine and yet was scared to drink any because of the possible effects on the baby. I work at a school and everyone at the lunch room told me different things. I would try to drink the caffeine free soda, but there was none at the soda machines at work. So occassionally I would drink one like every other day. I have a healthy smart one and a half year old. I guess what I am trying to say is don't stress yourself out. One a day is okay. I work with children with special needs and seen it all when it comes to disabilities and such. I was always paranoid about what I'd eat and do. Long story short...relax and enjoy this time because it passes you quickly!

Answer 3

Caffeine is one of the most loved stimulants in America! But now that you are pregnant, you may need to lighten up on the daily intake of your favorite drinks and treats.
Facts About Caffeine:

Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it increases your blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are not recommended during pregnancy. Caffeine also increases the frequency of urination. This causes reduction in your body fluid levels and can lead to dehydration.

Caffeine crosses the placenta to your baby. Although you may be able to handle the amounts of caffeine you feed your body, your baby cannot. Your baby's metabolism is still maturing and cannot fully metabolize the caffeine. Any amount of caffeine can also cause changes in your baby's sleep pattern or normal movement pattern in the later stages of pregnancy. Remember, caffeine is a stimulant and can keep both you and your baby awake.

Caffeine is found in more than just coffee. Caffeine is not only found in coffee but also in tea, soda, chocolate, and even some over-the-counter medications that relieve headaches. Be aware of what you consume.
Fact or Myth?

Myth:Caffeine causes birth defects

Fact: Numerous studies on animals have shown that caffeine can cause birth defects, preterm delivery, reduced fertility, and increase the risk of low-birth weight offspring and other reproductive problems. There have not been any conclusive studies done on humans though. It is still better to play it safe when it comes to inconclusive studies.

Myth: Caffeine causes infertility.

Fact: Some studies have shown a link between high levels of caffeine consumption and delayed conception.

Myth: Caffeine causes miscarriages.

Fact: A few studies have shown that there may be an increase in miscarriages among women who consume more than 300 mg (three 5 oz cups of coffee) a day. Other outcomes include preterm labor and low-birth weight babies. Again, it is safer to avoid caffeine as much as possible.

Myth: A pregnant woman should not consume ANY caffeine.

Fact: Experts and studies have stated that "moderate" levels of caffeine have not been found to have a negative effect on pregnancy. The definition of "moderate" varies anywhere from 150 mg - 300 mg a day.
How much caffeine is in your favorite drinks & snacks?

* Starbucks Grande Coffee (16 oz) 400 mg
* Starbucks House Blend Coffee (16 oz) 259 mg
* Dr. Pepper (12 oz) 37 mg
* 7 Eleven Big Gulp Diet Coke (32 oz) 124 mg
* 7 Eleven Big Gulp Coca-Cola (32 oz) 92 mg
* Ben & Jerry's Coffee Buzz Ice Cream (8 oz) 72 mg
* Baker's chocolate (1 oz) 26 mg
* Green tea (6 oz) 40 mg
* Black tea (8oz) 60 mg
* Excedrin (per capsule) 65mg

How much caffeine is too much?

The less caffeine you consume, the better. Some experts say more than 150 mg of caffeine a day is too much, while others say more than 300 mg a day is too much. Avoiding caffeine as much as possible is your safest course of action. If you must get your fix, it is best to discuss this with your health care provider to make the healthiest choice for you and your baby.

Answer 4

The consensus from doctors and experts seems to be that low amounts of caffeine (a cup a day) is fine.

"What to Expect When You're Expecting" says, and I quote, "The latest studies indicate that women who drink two or even three cups of coffee a day are probably not putting their babies at risk....limit your caffeine intake to 2 or less servings a day..."

I asked my doctor and she said one small cup a day is fine. So I have half a cup of coffee with lots of milk and no sugar in the morning instead of having soda, chocolate or anything else with caffeine or lots of sugar.

As long as you're reasonable about it and keep you're servings down you should be fine.

And the person who said green tea doesn't have caffeine is totally incorrect. Green tea has HIGH amounts of caffeine.

I really wish people wouldn't say things that are patently untrue on here... I mean, at least do the MINIMUM of research before telling people incorrect things.

Answer 5

Now that you are pregnant, it is important to ensure that both you and your baby stay strong and healthy. Though it may be difficult, this is the time to give up all those bad habits, like smoking and alcohol consumption. It is also a good idea to give up food or beverages that contain caffeine. Though you may be hesitant to give up your morning cup of coffee, caffeine has been associated with a number of prenatal risks. When consumed in high doses, caffeine has even been linked with increased rates of miscarriage.

Answer 6

One caffeine drink will not harm the baby...it's all about moderation! If you were a caffeine fiend then yes it would be harmful, but one a day? That's nothing! Relax and enjoy your time being pregnant!

Answer 7

The November issue of American Baby said you can drink 2 cans of soda (or 2 coffee's from starbucks) a day and it will NOT harm your baby!! I just got it in the mail. I thought that 2 was too much but thats what it says!

Answer 8

One coffee or coke a day will not harm your baby. If you are totally going overboard on it, like 6 cups of coffee and 3 cokes, then I would say yes.

But one coffee is totally fine!!! If you have high blood pressure I might avoid it though as it can act as a stimulant and increase it more. But if doc says all is well, you should be able to have your coffee once a day.

Answer 9

If u asked me, I will say you better not start taking it at this stage. 16 weeks is still too early, your baby has not been fully formed yet. You wouldn't want your baby to be NOT FULLY formed, right? Wait till you are at least 7 months, then it is save to take one a day, but try to limit yourself to 3 per week. That's what I did, and I have a healthy baby which is now 3 weeks old.

Answer 10

Nope - it's fine. My next door neighbor is an OB nurse and i asked her the same question - here was her response: if you already drink coffee it has no affect on you because it no longer raises your heart rate, thus not raising the babies heart rate. However, if you do NOT drink coffee and then start to during pregnancy then YES it will raise the babies heart rate and is dangerous. Just stick to your normal one cup and don't go over that - you're baby will be fine.