Caffeine and Pregnancy

Caffeine consumption during pregnancy is controversial. Some studies say as little as two cups of coffee a day creates a risk factor. 

Caffeine is a stimulant and can keep both you and your baby awake.  It increases your blood pressure and heart rate, both of which are not recommended during pregnancy. Caffeine also increases the frequency of urination which in turn can lead to dehydration.

Caffeine crosses the placenta to your baby and your baby's metabolism cannot fully metabolize the caffeine. Any amount of caffeine can also cause changes in your baby's sleep pattern in the later stages of pregnancy. 

The following information, adapted from the websites listed at the bottom of the page, will help you understand more about caffeine and your pregnancy.

The March of Dimes notes that during pregnancy caffeine passes from you to your unborn child through the placenta. A developing fetus may have higher and more sustained blood levels of caffeine than the mother because of the immature metabolism of the fetus.

Caffeine is not only found in coffee but also in tea, sodas, chocolate, chocolate syrup, hot cocoa and even some over-the-counter medications. Amounts differ greatly from one such source to another. Levels of caffeine typically found in drinks and foods are listed in the following table obtained from the IFIC website (IFIC August 2002).

Caffeine and Breast Feeding

Caffeine can enter the breast milk of nursing mothers.  A cup of coffee is not likely to harm your baby but too much caffeine in a breast feed baby can cause problems such as poor sleeping, nervousness, irritability, and poor feeding.