Caffeine may be part of your morning routine, making the prospect of giving it up during pregnancy seem unfathomable. Luckily, most experts no longer advise women to completely abstain from caffeine during gestation; rather it should be consumed in moderation; up to 200 milligrams a day would be considered safe levels; keep in mind that other forms such as tea, soft drinks and chocolate also contain it!

Caffeine is a stimulant that crosses the placenta, and may have some impact on your developing baby. Studies have linked high caffeine intake with an increased risk of miscarriage; research also indicates it can reduce sleep quality which is essential to both mother and fetus’ well-being. Furthermore, caffeine acts as a diuretic, leading to dehydration as your body produces more urine; additionally it may interfere with normal digestive functioning by producing heartburn and indigestion symptoms in some pregnant mothers.

Starting off your day with coffee in the morning, tea during afternoon break or soda with lunch–caffeine can sneak its way into many foods and beverages making it hard to monitor overall consumption. A healthcare provider or prenatal dietitian can recommend safe amounts for you and your baby’s consumption.

Prior to recent studies, it was commonly advised that pregnant women avoid any sources of caffeine during gestation. But recent evidence indicates it’s safe for a moderate amount of caffeine consumption (up to two cups per day of coffee or tea) during gestation. No matter what the evidence says about your caffeine consumption during gestation; always consult your healthcare provider about it.

Keep in mind that the amount of caffeine found in any cup of coffee can vary by brand and size, as can its total caffeine intake. You can quickly determine yours by reading labels or checking online; smartphone apps are another convenient way of monitoring this. It is advisable to monitor total caffeine intake, since accidental overdoing it without realizing can happen quickly; typically a cup of brewed coffee typically contains 95 mg while 12-ounce cola drinks could contain as much as 33 mg; we offer our Pregnancy Nutrition Guide as a resource to learn more about healthy eating plans that support both you and your baby during gestational life!