Women pregnant and expecting are advised to refrain from certain foods and drinks during their pregnancies – Brie on a bagel, Pinot Noir and of course coffee are often listed among these things; but is it really necessary to give up these daily indulgences? New research from the University of Queensland indicates that enjoying coffee does not increase gestational diabetes or preeclampsia risk.

Study researchers utilized genetics to explore how both mother’s bodies and unborn fetuses process caffeine during gestation. In fact, they discovered that pregnant women who consumed coffee had lower blood pressure and glucose levels than those who didn’t drink coffee during their pregnancies. “Our results support current clinical guidelines which recommend moderate caffeine consumption during gestation as safe,” according to PLOS ONE guidelines published October 14th; specifically no more than 200 milligrams daily which equals two cups of regular joe per day during gestation.

One reason is because women’s bodies can only process so much caffeine before it passes to her developing baby through the placenta and disrupts its nerve cells. Furthermore, high caffeine consumption has been linked with birth complications like low birth weight or miscarriage.

However, quitting caffeine doesn’t just involve eliminating coffee from our lives – other sources such as tea, soft drinks and energy beverages as well as chocolate and herbal remedies like guarana and yerba mate contain caffeine too! Furthermore, some painkillers, including certain paracetamol formulations are known to contain caffeine; be sure to read their patient information leaflet prior to taking them.

Though most doctors recommend limiting caffeine during pregnancy, the decision ultimately rests with each woman individually and their healthcare provider should know your medical history and pregnancy journey in order to provide advice as to which choice would be most suitable for her.

If you decide to continue drinking caffeine-containing coffee, decaffeinated versions should be preferred and intake should not exceed 200 milligrams a day (2 8-ounce cups). Because individual metabolism of caffeine varies greatly between individuals, be mindful of what your own body tells you when adjusting your dosage of this stimulus. If your sleep becomes restless or your heartbeat accelerates, that may be a telltale sign that caffeine consumption needs to be restricted. Also, avoid drinking coffee and tea alongside meals since caffeine interferes with body’s absorption of iron and calcium. Caffeine Informer’s calculator makes it easy to determine how much caffeine is in your favorite caffeinated beverage – including any special size options from coffee shops that might contain up to 300 milligrams! Plus, its size does matter! Your body needs a steady dose of caffeine while it develops, so consider making decaf coffee yourself at home, too. It tastes just as great and will save money too compared to buying prepackaged decaf coffee from Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts. Remember, though, that caffeine levels vary depending on which brand of coffee you select; always read labels carefully!