A huge controversy exists about caffeine and pregnancy, with some conclusive findings suggesting that higher levels of caffeine intake can have negative effects on pregnant women and their babies. The real question up for debate is: What amount of caffeine is safe? While it’s best not to worry too much about the chocolate bar you may have had last night (yes…chocolate has caffeine), if you find the effects of caffeine on your pregnancy worrisome, it might be best to avoid caffeine altogether.
First, caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic, meaning it increases blood pressure and heart rate (not recommended during pregnancy) and causes frequent urination, which could lead to dehydration. While you control the exact amount of caffeine that enters your body, your baby does not; caffeine crosses the placenta and affects your baby just as it does you. Normally, the effects of caffeine on an adult wear off in six hours, but for pregnant women, it may take twice as long to leave the body. Additionally, because the baby is still developing, it will not be able to metabolize caffeine efficiently, which could result in altered sleep patterns and movement in the later stages of pregnancy.
Caffeine and Conception: A Delicate Balance
In an effort to prepare for pregnancy, many women improve their diet and exercise routine before conception to ensure their bodies are healthy and ready for implantation. Some studies have found a link between high caffeine consumption and delayed conception. Women who consumed more than 300 mg of caffeine per day were twice as likely to experience conception delays of a year or more compared to women who consumed less than 300 mg per day. While low to moderate consumption seems safe, heavy caffeine drinkers may want to start cutting back when trying for a baby. No studies have been done on the effects of caffeine on sperm.
The under-300 mg per day mark seems to be the safe consumption level even after conception, as the fetus grows. A few studies have shown an increased risk of miscarriage among women who consume more than 300 mg of caffeine per day. Other studies have linked high caffeine intake to pre-term labor and low birth weight. While animal studies have shown caffeine causing birth defects, reduced fertility, and other reproductive issues, human studies are still far behind. Although many women choose to avoid caffeine completely just in case there are undiscovered effects, experts believe that moderate caffeine intake (150 mg-250 mg per day) will not harm pregnancy.
For those women holding out until the later stages of pregnancy to enjoy caffeine again, the wait may be longer than expected. Late in pregnancy, the baby will absorb caffeine from the mother, which can lead to increased fetal heart rate, increased breathing rate, and tremors. Additionally, babies born to mothers with high caffeine consumption late in pregnancy are likely to spend more time awake in the days following birth. Many tired parents of newborns want their babies to sleep well, so avoiding caffeine in late pregnancy is essential for the baby to establish good sleep patterns and for the parents’ peace of mind. Even breastfeeding mothers can pass caffeine into their baby’s system. While low to moderate caffeine intake won’t harm the baby, any caffeine will be passed to the baby, metabolized by their system, and may have stimulating effects.
While most women and babies don’t experience negative health effects from low to moderate caffeine consumption, caffeine sensitivity varies between individuals. If you’re normally caffeine sensitive, take extra care to avoid it during pregnancy, as the effects are more pronounced due to slower caffeine metabolism in pregnant women. Avoid caffeine-containing foods such as chocolate, coffee-flavored ice creams, and yogurts, and opt for fruity desserts like pies. Stay well-hydrated with decaffeinated tea, juice, and water.
If you’re thinking of becoming pregnant but consume more than three cups of brewed coffee per day, start weaning yourself off of coffee now so your body can adjust before all the changes that pregnancy will bring. Once pregnant, regulate your caffeine intake to safe levels. Know what foods and beverages contain caffeine and avoid them if you are concerned about its effects on pregnancy. Myths about caffeine and pregnancy do exist, so remain calm if you slip up and indulge in cappuccino ice cream—moderate caffeine intake is safe for both you and your baby.
