Caffeine and pregnancy: what’s safe?

Are you a procaffeinator? Are you pregnant? If the answer to both of these questions is a Yes for you, then you should definitely read this article.

As soon as you get those two perfect red lines on your pregnancy test strip, your journey towards motherhood begins. With this new role and responsibility comes an extensive list of do’s and don’ts. While going through the list, one particular thing catches your eye and that is “limited caffeine intake”. At that moment all you want is a hug from your caffeine mug.

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a stimulant which keeps you awake and energetic. It is a general myth that caffeine is found only in coffee. Caffeine is a chemical found in tea, aerated soda, energy drinks, chocolate and some medicines.

Bid Adieu to Caffeine in Pregnancy

Caffeine affects your nervous system. It increases your blood pressure, heart rate and urination. This may cause jitteriness, irritability, sleep trouble and dehydration. Also, your baby’s metabolism is still evolving and cannot digest the caffeine quickly. Thus, caffeine remains in the baby’s bloodstream for a longer period. Caffeine also reduces iron absorption.

There are various myths associated with caffeine, like infertility, birth defects, premature babies, miscarriage, childhood obesity, childhood leukemia and hyperactive children. Although these studies are not backed by 100% research, no mother would want to risk her newborn with any of these threats.

Therefore, doctors recommend limiting the caffeine intake to 200 milligrams each day during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Limit the Dose

New moms may find it difficult to lessen their daily caffeine needs. It may even cause withdrawal symptoms like headaches and irritability. Here are some simple methods to slowly and gradually part ways with your beloved caffeine or limit the dose below permissible limits:

1. Sip your beverage slowly. Also, take smaller but frequent doses throughout the day.
2. Decaffeinate your drink. For example, dip a tea bag in water for 20-30 seconds and discard the water. Then use the same tea bag to make a cup of tea for yourself. This way you will not get much of caffeine yet the flavor will be intact. Similarly, brew the coffee for a shorter duration. The longer the coffee is brewed, the more the caffeine is released.
3. Try shifting to herbal tea or decaffeinated coffee.

 Try and look for healthier options in beverages. A combination of caffeine and sugar is an absolute no for expecting and feeding moms.