Caffeine is found in many products, such as coffee, tea, soda, chocolate and some over-the-counter medications. Although moderate amounts of caffeine are safe during early pregnancy, consuming too much can result in negative effects for both you and your unborn baby. It is important to understand how much caffeine is safe during early pregnancy and how to cut back safely.
General Effects
Caffeine can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, as well as cause blood vessels to constrict and reduce blood flow to your placenta. Caffeine is a diuretic and can increase urination, causing you to use important fluids and nutrients. It can also make you jittery and stimulate secretion of stomach acid, resulting in heartburn.
Effects on Baby
Caffeine crosses your placenta and can affect your developing baby. His metabolism is still developing and cannot handle the caffeine, which can cause his sleep and movement patterns to change. According to the American Pregnancy Association, caffeine has been known to cause birth defects in animals. However, there are no conclusive studies in humans.
Amount and Sources
If you choose to consume caffeine during pregnancy, talk to your doctor about the best amount for you. MayoClinic.com states that your doctor may recommend that you stay below 200 mg a day. You can find 26 mg in one ounce of dark chocolate, 40 mg in 6 oz. of green tea, and 35 mg in 12 oz. of cola. One 8-oz. cup of coffee has 102 to 200 mg of caffeine.
Recommendations
If you plan to cut back on your caffeine intake during pregnancy, do it gradually. Caffeine withdrawal can cause symptoms like headaches, irritability and lethargy. Try mixing decaffeinated soda or coffee with the regular version and gradually shifting the amounts of each until you are consuming the beverage with the least possible amount of caffeine. Keep in mind that some decaffeinated beverages, such as green tea, still contain trace amounts of caffeine.
