During pregnancy, your nutritional needs change. You need to get more of certain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, but there are also some foods and substances you should limit or avoid, like caffeine and caffeinated tea. Your doctor can help you determine the right amount of caffeinated drinks for you, as well as whether or not it is safe to drink herbal tea. Let her know if you have any other questions about diet during pregnancy.
Caffeine Restrictions
Moderate caffeine intake is defined as 200 milligrams a day, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and this is the equivalent of roughly two 8-ounce cups of regular coffee. During pregnancy, you should keep your intake to this amount or less. It is possible that drinking too much coffee, caffeinated tea or other beverages with caffeine can increase your chances of a miscarriage, but more research is needed to determine the validity of this statement. However, caffeine may make you nauseous, light-headed or create sleep problems, and you may want to limit your intake for these and other reasons.
Herbal Tea
Some teas, such as green and black, contain caffeine, and you should drink these with the same precautions as coffee. Herbal tea does not contain caffeine. Few studies have been conducted on the effects that herbs have on fetuses and their development. For this reason, it is advisable to avoid all herbal teas when you are pregnant, unless you get specific approval from your obstetrician to drink them, according to the Mayo Clinic. Do not even consume herbal teas supposedly made for pregnant women without first checking with a licensed physician.
Hidden Caffeine Content
Coffee, tea and soda are not the only items that contain caffeine. Other food items that contain caffeine in their list of ingredients may include coffee-flavored ice cream or yogurt, chocolate, brownies, cookies or candies. Many over-the-counter medications for the treatment of fatigue and pain contain caffeine as well. Learn to read the labels of your medications and foods to ensure that your total caffeine intake does not exceed 200 milligrams a day, or the amount suggested by your doctor.
Additional Considerations
During pregnancy, it is vital to your baby’s health and development that you consume a nutritious diet and restrict your intake of potentially harmful foods and drinks. Your doctor can give you a more thorough list of dietary precautions to take while pregnant, as well as tell you what nutrients you will need in greater amounts. For example, because no amount of alcohol has been proven safe for pregnant women, it is best to avoid it entirely. If you have questions or concerns about your caffeine intake or diet while pregnant, discuss these with your health care provider.
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