Is caffeine consumption during pregnancy safe?

Is caffeine consumption during pregnancy safe?

Studies have found that moderate caffeine consumption has little or no effect on the reported time to conceive, however, high caffeine consumption may increase risks of delays in conception. Major studies over the last decade have found no association between birth defects and caffeine consumption. Even offspring of the heaviest coffee drinkers were not found to be at higher risk of birth defects.

Evidence from other human studies also supports the conclusion that low to moderate consumption of caffeine by pregnant women probably does not predispose the mother to miscarriage or pre-term delivery. Some studies suggest that drinking more than two or three cups of coffee daily (approximately eight cups of tea or nine cans of caffeinated soft drinks) increase the chances of low birth weight. Because caffeine can cross the placenta and affect the fetus, pregnant women should apply the principle of moderation to caffeine consumption and discuss it with their personal physician.

Breast milk can also transfer caffeine from mother to baby. Very high caffeine intake in nursing mothers may make babies irritable. A reasonable guideline for daily intake of caffeine is up to 300 mg caffeine per day. The following chart provides the approximate caffeine content of various foods and beverages. A variety of caffeine-free beverages are available for women who wish to limit or avoid caffeine during pregnancy.

CAFFEINE CONTENT OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES

The table below shows the approximate caffeine content of various foods and beverages

MILLIGRAMS OF CAFFEINE

ITEM TYPICAL RANGE*

Coffee (8 fl. oz. cup)

Brewed, drip method ..........................85 65 - 120

Instant .................................................75 60 - 85

Decaffeinated........................................3 2 - 4

Espresso coffee (1 fl. oz. cup)..............40 30 - 50

Teas (8 fl. oz. cup)

Brewed major U.S. Brands..................40 20 - 90

Instant .................................................28 24 - 31

Iced (8 fl. oz. glass) .............................25 9 - 50

Some soft drinks (8 fl. oz.).................24 20 - 40

Cocoa beverage (8 fl. oz.) ...................6 3 - 32

Chocolate milk beverage (8 fl. oz.) .....5 2 - 7

Milk chocolate (1 oz.) ..........................6 1 - 15

Dark chocolate, semi-sweet (1 oz.) ....20 5 - 35

Baker’s chocolate (1 oz.) ...................26 26

Chocolate-flavored syrup (1 fl. oz.).....4 4

Source : Healthy Eating During Pregnancy. International Food Information Council Foundation.2003