I have always been a coffee drinker. When I was teaching and had to be at school by 7 am, that morning cup of joe on the way to work was a ritual I looked forward to, and kept me going! When I finally got pregnant I immediately tried to switch to decaf for that morning cup hoping it would trick me and pep me up for school, but it didn’t work. Well, that didn’t last long because at about 8 weeks pregnant, I just had no desire to drink coffee – decaf or not. Frankly, I was thankful because I wasn’t looking forward to having to make the decision to stop drinking it. My OB at the time (3 years ago) said that moderate coffee drinking was ok during pregnancy, so I could continue my one cup a day. However, like many first time moms, I was so nervous about every little thing that could affect the baby, and decided if I ever got past the nausea, I wouldn’t drink coffee while pregnant. Once I started nursing, my desire to drink coffee came back, but I was still nervous, so I did drink decaf for the 14 months I nursed my baby boy.
ACOG on Caffeine While Pregnant
It looks like my OB must have been up on her research, as the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recently modified its position on caffeine consumption for pregnant women. They now say that moderate caffeine consumption doesn’t appear to cause miscarriage or preterm birth. They define “moderate” as one reasonable (think “tall” not “grande” or “venti,” ladies!) cup of coffee, or one soda a day. One study showed no increased risk of miscarriage or premature birth at low, medium or high levels of caffeine intake. Another study showed a higher risk of miscarriage only with more than 200 milligrams a day.
With my second pregnancy, I couldn’t stomach the smell of coffee, so again the decision was made for me. I am still not sure what I would do if I got pregnant again, but it is nice to know that there has been research to prove that a little is ok. I tend to believe in moderation with anything, so it does make sense. I just hope women really pay attention to the “moderate” in the new guidelines, as I fear many misinterpret news such as this.
What are your thoughts pertaining to the new recommendations on caffeine consumption during pregnancy?
Aleksandra
July 24, 2010I say everything in moderation. I despise all those “rules” about pregnancy and beyond.
Tracy @ Sweet Harper
July 24, 2010I was the same, and it didn’t even sound good. In fact my teaching assistant that worked in my room was a huge coffee drinker and quickly figured out what was “up” with me as soon as I stopped drinking it every morning. I would have a soda every now and then w/ caffeine, but overall avoided it. I think what you mentioned it important, that it’s size that matters. Our “cups” of coffee have gotten bigger and bigger over the years!
Nicole Feliciano
July 25, 2010I cut out diet coke when I was pregnant. I still think it was a good decision, but I never suspected coffee was too troublesome.
Shannon - Desert Designs
July 25, 2010I have never been a coffee drinker – so I didn’t have to worry about that particular beverage – Dr. Pepper being my go-to drink! Unfortunately chocolate and Dr. Pepper were the only 2 things that made me sick during pregnancy, so like you, the choice was made for me!
Dana
July 26, 2010Good to know but I think caffeine would be better for babies than alternatives like sodas and such
Gena
July 27, 2010I drank it during the mornings. Then I would stick with water.
Felicia
July 28, 2010This time around.. the first trimester was horrible as far as smelling coffee goes.. but now I just want it all the time! I am like you and choose moderation to the extreme and still stick to decaf!
Jennifer Lanning
July 29, 2010I switched from Diet Dr. Pepper to regular DP, limiting my intake to under 100 mg per day (surprisingly more soda than you’d think). I had a healthy girl 5 weeks ago!
FYI – Coffee has more caffeine than soda. You can look up the amounts online since caffeine info is not readily available on most beverages…
Tiffany Foster
September 20, 2010I worked for Starbucks my entire first pregnancy; so needless to say there was caffeine consumption. I did try to switch to half-caf. (any less caffeine and I can’t stand the taste; I’m a coffee snob) but by the end I needed a little more caffeine to make it through. With my second baby, making coffee at home was too much work, so I switched to tea (I’m the only coffee drinker in my house.) I am now pregnant again and still have many daily cups of tea. We knew a neonatalogist shortly after our first was born and they use caffeine to help the lungs of premature infants develop. They tell nursing moms they can either drink coffee or the doctors have to give injections of caffeine to the babies. So a little caffeine might even be good for baby in the weeks just before you deliver!
tabitha
October 18, 2010when i was about 24 weeks pregnant i was craving a mt. dew (i had sworn off all caffeine during pregnancy) so i decided a little wouldnt hurt. i drank about half of a 16oz bottle and spent the next hour lying on the couch wishing my little one would be still!! he was sooooo active!! some of his kicks even hurt! i was sure from that point on that i didnt want anymore caffeine!! that was the only time in my pregnancy that he acted like that. i can only assume it was the caffeine…