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?
Maggie @ Tethered Mommy
July 23, 2010VERY interesting! I too didn’t want coffee the first trimester with both of my kids but did pick it up again. I drank way too much caffeine with DD so toned it down with DS. I’m glad they allow for some but perhaps there should be an ounce/mg rule out there.
Thanks for posting this!
Erin @aMarketingMama
July 23, 2010Interesting. I absolutely couldn’t look at, smell or even think about drinking coffee through my first trimester. By the time, I got to the 3rd, I drank maybe 1-3 cups a week. MY OB had given me the one cup a day rule too.
Kate
July 23, 2010I was the same way with my first pregnancy, Monica – I drank ZERO caffeine because I was so cautious. With my second, I developed a coffee habit. Honestly, I didn’t drink it regularly before I was pregnant with my daughter but as soon as I was knocked up, I CRAVED IT. And, I totally gave into my cravings and drank a coffee a day.
Like most other things, it’s seems like the guideline is suggesting common sense and moderation.
Malia
July 23, 2010All the studies I looked at found no causal link between caffeine and any birth defects, premature birth etc. There are some studies that have a temporal (am I spelling that right?) link where they found that some women who consume more caffeine had worse outcomes, but they don’t know which is the chicken and which the egg. A lot of women get the “can’t stand the sight of coffee” symptoms which can be linked to high hormone levels = good, healthy pregnancy. So are the ones downing cup after cup of coffee missing those hormones or is the caffeine hurting baby? No one was really sure in anything I read. I have to admit I’d often have a cold soda in the afternoon just to wake up the little guy if he hadn’t been moving much. So far he seems fine
becca
July 23, 2010i just read a book called “the panic free pregnancy” written by an ob/gyn. it says basically the same thing. it recommends moderate caffeine consumption only, 1-2 cups per day. the book basically says that doing things that are good for you will be good for the baby, and 3+ cups isn’t good for me (no matter how badly i want it to be).
zanymomintx
July 23, 2010Thanks for sharing this. I’m in my third trimester and the last 3.5 weeks and while I’m trying to watch my caffeine consumption, a cold Coke tastes so GOOOOOD right now.
Tiffany
July 24, 2010I’ve never been a coffee drinker, but do drink caffeinated soda to help me stay awake when I work nights. I was working nights when I was pg with my second, and I tried to limit myself to a 12 ounce soda while working. My feeling is that it is STILL a stimulant, and what you take into your body, your baby takes in. I’m still leery about caffeine and will continue to stay away from it as much as I possibly can while pregnant. Thanks for the info though, it’s interesting to see how recommendations have changed.
Ellen - TC Mom
July 24, 2010I totally agree with the research. With my first like you I was so nervous I gave up all caffeine and I am a daily soda drinker. My kids are close together so with number 2 I needed caffeine so I did the research and discussed with my dr coming to the conclusion one soda a day was fine but I did not start until after the 1st trimester. Then with baby 3 I had caffeine from day 1, still limiting it but I needed it and I have 3 healthy little girls. Moderation is key so is knowledge.
Kristina
July 24, 2010I always switched to half-caf coffee so I could get some a.m. caffeine without worrying about the effects on the baby. I could never bring myself to go completely caffeine free since trying always gave me caffeine withdrawal headaches.
beannie
July 24, 2010I switched to decaf the entire time I was trying to get pregnant (10 months). I did it so that I would already be weened off when i got pregnant. Except as soon as I got pregnant I started a job that required me to drive 50 minutes each morning. I found that without a cup of coffee i was falling asleep driving. My OB said the same thing…moderation. I started to have one cup a day and it saved me. My daughter is 2 months old and perfect!!!