Quantity of Caffeine Safe for Pregnant Individuals?
Pregnancy and Caffeine Consumption: Understanding the Risks
Consuming caffeine during pregnancy can have potential effects on the fetus and the pregnancy, and it's essential to be aware of the recommended daily limits. Most health authorities, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the European Food Safety Authority, advise limiting caffeine intake to 200 mg per day to reduce risks to fetal development.
A mug of filtered coffee contains 140 mg of caffeine, while a mug of instant coffee contains 100 mg. One cup of average brewed coffee contains approximately 137 milligrams of caffeine. A mug of decaffeinated coffee contains 12 mg of caffeine, and a mug of tea contains approximately 75 mg. Chocolate contains around 31 mg of caffeine, and a standard can of soft drink contains 40 mg. Energy drinks can contain up to 80 mg of caffeine per 250 ml can.
It's important to note that caffeine crosses the placenta, and the fetus metabolizes it much slower than the mother. This means that caffeine can stay in the fetus's bloodstream for a longer period. Consuming caffeine in excess of 200 mg daily during pregnancy may increase risks such as miscarriages, stillbirths, and low birth weights. It can also potentially cause increased fetal heart rate and activity due to caffeine's stimulant effects. There is also a possibility of fetal dependence on caffeine and withdrawal symptoms after birth if exposed to high amounts in utero.
Drinking more than 450 ml of coffee daily while breastfeeding may result in less iron in breast milk. Another study reported that excessive caffeine consumption (about 10 or more cups of coffee daily) while breastfeeding might lead to poor sleep patterns and fussiness in babies.
To ensure a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding experience, it's recommended to consult a doctor to make informed decisions regarding diet during this critical period. Dr. Monica Svets advises pregnant individuals to inform their doctor about their caffeine consumption to help determine the appropriate caffeine intake level.
In summary, staying under 200 mg caffeine daily during pregnancy is advised to minimize risks to fetal development. Exceeding this level could pose increased risks to the pregnancy and the baby’s growth and well-being. It's essential to be mindful of all dietary and medicinal sources of caffeine to stay below the recommended limit and ensure a healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding experience.
[1] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). Caffeine in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/caffeine-in-pregnancy-and-breastfeeding
[2] European Food Safety Authority. (2015). Scientific Opinion on the safety of caffeine. Retrieved from https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4357
[3] American Pregnancy Organization. (n.d.). Caffeine During Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/prenatal-care-common-tests/caffeine-during-pregnancy/
[4] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2010). Caffeine Intake and Lactation. Retrieved from https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/126/4/795
[5] National Institutes of Health. (2019). Caffeine and Pregnancy. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007642.htm
