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January 12, 2005
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Caffeine

What you need to know:
Research suggests that:

  • Low to moderate caffeine consumption probably does not affect your fertility or increase your risk of miscarriage or preterm labor.
  • Moderate caffeine consumption is probably okay during pregnancy.

“Moderate” means less than 300 mg of caffeine per day, or about the amount in 2 to 2-1/2 standard 8-ounce cups of coffee. The amount of caffeine depends on the beans used, the serving size and how the coffee is prepared. There is also caffeine in chocolate, tea, cola, some carbonated beverages other than cola, coffee ice cream and some non-prescription medications.


What you can do:
Limit the amount of caffeine you consume to no more than two cups of coffee per day. It’s better for your body and your baby if you drink water, milk and fruit juice during your pregnancy. You can drink decaffeinated colas, coffee and tea, too.

 
Caffine during pregnancy
How Much Caffeine is In . . . ?

Doctors think moderate caffeine consumption during pregnancy (under 300 mg daily) is probably okay. However, caffeine can be found in many of the foods we eat so how can you be certain you aren’t getting too much?

Caffeine in Beverages and Chocolate*

ITEM MILLIGRAMS OF
CAFFEINE
AVERAGE RANGE
COFFEE (8-oz. cup)
Brewed, drip method
Brewed, percolator
Instant

184
128
104

96-288
64-272
48-192
TEA (8-oz. cup)
Brewed, major U.S. brands
Brewed, imported brands
Instant
Iced (12-oz. Glass)

64
96
48
70

33-144
40-176
40-80
67-76
Caffeinated soft drinks
(12 oz.)
36 30-60
Hot cocoa (12 oz.) 6.4 3.2-32
Chocolate milk beverage
(8 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 oz.)
4 4
Source: U.S. FDA and National Soft Drink Association




* Adapted from Kansas State University table

 
           
Keeping Healthy
  Prenatal Care  
  Choosing a Prenatal Care Provider  
  Eating for Two  
  Food Safety  
  Weight Gain During Pregnancy  
  Vitamins & Minerals  
    - Calcium  
  Exercise  
    - Warning Signs to Stop Exercising and Call Your Doctor  
    - Conditions That Make Exercise Dangerous During Pregnancy  
  Caffeine  
  Work and Pregnancy  
  Sex During Pregnancy  
  Pregnancy After 35  
  Childbirth Education Classes  
Things to Avoid
  Alcohol  
  Smoking  
  Marijuana  
  Drugs & Herbs  
  Abuse  
  Hazardous Substances  
  Stress  
Prenatal Tests
  Your First Tests  
  Amniocentesis  
  CF Carrier Screen  
  Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)  
  Glucose Screen  
  Group B Strep  
  Maternal Blood Screening  
  Ultrasound  
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