Caffeine and Pregnancy..Is It OK?

Women who love coffee, soda, tea, and chocolate may be planning to incorporate caffeine into their diets during pregnancy. Unfortunately, this may not be the safest idea. In addition to triggering morning sickness for some women, research has shown that consuming caffeine during and prior to pregnancy may pose some risks. Here's what all women who are pregnant or wish to become pregnant should know about the effects of caffeine.

Fertility Problems
Research has found a link between fertility problems and caffeine intake. It's important to keep in mind that you don't need to avoid coffee, soda, or chocolate altogether prior to pregnancy, however. The studies which have been done on the effect that caffeine has on fertility have found that the amount that you consume while you are trying to conceive is the main determining factor. Researchers found that while there was not a higher infertility rate among women who consumed 300 mg of caffeine a day, those who consumed 500 mg or more a day were at a greater risk, according to the March of Dimes.

Birth Defects
Studies have found that caffeine consumption can increase the risk of birth defects, low-birth weight, and preterm births among animals, according to the American Pregnancy Association. No studies have been done to determine whether caffeine has the same impact on humans, however. Although the research is only limited to animals at this point, most medical experts recommend women to assume that these risks do exist until research proves otherwise.

Miscarriage Risk
The research which is currently available on the link between caffeine and miscarriage is conflicting. One study did not find a higher rate of miscarriage among women who consumed 200 mg to 300 mg a day, while another found that women who consumed 200 mg or more a day were two times more likely to have a miscarriage, according to the March of Dimes. Until more research has been done on this possible miscarriage factor, pregnant women are recommended to consume caffeine in moderation.

At this point, women are not recommended to cut caffeine out of their diets completely before or after conception. They are advised to consume it in moderation during and prior to pregnancy, however. The American Pregnancy Association reports that medical experts generally recommend limiting your caffeine intake to 150 mg to 300 mg a day while you are pregnant. During the first three months of pregnancy, when miscarriage is more likely, it's best to keep your caffeine intake under 200 mg a day. Be sure to check labels any time you consume foods or beverages which contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and ice cream. If you have any additional concerns about caffeine consumption during pregnancy or while you're trying to conceive, it's important to talk to your doctor.

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