Caffeine?

How much caffeine have you been told is safe during pregnancy.  I became really addicted to caffeine after having my son three years ago.  He was/is a horrible sleeper and used caffeine as a way to stay awake.  I know it is not good for me and have tried to stop.  Anyway, my doctor told me to limit my consumption, but that I didn't need to eliminate it completely.  He said that the headaches from not drinking any would be worse than limiting it.  I have cut it down to one Dr. Pepper a day since I found out I was pregnant.  Anyway, lately, since I can't sleep at night, I find myself giving in occasionally and having 2 a day.  Do you think it is harmful to my baby?  I read on the internet and don't think I am drinking enough to cause any problems, but just wanted to get your opinions.  I know there are worse things I could do, but I just worry about everything!

[lynne1276]

I have 1 medium ice coffe from Dunkin Donuts a day.  If I don't have one then I have a coke or somthing but never more than 1.  I asked my doctor this yesterday and she said one a day is fine.

[michellejune]

I also go by the standard 1 cup a day. I find that I probably drink one cup every other day or sometimes not even that. It helps when I get headaches though.

[alittlebitofsunshine]

I did cut it completely but only because of personal beliefs
my doc said one is fine
so after she was born and i was breast feeding i have one in the morning that way if it does make it into her system she is not awake in the middle of the night

[ally76]

I drank 2 cups of coffe a day with both my dd's b/c I was a waitress and coffee was always fresh and handy.  They were both 9 and 10lbs and very healthy.  I dont think 2 pops a day would hurt.

[Darkestlight]

I probably drink more than I should. I Stopped drinking caffeine totally when i first found out I was pregnant, once the latest study came out on caffeine and they said it has shown no effects on the baby. So I stopped worrying so much. I probably drink 2-3 cokes a day. Sometimes I switch off for a day to something without caffeine like sprite, but I usually get a headache then so its kinda hard for me.

[lovefamily]

Here is what I got from a med help book sent to me from my insurance carrier:

Caffeine is a stimulant and is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some colas and medications.  At present, the research on the effects of caffeine in human pregnancy is inconclusive.  large amounts of caffeine may stop nutrients from getting to your baby and has been associated with low birth weight babies.  it is generally agreed that women who consume caffeine-containing beverages and foods should do so in moderation.  For example, it is recommended that coffee be limited to two small cups per day.

I think I would try to limit it to just one can per day.  That would probably = 2 small cups of coffee per day.  It is good that you are thinking of your baby.  Blessings!

[chellybeans]

i cut it out completely since i found out i was preggers. my doc said it COULD increase the risk of miscarriage and that was enough for me. i drink caffeine free coke if i just have a craving

[pixijal]

Your fine.  
I always cut out my coffee, and sub w/one can of Mountain Dew instead.
Sometimes I have two.....your safe.

[ma2isiah]

Dr. Pepper has about 1/2 as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. So technically two dr. peppers (8oz serving) would equal one cup of coffee. So you are totally fine. Also my OB said that per lab tests, it took more than 6 cups of coffee per day to show any affects to the fetus, now she doesn't recommend drinking that much, but might make you feel better!

[mattsturle]

i cut it out completely once i found out i was prego. untill i was about 15wks. then went back to 1 maybe 2 cups of coffee a day,(depending on how early i get up, but i use 1/2coffee 1/2 milk, 2 sugars)) then a 20oz of either pepsi/or/coke. if i am out and about. but other than that it is water all the way. i love i cold water,(even though it gives me heart burn too for some weird reason.) but told the dr and they didnt seem worried about how much i/we (me and baby) are consuming(sp?)

[mattsturle]

i do also think, just thinking not really for sure, doesnt chocolate containe caffeine too. i COULD be thinking wrongly (pregnancy brain) but i think it might. so if that is the case i eat almost as much caffeine in a week as i drink in ol say 2 or 3 days.  i love my chocolate. (hated it before i got prego, now cant live w/out it. crazy cravings.)

[taysmommy]

haha how funny i did the mountain dew thing two in the morning and i showed up at one of my doctors appointment with a can in my hand and got the talkin to from him, he said mountain dew is worse then coffee, I DONT BELIEVE IT,


i drank it through the whole pregnancy, and dd wasnt hyper, or a bad sleeper,

poster- i agree, you will be fine, the key is moderation (im guilty, havent cut it out with this one, still drink 3 sodas a day....)