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By Melissa Willets/Sept. 4, 2021 3:03 pm EDT
When you’re pregnant, it can feel like everything is off limits. Wine, sushi, and jumping on the trampoline — okay, maybe that last one won’t be missed too much! It’s also a bit overwhelming navigating what you can and can’t have. For instance, is it okay to drink caffeine if you are expecting?
More specifically, do you have to also forgo your morning cup of coffee in addition to passing on cocktails and a host of other fav foods for the next nine months? Well, we have good news and bad news for any expectant people who rely on caffeine to get through the day.
According to the March of Dimes, yes, you can drink caffeinated beverages even if you have a bun in the oven. The most important thing to consider is how much of your treasured Starbucks brew or perhaps a refreshing afternoon soda you can safely consume.
As the health resource explains, limiting your daily drinking of caffeine to 200 milligrams is key. But, um, exactly how much caffeine is in an average coffee or similar beverage?
This is why you have to limit your caffeine intake during pregnancy
Mayo Clinic notes that a brewed cup of coffee is going to contain just under 100 milligrams of caffeine. A cup of brewed black tea has about half that, while a cola may have about 20 milligrams of caffeine per serving. So, a cup or two of coffee or similar per day while pregnant is probably okay.
Just consider that as the American Pregnancy Association explains, the reason you want to limit your caffeine intake when you are sipping for two is that as you probably know, caffeine is a stimulant, which can boost your blood pressure and heart rate — a no-no for pregnant folks. And, caffeine can cross the placenta to baby, which means your morning mocha is not just being consumed by you anymore.
In the end, if you are unsure of whether you are drinking too much caffeine, talk to your doctor, who can help you make safe choices for you and your growing baby. And don’t worry — soon enough you can resume ordering a Venti Starbucks Frap once your baby is in your arms.
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