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Prenatal Nutrition

Question

Can I drink caffeinated beverages like coffee and cola?

Answer

Research about caffeine and pregnancy is conflicting. The latest research shows that consuming more than 200 mg may increase the risk of miscarriage. Because of this, the March of Dimes suggests limiting your intake of caffeine to 200 mg—about 1 cup of coffee for women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Some sodas, teas, caffeinated energy drinks, and dark chocolate contain about this much caffeine:

8 ounces of tea has 37 mg
12 ounces of soda has 37 mg
1 ounce of dark chocolate has 30 mg

Caffeine content of coffee and tea can vary greatly depending on the proportions of water to coffee beans or tea leaves and the method of preparation. If you chose to decrease or eliminate caffeine in your diet, the switch should be easy, since most beverages are now available in decaffeinated versions.

MEET OUR EXPERTS

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Meet Our Experts

The START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center panel of experts offers practical advice, answering many questions typically asked by parents and expecting parents.

Lillian M. Beard, M.D. Pediatric Health

Lillian M. Beard, M.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national TV programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in the Washington, D.C., area.

José M. Saavedra, M.D., FAAP Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

José M. Saavedra, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a pediatric gastroenterologist with long-term experience and expertise in nutrition. Medical and Scientific Director of Nestlé Nutrition North America, Dr. Saavedra is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, the Sub-board of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the American Board of Nutrition. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins-Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. Prenatal Health

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. is professor of obstetrics and gynecology and is former chairperson of the ob/gyn department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor to national health agencies concerned with women's health issues and has received numerous international honors for this work.

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. Food Intolerances

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. is professor of pediatrics emeritus and former head of the pediatric immunology and allergy division at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla, California. Professor Hamburger is a consultant and continues as an educator and clinician in the UCSD Free Clinics in San Diego and Tijuana, Baja California.

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