Is Caffeine Safe for Pregnant Women?

You don’t have to give up your morning cup of coffee if you are pregnant.

Determining if all caffeine should be avoided by all pregnant women is difficult to determine. Prenatal and maternal health is important for the health of the mother as well as the developing fetus. Infant and maternal mortality rates in the US have increased and in many cases the deaths were preventable.

Maternal caffeine consumption is related to lower birth weight and most studies recommend limiting caffeine intake. Many of the studies were looking at coffee consumption, though caffeine can be present in other beverages and foods and should be carefully monitored. 

Studies show that keeping caffeine intake to below 300 mg per day or 1 to 2 cups of brewed coffee is not a concern.

Substituting green tea for coffee. Green tea has half the caffeine and has antioxidants as well as immune boosting properties.

What we do know is that high caffeine intake can restrict blood flow in the placenta affecting fetal growth. Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic,and can cause dehydration. Dehydration can cause the amniotic fluid and influence baby development as well as preterm labor. Pregnant women need to stay well hydrated.

Caffeine does cross the placenta and goes to the fetus, and clearance of caffeine from the body slows during pregnancy. 

Though there is very limited data as to whether caffeine alone negatively impacts fetal development.  Studies show the effects of maternal dehydration can reduce blood and oxygen to the fetus can also decrease fetal heart rate.  

Each pregnancy is different and for women that are in the higher risk category of pregnancy with a tendency for high blood pressure should eliminate stimulants such as caffeine that increase blood pressure. 

Caffeine can also aggravate acid reflux, cause rapid heart rate, anxiety and trouble sleeping.