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Coffee and Pregnancy

If you are a “java junkie” like me, you might wonder about the combination of coffee and pregnancy. Can pregnancy and coffee co-exist? Are there concerns about drinking coffee if you might be pregnant? We hope you’ll read on for a short article on coffee and pregnancy.

Avenue Women’s Center is a non-profit limited women’s clinic in the Chicagoland area. We have a strong commitment to assist women of all ages and in every situation with nonjudgmental support and helpful services, such as medical-grade pregnancy tests and private pregnancy consultations, which are available at no cost. Please contact us today for an appointment at one of our five DuPage County locations: Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, West Chicago, or Wood Dale, Illinois. We are waiting for your call.

The topic of “coffee and pregnancy” might actually be viewed as a question of caffeine and pregnancy. Caffeine is a stimulant found in many popularly used foods and beverages, including coffee, coffee-flavored products, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks, as well as in chocolate and chocolate products. Caffeine is also an ingredient in prescription and over-the-counter medications. Many studies have been done to identify the impact of caffeine on one’s health, including for pregnant and breast-feeding women. With regard to the impact of caffeine in pregnancy, there have been conflicting results.

One difficulty in assessing the impact of coffee on a pregnancy is that the amount of caffeine in any product can vary from one manufacturer to another. In coffee, for example, variables may include its brand, the way it’s prepared or served (latte or espresso), the type of beans used, and the size of the cup or serving.

Because the results of the studies done on caffeine and pregnancy have been inconclusive, definitive instruction regarding coffee and pregnancy has not been established. Most experts agree that moderate consumption of caffeine (200 mg per day – that would be about 12 oz. of coffee.) is safe, not contributing to the incidence of miscarriage or pre-term birth. If you are watching your caffeine intake, do remember and take into account that caffeine is present in other products as well. In general, it is recommended that pregnant women consult with their health care provider for advice on caffeine.

There is no doubt that pregnancy impacts many choices in life. Adjustments in nutrition and limiting caffeine intake as a part of a planned or wanted pregnancy may be a relatively simple change. However, many women find themselves tackling bigger issues than coffee and pregnancy. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and are looking for next steps, let Avenue Women’s Center help. We are here to provide helpful services, resources, and support. Contact us for a private pregnancy consultation today.


References:

  • National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), National Library of Medicine (NLM). (2013, April). Is caffeine consumption safe during pregnancy? Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3625078/
  • March of Dimes. (2015, October). Caffeine in Pregnancy. Retrieved from: www.marchofdimes.org/pregnancy/caffeine-in-pregnancy.aspx
  • Mayo Clinic. (2017, April). Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372?pg=1
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2010, August). Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/Clinical-Guidance-and-Publications/Committee-Opinions/Committee-on-Obstetric-Practice/Moderate-Caffeine-Consumption-During-Pregnancy
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2018, February). Frequently Asked Questions, FAQ 001, Pregnancy. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/-/media/For-Patients/faq001.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20180406T1808331857

Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.

The information provided here is general in nature.  It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center.  If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention.  Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.