Caffeine

Is caffeine safe to consume during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

It’s great that you’re looking into this—caffeine can be safely consumed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as long as it’s limited to moderate amounts.

During Pregnancy

It is recommended to limit caffeine intake while pregnant. Consuming a moderate amount— less than 200 milligrams of caffeine each day—does not appear to pose a risk to you or your baby. 

While Breastfeeding 

Consuming caffeine in moderation—300 milligrams or less per day—is safe while breastfeeding. Caffeine does pass into breast milk, typically in small amounts, but doesn’t harm the baby if mom keeps her intake in check.

The Effects of Too Much Caffeine

Mom may experience:

• • Dehydration
  • Nausea
  • Light-headedness
  • Sleep disruptions

Baby may experience:

• • Fussiness
  • Jitteriness
  • Irritability
  • Sleep disruptions

Babies process caffeine more slowly than adults. If you or your baby experience any of these symptoms a few hours after consuming caffeine, consider cutting back on your caffeine intake. 

If you're breastfeeding a preterm baby or a newborn, you may need to consume even less caffeine. Over time, as your baby gets older, you may be able to gradually increase your caffeine intake to moderate levels.

Common Foods and Drinks with Caffeine

Caffeine is found in many foods and drinks. To stay within the recommended limits—200 mg for pregnant women and 300 mg for breastfeeding mothers— track how much caffeine you consume each day from all sources. Serving size matters, and some products contain more than one serving of caffeine. 

Below is a list of common foods and drinks, along with how much caffeine they typically contain. Keep in mind that caffeine amounts can vary depending on the product, so always check the label. Also, some items may contain high levels of sugar and other ‘empty’ calories, which should also be consumed in moderation.

Caffeine Content in Common Foods and Drinks

Food/Drink	Amount of Caffeine
Energy Shot (2 oz.)	~ 200 mg
Energy Drink (12 oz.)	~118 mg
Coffee (8 oz.)	~96 mg
Soda (12 oz.)	~54 mg
Tea (8 oz.)	~48 mg
Chocolate (2 oz.)	~24 mg

Final Thoughts

Drinking water before and after having something caffeinated is a good idea. Stay well-hydrated, as caffeine can have a mild diuretic effect (causing more frequent urination). It's important to balance your caffeine intake with enough water to stay properly hydrated.

Adjusting your diet during pregnancy or breastfeeding can be challenging, especially if you’re someone who loves caffeine! However, by keeping track of your caffeine intake, you can help ensure a safer and healthier experience for both you and your baby.

SOURCE:
https://www.sd.gov/wic?sys_kb_id=57b1f81647695e50854b61d2e16d43f4&id=kb_article_view&sysparm_rank=1&sysparm_tsqueryId=68753dcc9782d2104696b12ef053af36#:~:text=Caffeine,Chocolate 

http://acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/how-much-coffee-can-i-drink-while-pregnant 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372