The Effects of Caffeine on Your Pregnancy
It is well known that caffeine consumption can have negative effects on both you and your unborn child, but how much is too much? What are the specific effects caffeine has on pregnant women and their babies? Is there any hope for those of us who love our morning coffee?
Caffeine is a stimulant consumed by most adults in the United States every day. It increases alertness and reduces fatigue, which can be especially helpful for those who work or study long hours. In addition to these benefits, many people enjoy the flavor of coffee and tea, as well as their aroma. However, caffeine consumption during pregnancy has been linked with increased risk of miscarriage and low birth weight babies. This article will explore how much caffeine is too much and what its effects are on pregnant women and their unborn children in detail!

What Will Caffeine Do to an Unborn Baby?
An unborn baby’s heart is formed only 14 days after conception. But you may not know you are pregnant yet. The small amount of caffeine in one cup of coffee or tea has no effect on the baby at this point, but as soon as your pregnancy becomes noticeable, you should cut back or stop drinking caffeine to be safe!
Caffeine can cause your baby to have problems with how it moves its body during the first 3 months of pregnancy. This may lead to death, miscarriage, or other problems including low birth weight, premature birth, stillbirth, and birth defects.
Caffeine has been linked with increased risk of miscarriages in early pregnancy according to several studies. In one study, women who drank more than 200 milligrams of caffeine per day were twice as likely to have a miscarriage compared with those who did not drink any caffeine. Caffeine from all sources – coffee, tea, soda and chocolate – was linked with a higher risk of having a miscarriage.
Even if you don’t have a miscarriage, caffeine during pregnancy can still lead to low birth weight and premature babies. One study found that mothers who drank 200 mg or more of caffeine per day were 1.5 times as likely to have a baby with low birth weight (less than 5 pounds 8 ounces) as those who didn’t drink any caffeine. In another study, women who drank more than two cups of coffee or tea a day were 1.5 times as likely to have a preterm baby (born less than 37 weeks into pregnancy) compared with those who didn’t drink caffeine.
In other research, women who drank 300 mg or more of caffeine per day – about 3 cups of coffee – were 2 to 4 times as likely to have a stillbirth (when a baby dies after 20 weeks of pregnancy) as those who didn’t drink any caffeine.
It’s not clear how much – and even if – caffeine directly affects the risk of these problems in pregnant women. Other factors may be involved, such as smoking or alcohol use, overall poor health, or other habits that can be harmful to the unborn baby.

How Much Caffeine is Safe to Drink While Pregnant?
Now that you know what caffeine is and how it affects your unborn baby, you probably want to know if there is any “safe” amount of caffeine during pregnancy or whether you need to stop drinking caffeinated beverages entirely.
Unfortunately, at this point, no one knows for sure. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a daily intake of less than 200 mg caffeine – for example, about one or two cups of coffee – probably has little effect on your unborn baby during pregnancy. However, it’s best not to have more than this amount. This advice is especially true for women who are at high risk for having a miscarriage or delivering their baby too early.
Does Drinking Coffee While Pregnant Make Your Baby Hyper?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that drinking coffee while pregnant makes your baby hyper. In fact, caffeine is only one of many factors that can contribute to hyperactivity in children. Some other potential causes include genetics, exposure to environmental toxins, and poor nutrition.

What Are the Long Term Effects of Caffeine During Pregnancy?
The long term effects of caffeine during pregnancy are not yet fully known, but research has shown that there may be some risks associated with consuming large amounts of caffeine during pregnancy. These risks include an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and low birth weight.
Additionally, caffeine consumption has been linked with an increased risk of problems such as hyperactivity and attention deficit disorder in children. However, it is important to note that these risks are only associated with high levels of caffeine intake, and moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe.
Does Drinking Caffeine While Pregnant Cause ADHD?
There is some evidence that suggests a link between caffeine consumption and an increased risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children. However, it is important to note that this link is only associated with high levels of caffeine intake, and moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe.
Does Caffeine Increase the Risk of Miscarriage?
There is some evidence that suggests a link between caffeine consumption and an increased risk of miscarriage. However, it is important to note that this link is only associated with high levels of caffeine intake, and moderate caffeine consumption is generally considered safe.

Does Caffeine Affect Fetal Growth?
There is conflicting evidence on whether caffeine consumption affects fetal growth. Some studies suggest that there may be a link between caffeine intake and a decreased birth weight, while other studies show no significant association between caffeine and fetal growth. However, it is generally recommended that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg per day in order to minimize any potential risks.
How to Reduce the Effects of Caffeine on Your Unborn Baby
If you drink more than 200 mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy, it’s best to cut back – but remember that even if you do this, caffeine may still have a negative effect on your baby.
Caffeine is in many beverages and products you can buy. You probably won’t be able to cut out all caffeine from your diet completely. But that’s okay because the daily limit of 200 mg is an average amount not a precise limit for everyone. If you drink 2 cups of coffee, you probably don’t need to cut back to 1 cup; if you drink only ½ cup, you may not need to cut back at all.
Some common sources of caffeine in addition to coffee and tea are:
Energy drinks (about 45-90 mg caffeine per 8 oz.)
Soft drinks (about 15-30 mg caffeine per 12 oz.)
Chocolate, particularly dark or baker’s chocolate (about 25-50 mg caffeine per 1.5 oz.)
Caffeine in coffee, tea, soda etc., one serving of each is about equivalent to the other caffeinated beverages. For example, if you drink a cup of coffee or tea with 150 mg of caffeine, you’d need to drink 8.5 cans of soda or 5-6 cups of brewed cocoa to get the same amount of caffeine.
Caffeine can be found in many sources of beverages and products, so it may not be possible to eliminate all caffeine from your diet. However, by limiting your intake to no more than 200mg per day you will avoid some negative effects – such as an increased risk for miscarriage or premature birth and hyperactivity disorders in children. Be sure to speak with a physician before changing anything about what you eat or drink during pregnancy!

Katie Reed is a passionate writer and mother of four vivacious boys from Salt Lake City, Utah. Drawing from her own journey through TTC, pregnancy, and the joys of raising children, she offers a wealth of insight into the world of motherhood. Beyond her heartfelt tales, Katie delights her readers with family-friendly recipes, engaging crafts, and a curated library of printables for both kids and adults. When she’s not penning her experiences, you’ll find her crafting memories with her husband and sons—Dexter, Daniel, Chester, and Wilder.