Pregnancy comes with many food restrictions, from restricting caffeine and alcohol to giving up certain deli meats, unpasteurized cheese and alcohol – it may be hard for coffee drinkers to give these up, but is it truly necessary? Here is why.

Studies have demonstrated that coffee consumption may lead to higher miscarriage, lower birth rates and pregnancy defects in animals. Due to these studies, pregnant women often avoid it entirely; however, before making changes in your diet it is wise to speak to an obstetrician first and consult them first before making decisions on anything dietary related – the March of Dimes and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend no more than 200 mg of caffeine daily, or two 6-ounce cups of coffee equivalent per day as recommended by some obstetricians such as March of Dimes and ACOG before making changes.

Caffeine can be found in many foods and beverages, from coffee and tea to chocolate and soft drinks. If you consume excessively large quantities, decaf is recommended in order not to exceed the 200 mg limit. Furthermore, painkillers also contain caffeine so it is wise to read their patient information leaflets prior to using them while pregnant.

Caffeine can act as a stimulant, increasing both heart rate and blood pressure while interfering with sleep – something crucial during gestation. Caffeine may cause headaches, jitters or nausea for some individuals so if this applies to you it would be wiser to discontinue intake altogether.

Pregnancy changes your body in significant ways that slow its metabolism of caffeine and eliminate it quickly, meaning levels in your system remain higher for longer than usual. Furthermore, caffeine metabolites are passed to both mother and baby through placenta transmission, meaning too much caffeine consumption could potentially lead to withdrawal symptoms in pregnant women.

Note that while this study suggests it may be safe for pregnant women to consume moderate quantities of coffee, further studies must be completed in order to validate these results. Furthermore, researchers did not take into account other potential influences that might sway results, including smoking or alcohol consumption.

Pregnant women should abide by current recommendations regarding caffeine consumption while pregnant. When possible, decaf coffee contains only trace amounts of caffeine; additionally a healthy and well-balanced diet must also be implemented along with adequate consumption of folic acid supplements in order to decrease risks related to certain birth defects. Talk with your obstetrician for advice regarding managing an optimal diet and lifestyle during gestation.