Pregnancy comes with a lot of adjustments, including rethinking your caffeine intake. Many people can't even imagine getting through the day without their daily dose of coffee. However, if you're expecting, you might want to think twice about reaching for that cup of joe. Many expecting mothers have questions about caffeine consumption during pregnancy, and we're here to give you the answers. Here are the topics that we'll be exploring in this article: 

• How Caffeine Impacts the Body 
• Caffeine While Trying to Conceive 
• Caffeine While Pregnant 
• Caffeine Breakdown 
• Get an Energy Boost Naturally 
• FAQs 

How Caffeine Impacts the Body 

Because caffeine has a high level of absorption, you can start to feel its effects in as little as 5 to 30 minutes after consumption. The short-term effects of caffeine include an increased heart rate, heightened alertness and an enhanced mood. Research also demonstrates that caffeine boosts your resting metabolic rate, which means it increases the number of calories you burn while inactive. 

Some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than others. If you're particularly sensitive to caffeine, you may experience disrupted sleep, high blood pressure or other adverse effects even after consuming a low dose. It's important to consume the appropriate amount of caffeine for your needs. 

Caffeine While Trying to Conceive 

Many people wonder if they should kick their caffeine habit while trying to conceive – does caffeine affect fertility? There is no conclusive evidence that caffeine affects your chances of becoming pregnant; however, it's still important to proceed with caution. When consumed in high doses, caffeine may increase the amount of time it takes to get pregnant. Some evidence even suggests that heavy coffee drinkers may be more likely to miscarry or give birth to a premature baby. 

To err on the side of caution, be sure to limit your caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day if you're trying to conceive. This is equivalent to about two cups of coffee a day. 

Caffeine While Pregnant 

Just like caffeine intake poses certain risks while trying to conceive, it can also lead to health complications while pregnant. Some research suggests high caffeine consumption may raise the likelihood of giving birth to a baby that is small for their gestational age. In addition, as we discussed earlier, consuming high levels of caffeine during pregnancy may also increase the risk of miscarriage. 

If you do choose to drink coffee while pregnant, the key is to do so in moderation. We recommend following the same guidelines as if you're trying to conceive and don't exceed 200 milligrams, or two cups of coffee, per day. 

Caffeine Breakdown 

It can be tricky to tell exactly how much caffeine is in common foods and beverages. To help you make well-informed decisions, here's a breakdown of the average caffeine content in common beverages and foods. 

• Drip Coffee: 165 mg per 8-ounce cup 
• Latte: 63 mg per 8-ounce cup 
• Decaf Coffee: 2 mg per 8-ounce cup 
• Black Tea: 45 mg per 8-ounce cup 
• Green Tea: 30 mg per 8-ounce cup 
• Herbal Tea: 0 mg per 8-ounce cup 
• Coke: 34 mg per 12-ounce can 
• Dr. Pepper: 41 mg per 12-ounce can 
• Pepsi: 38 mg per 12-ounce can 
• Coffee Flavored Ice Cream: 21-45 mg per 1/2 cup 
• Dark Chocolate: 20-60 mg per 1-ounce serving 

Get an Energy Boost Naturally 

We get it—it's not easy to cut back on caffeine, especially if you're still hustling day in and day out while pregnant or trying to conceive. Fortunately, you don't need to rely solely on caffeine to get a much-needed energy boost. You can also increase your energy levels naturally by maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated. It's also important to engage in relaxation techniques to better manage your fatigue. 

If you're still struggling with common persistent fatigue, the Premama® Energy Boost Mix is formulated to boost your energy levels without any caffeine. It's perfectly safe to use before, during and after pregnancy and is sure to make a noticeable difference in your mood and vitality. 

FAQs 

Q: Can you drink decaf coffee while pregnant? 

A: Because decaf coffee contains a very negligible amount of caffeine, it is generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy. That said, every pregnancy is different, and some health experts may recommend avoiding caffeine altogether. If you're concerned about your caffeine intake during pregnancy, it's best to discuss it with your doctor to get personalized guidance based on your specific needs. 

Q: How much caffeine can you drink while pregnant? 

A: The recommended limit is typically around 200 mg (2 cups of coffee) per day, but individual tolerance may vary. It's also important to note that caffeine is also found in other sources, such as chocolate and certain medications. Therefore, it's crucial to account for your caffeine intake from all sources. 

Q: What tea can I drink while pregnant? 

A: Because herbal teas such as chamomile and peppermint don't contain any caffeine, they are considered safe to drink during pregnancy. However, caffeine-containing teas should be limited. Common teas that contain moderate to high levels of caffeine include black tea, green tea, oolong and white tea. If you aren't sure about which caffeine sources you should steer clear of, be sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor. 

Caffeine is an integral part of many people's everyday lives. However, if you're expecting or trying to conceive, it's a good idea to be more cognizant of the amount of caffeine you consume on a daily basis. Overall, it's important to remember that caffeine intake is a highly individual matter. If you aren't sure how much caffeine is right for you according to your weight, gender and overall health, don't hesitate to consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice. Once you understand what your unique needs are, you'll be well on your way to making the right decisions for you and your baby.