How can they possibly expect us to not only deal with growing a human inside of us, having low blood pressure and being so tired that sleeping under your desk mid afternoon is something you’ve seriously considered, and not drink caffeine. HUH?

According to the whispers of those pesky old wives, this is something you should limit while pregnant. So is it true, and what’s a safe amount?

As with most things, moderation is key. As is ‘calculated risk’, I believe. Studies show that that caffeine while pregnant is in fact safe, as long as it’s limited to around 200 mg per day.

How much is 200mg in terms of my double strength soy latte in the morning?

200mg is the equivalent (roughly) to one coffee a day, in laymans terms. In more accurate and specific terms, its approximately 2 cups of instant coffee, one of your normal café coffees, 4 cups of tea or 6 chocolate bars. Yes, chocolate bars because as I found out, they absolutely do contain caffeine! How unfair.

Baby Centre has given this handy list:

• 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg
• 1 cup of instant coffee = 75mg
• 1 cup of brewed coffee = 100mg to 350mg, depending on beans and how it is made (NSW Health 2007)
• 1 cup of tea = 50mg
• 1 can of cola = 40mg
• 1 can of “energy” drink = 80mg
• 1 x 50g bar of plain chocolate = up to 50mg
• 1 x 50g bar of milk chocolate = up to 25mg

Why do I have to limit my caffeine anyway?

Too much caffeine can lead to a ‘smaller’ baby. And as much as you might react like me upon hearing this (hell yes, small baby = less pain = give me all of the coffees!), this can actually mean your baby is at risk of developing health problems later on, so its best to stick to the limits. 1-2 coffees a day really, is not a huge restriction – well for most people!

Coffee courtesy of @kingofthecastlecafe

Did you stop drinking coffee during your pregnancy?