Caffeine and pregnancy: What you should know about safe consumption

Caffeine is a natural stimulant commonly found in coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, and even certain medications.

- ANUSHI JAIN

While many people rely on caffeine to boost alertness and energy, pregnant women need to be particularly cautious about their intake. This is because caffeine can cross the placenta and potentially impact the developing fetus, whose body is not capable of metabolizing caffeine efficiently. As a result, excess caffeine exposure during pregnancy may pose several risks to fetal development.

Understanding the safe consumption limits, potential dangers, and hidden sources of caffeine is essential for expectant mothers who want to ensure a healthy pregnancy for themselves and their babies.

Health authorities around the world, including the World Health Organization and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommend limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy to under 200 mg per day. This is equivalent to roughly one standard 12-ounce cup of brewed coffee, one to two small cups (100-150 ml) of coffee, two cups of black tea, four cups of green tea, or one to two cans of cola. Despite these guidelines, studies show that many pregnant women unintentionally exceed this limit, often due to a lack of awareness about caffeine content in various foods and drinks.