Caffeine and Pregnancy Advice
The Effects of Caffeine During Pregnancy
Numerous major studies have been done on the effects of caffeine on pregnancy over the last decade and have shown no connection between birth defects and caffeine consumption. The FDA has evaluated these studies on the effects of caffeine on pregnancy and concluded that caffeine does not adversely affect reproduction in humans. However, as with other dietary habits, the FDA does advise pregnant women to drink caffeine in moderation (no more than one to two cups a day). Drinking five or more cups of caffeine a day could make the effects of caffeine during pregnancy negative ones. In addition, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pregnant women drink plenty of water, milk and juice and not to substitute those drinks with caffeinated beverages.
Caffeine Levels in Food and Drinks
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WHAT PRODUCTS CONTAIN CAFFEINE AND HOW MUCH? |
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The table below shows the approximate caffeine content of various foods and beverages: |
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MILLIGRAMS OF CAFFEINE |
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ITEM |
TYPICAL |
RANGE |
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Coffee (8 fl. oz. Cup) |
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Brewed, drip method |
85 |
65 - 120 |
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Brewed, percolator |
75 |
60 - 85 |
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Decaffeinated, brewed |
3 |
2 - 4 |
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Espresso (1 fl. oz. serving) |
40 |
30 - 50 |
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Teas (8 fl. oz. cup) |
|
Brewed |
40 |
20 - 90 |
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Instant |
28 |
24 - 31 |
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Iced (8 fl. oz. glass) |
25 |
9 - 50 |
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Some soft drinks (8 fl. oz.) |
24 |
20 - 40 |
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"Energy drinks" |
80 |
0 - 80 |
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Cocoa beverage (8 fl. oz.) |
6 |
3 - 32 |
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Chocolate milk beverage (8 fl. oz.) |
5 |
2 - 7 |
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Milk chocolate (1 oz.) |
6 |
1 - 15 |
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Dark chocolate, semi-sweet (1 oz.) |
20 |
5 - 35 |
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Baker’s chocolate (1 oz.) |
26 |
26 |
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Chocolate-flavored syrup (1 fl. oz.) |
4 |
4 |
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*For the coffee and tea products, the range varies due to brewing method, plant variety, brand of product, etc. |
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Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration and National Soft Drink Association |
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© 2012
