What's Brewing with Caffeine

Can You Drink Your Coffee?

-- By Becky Hand, Licensed and Registered Dietician

Caffeine is a stimulant that is found in many foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, and soft drinks. Although caffeine may provide you with your morning boost, it also quickly passes through the placenta to the baby. Animal studies have shown a connection between caffeine intake and birth defects.

However, human studies have been inconclusive. The Food and Drug Administration and most health organizations recommend that pregnant women should discontinue or at least cut down on caffeine. It is okay for pregnant women to wake up and enjoy the coffee. However, a reasonable guideline for daily intake of caffeine is no more that 300 milligrams per day or 2-3 servings. The chart below shows the approximate caffeine content of various foods and beverages.

One study in early 2008, suggests that 200 milligrams of caffeine daily may be too much: Caffeine Linked to Miscarriage. Please discuss your habits with your health care provider.

Food Item	Milligrams of Caffeine
Coffee, Brewed, 8 oz.	65-135
Coffee, Instant, 8 oz.	60-100
Tea, Brewed, 8 oz.	20-110
Tea, Instant, 8 oz.	20-30
Iced Tea, 8 oz.	10-50
Mountain Dew, 1 can	55
Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, 1 can	37
Coke, Diet Coke, 1 can	31
Chocolate Milk, 8 oz.	2-8
Milk Chocolate, 1 oz.	1-15
Chocolate Chips, ¼ cup	26
Chocolate Ice Cream, ½ cup	4-5

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Member Comments About this Article

	"You actually get alot more calcium that is actually usable by your body from broccoli and spinach than from milk so if you don't like milk -don't fret , just eat or drink your greens.:)" -- ANNEHEMSTED

	"Milk is important especially during pregnancy so take a look at what else is in your diet that provides caffeine and work to balance in your chcocolate milk along with other calcium sources like yogurt and cheese to keep your caffeine intake low and your calcium intake high." -- TANYA_BABYFIT

	"I hate regular milk it's gross. I prefer chocolate milk instead it tastes better. What should I do?" -- STEPHANIE061490

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About The Author

Becky Hand
Becky is a registered and licensed dietitian with almost 20 years of experience. She teaches prenatal classes and counsels individuals, helping women eat right and stay fit before, during and after their pregnancies.