Selfish?

MillerMama13

I know many drs say caffeine is okay during pregnancy as long as its minimal. My dr told me on the first visit that caffeine is off limits because it can cause preterm labor. I haven't had any complications whatsoever to make her think that I might go into preterm labor but I figured she has her reasons. So I haven't had any caffeine aside from the occasional chocolate fix. Now that I'm a week before full term is it okay to endulge in a little caffeine? From what I've heard it doesn't cause you to go into labor and I'm not planning on going crazy just maybe 1 Dr. Pepper? I know it sounds selfish and I don't want to cause any problems with LO. She obviously comes first. I'm just hoping the caffeine might get my digestive track moving a bit. I havent gone number 2 since Thursday and I'm in quite a bit of pain. Dr recommends colace which I've been taking but still no movement.. Ugh

baby oh baby

Personally I think it is ok. But I thought caffeine constipated you?

jmayamama

Most people have caffeine all along. I think you're good :

SarahRae85

I'm a bit of a Dr Pepper addict. I've cut back while pregnant, but still have it more than I probably should (is soda ever a "good idea"?) and caffeine has been part of my diet since my BFP. No PTL here. I imagine it's dehydration doctors are concerned about, since caffeine can cause dehydration and dehydration can lead to contractions. Just drink lots of water. That'll help any constipation issues as well.

Andrea+David

I think you'll be fine... I've cut WAY DOWN on caffeine but I occasionally will have a can of Coke or a sweet tea when I'm really craving it!

MrsReese28

My OB told me two cups of coffee were fine but then again when I told him I was having trouble sleeping he suggested a little wine. I have been a very bad girl. I had wine on Valentine's Day. You'll be fine as long as your not inhaling Rockstars all day. Women have had far worse than that throughout history and given birth to perfectly healthy babies.

MillerMama13

I drink tons of water. At least 96 oz a day usually more. I've already had 90 oz today so far and it's not even 2:30pm yet. I don't know if caffeine normally constipates you but for me in the past it seems to kick my organs into overdrive. I used to drink an energy drink or coffee and it was like an instant laxative. Lol

Mrs MoJoRisin

I have one cup of coffee evey morning. I also eat cold cuts.

emriley84

I've had caffeine my whole pregnancy. My OB said 1 or 2 cups of coffee, tea or soda are ok, just to make sure to drink them in addition to water, not in place of.

kellopes

I have coffe every morning. My dr said that up to 2 cups a day is ok..... but I guess every dr is different... mine is really laid back....

ehgraf80

What will cause preterm labor is dehydration.  So as long as you have enough water go ahead and have a cup of coffee or 2 at most.  I've had coffee during my entire pregnancy without any problems.  I usually have a cup first thing in the morning followed by lots of water.  I just can't function at work without it.

tilsonc

My have had zero complications and have had 2 cokes a day. Dr said it was fine. 

Annelea

My doctor told me in the beginning that a little bit was ok. i usually would just get a small coke from Mcdonalds on my way to work. in the beginning i did not drink any and i had terrible contsipation and finally i was at home sick with all of the lovely MS combined with constipation and i was craving a pepsi so bad, i caved and hubby brought home a small coke from Burger King and after that i never had the constipation again and my stomach/ms issues were always early morning and the carbanation seemed to help so much. My doc. advised that if that is all i drank it would be ok.

honeydew01

You're fine. My OB said to cut down but she actually recommended coffee for my headaches early on (first trimester?)

TMWarren85

I gave in around 32 weeks... I tried hardcore but couldn't make it anymore- I relied on my morning cup of coffee to ease constipation (along with fiber additives and more that the daily recommendation of water) prior to getting pregnant, so when I started having major pains due to constipation I poured a cup. Now I will even have an occasional Coke Zero in the afternoon in addition-  I work full time, have an hour commute each way and a 4 year old at home. LO's health is obviously important but if I'm not functioning than I'm no good.Maybe run it through your nurse line if you are just feeling really nervous about it since you're no longer at a risk for preterm labor- people on here will give you their personal advice (as I have done) but in the end it's only your doctors opinion (and yours) that matters. 

Side note- I drank a lot more caffeine with DD and she is completely healthy and I delivered at 39w5d. Looking back, I know that the excessive caffeine aided in the swelling and weight gain (artificial sweeteners) which is why I tried to really limit this time around. But I am only human  

honeydew01

and I agree with PP, it's dehydration that'll get you to pre-term labor, drink lots of water...

rebeccaruggles

My doctor told me that 1 caffeinated beverage a day was fine. I drank coffee every day for the first and second trimesters and LO is fine.

NovOwl

I cut out all caffeine at first too, except for some chocolate every now and then.  The jury is really still out about caffeine, but my dr. said that 200 - 300mg per day is fine.  I waited until about 30 weeks and now I have a morning cup of coffee each day. 

ETA: For the record, those who think it can cause constipation, I haven't had that problem at all.  

lifewrite

I'm sipping on a coke right now as I read your post lol. Not a big deal IMO. Just limit yourself to one a day at the most and you'll be fine. Like pp say just make sure to drink plenty of water too.

mccall35

Mrs MoJoRisin:

I have one cup of coffee evey morning. I also eat cold cuts.

This is me.  

Kimber517

I have coffee every morning, and the occasional second caffeinated drink during the day and no PTL.. In fact at the rate I'm going, I and going into overtime!

My doc says all is ok, she did say no alcohol though, and I have been a VERY good monkey with that.

RibbitGrl930

My doctor gave me the okay for a daily cup of coffee so long as I was careful about my other caffeine intake throughout the day. That was five weeks ago, and I've been routinely having my cup of coffee, and making sure any sodas I drink are non-caffeinated. Little man's been perfectly fine at every check-up!

Jay86Lyn

Once I hit about 32 weeks I caved. My craving was root beer! And when I go out for dinner with girlfriends or even my husband I will have like 3 or 4 glasses! But I don't drink coffee or tea, and I only have the pop maybe once or twice a week. I've also stopped being so picky with cold cuts as someone above said too. The way I see it now is when my mom was pregnant with me she was told by her dr it was fine to smoke cigarets and have a glass of wine here and there to relax. I turned out just fine! There were no rules back then as there are now. At this point baby is fully developed and just putting on weight so what's a little caffein here and there! Good luck!

lifewrite

Jay86Lyn:

Once I hit about 32 weeks I caved. My craving was root beer! And when I go out for dinner with girlfriends or even my husband I will have like 3 or 4 glasses! But I don't drink coffee or tea, and I only have the pop maybe once or twice a week. I've also stopped being so picky with cold cuts as someone above said too. The way I see it now is when my mom was pregnant with me she was told by her dr it was fine to smoke cigarets and have a glass of wine here and there to relax. I turned out just fine! There were no rules back then as there are now. At this point baby is fully developed and just putting on weight so what's a little caffein here and there! Good luck!

Root Beer is usually caffeine free FYI

Crequito

I have had coffee or tea almost every day of my pregnancy.  I was a huge coffee drinker before pregnancy and have cut back to stay under the max daily caffeine allotment.  I haven't had any issues with bp, blood work or baby's heart rate.  I think having one Dr pepper this late in the game isn't going to harm you.  Good luck!