caffeine intake?

mgdunn · April 2015

I am definitely not looking for any bashing! If you disagree, please say so but nicely if possible! Hubby and I argue nearly every day over me drinking caffeine. He thinks I should NEVER have any and acts like im satan if I do so. He even says very hurtful stuff like if there is anything wrong with the baby it will be on me. I, on the other hand, don't think its the end of the world. I limit myself to one or sometimes two a day but always take my prenatal vitamins? Just wondering if you ladies do the same or if i should listen to dh?

soberrysweet · April 2015

mgdunn said:
I am definitely not looking for any bashing! If you disagree, please say so but nicely if possible! Hubby and I argue nearly every day over me drinking caffeine. He thinks I should NEVER have any and acts like im satan if I do so. He even says very hurtful stuff like if there is anything wrong with the baby it will be on me. I, on the other hand, don't think its the end of the world. I limit myself to one or sometimes two a day but always take my prenatal vitamins? Just wondering if you ladies do the same or if i should listen to dh?

Your H is kind of being a jerk and an idiot. Sorry, but there's no other way to put it. It's completely unacceptable for him to make remarks like that and if my H talked to me like that I would punch him in the junk. Period.

LiveNLove44 · April 2015

1) Your husband should never say something like that, and I hope you make that quite clear in your conversations with him. That's entirely out of line.

2) What did your OB say? I've heard a range, but the most common seems to be keeping it under 150 mg/day. Research mg of caffeine in your favorite drinks to figure out what that means for you.

My OB says 400 mg/day is my upper range if I want to have a range. I keep it below 150 on any given day, some days below 50 when I get plenty of sleep.

soberrysweet · April 2015

LiveNLove44 said:
1) Your husband should never say something like that, and I hope you make that quite clear in your conversations with him. That's entirely out of line.

2) What did your OB say? I've heard a range, but the most common seems to be keeping it under 150 mg/day. Research mg of caffeine in your favorite drinks to figure out what that means for you.

My OB says 400 mg/day is my upper range if I want to have a range. I keep it below 150 on any given day, some days below 50 when I get plenty of sleep.

FWIW, everything I've read says under 200mg is fine. I don't drink coffee, but I drink tea and I haven't given it up during any of my pregnancies.

Kristyhana · April 2015

I drink caffeine on a regular basis. I keep it under 150-200 mg a day. For me I usually have a cup of coffee in the morning (100mg) and maybe a soda (30mg) later in the day. My OB is totally ok with it and so is my boyfriend. He should be supporting you and not making you feel guilty about anything.

kim1228 · April 2015

My OB said around 200mg is fine each day, knowing that every now and then people cheat and have more! I have half caff in the morning and a latte later if I need it

sbeltre · April 2015

I forced myself to stop when I got pregnant and than a few weeks ago I felt like I was having withdrawals... So I drink a soda if I go out to eat and I've had ice coffee a few times. We are human! But don't let him make you feel bad.

smlowe9311 · April 2015

Like pp's have said under 200 mg is what I've heard is safe. I usually have 1-2 cans of soda a day. With dd I kept it under the 200 mg range and she is perfectly happy and healthy.

JAZsax · April 2015

My brother and sister-in-law are both doctors, so I am constantly asking them questions! I asked them about caffeine intake during pregnancy, because I was even afraid to have a cup of coffee, and this is what they said,"Caffeine is completely fine in moderation. The cases of pre-term labor and miscarriage, thought to have been caused by caffeine, were because of extreme consumption(around 8 cups of coffee per day). Try to keep caffeine consumption to around 200 mg/day. That's two cups of coffee." They also said not to stress about it. I was worried one day, because I had over two cups. They said it's fine as long as I don't consume a large amount on a daily basis. I don't drink caffeine every day, but when I do I don't stress out about it any more. Women have been giving birth for over 250,000 years, so as long as you're doing everything in moderation, you can go ahead and enjoy whatever you're wanting to eat or drink

Birdee212 · April 2015

What does your OB say about caffeine intake? Perhaps hearing it straight from a medical professional that 200mg or less is okay during pregnancy, he'll back off. I'd encourage him to ask at your next OB appointment if he's really that concerned.

If you use a Keurig, they sell Half Caff kcups which have been a nice compromise for me and DH.

LiveNLove44 · April 2015

For the record, I had my second cup of coffee about an hour and a half before a blood draw at my OB, and I was a slow bleeder...the nurse noted that I wasn't being very "generous" that day. I do notice when I haven't balanced my caffeine intake and workouts (sweating) with enough water! Enjoy your cup of joe!

amberrmariee20 · April 2015

Caffeine is perfectly fine, as long as it's under so many mgs, and as long as your OB didn't recommend against it. I get nauseous when I even smell coffee now, but when I was pregnant with my son I had a coffee every day and he was born 9.7 lbs (: !

mgdunn · April 2015

Thank you ladies! That definitely makes me feel better. I have enough guilt as is during pregnancy. I havent asked my ob about it but i for sure will at the next app. Ive researched it but i try to stay away from it especially about pregnancy related questions!

SashaAMV · April 2015

He is wrong. You can have some caffeine.

I had two different OBGYNs in different practices and health networks (because I switched to deliver at a different hospital) tell me that 200 mgs a day is safe. Most of the modern pregnancy books agree. Some say you can have as much as 300 mg a day but I am going with the majority and staying under 200.

For most non-Starbucks brand coffees 200 mg is about 12 oz a day. If you get dark roast coffee or espresso from a high quality roaster you can have more like 16 oz a day. If you are a Starbucks person, you can only count on 8 oz a day.

One thing people often do not know is that decaf *can* be far worse than too much caffeine because most companies use some nasty chemicals to remove caffeine. If you choose to go decaf or supplement with decaf, go online or to a good local coffee shop and get decaf that is water processed or Swiss water decaf.

If you cannot find a place with Swiss water decaf, try bostonstoker.com. It is a little pricey but delicious and chemical free. If hubby wants you to quit caffeine he should not complaint if you *safely* do that.

Good luck!

Summer0407 · April 2015

I never gave up coffee but I do stick to one cup a day and no coca cola etc. We will be fine! Honestly if I didn't have my coffee in the morning I don't know how I would make it through my work day!

FrozenMommy · April 2015

FYI even decaf has a bit of caffeine, so shame on your hubby.

kpgoncalves · April 2015

My OB said about 12 oz. a day is fine and to definitely stay away from the "hard stuff" like espresso and energy drinks. He also said that later on once you can start to feel baby too much caffeine might keep them up and moving around a lot too.

jenn2132 · April 2015

I have a soda a day but I also makes sure to drink plenty of water so I feel ok about it. A little is ok

akorpess · April 2015

My body literally doesn't let me consume more than 200mgs a day. It's such an odd feeling. Baby is like... Okay mom. You've had enough ☺

ellasnow · April 2015

I drank 12 oz a day with my last baby and he is perfectly happy and healthy. I think it's just a balance of having a small amount of caffeine in your diet. Some days I may even go for a slice of chocolate moose cake instead of having coffee on a special occasion

also as long as your pregnancy is going well and you don't have high blood pressure and your ob says it's ok why not have a little coffee each day if u love it

nbear618 · April 2015

When I found out I was pregnant, I quit eating/drinking anything that contained caffeine. If I thought it even had the chance, nope, wasn't going to happen. At my 12 week appointment, my husband brought it up, because he was concerned that I was soooo tired. He knew I would be tired, but I would literally get home from work and fall asleep on the couch and sleep til the next morning. OB said I could have up to 200mg/day.

I say don't over do it, and you should be fine. Your DH is being unreasonable, in my opinion. Sorry that it is causing you issues.

Vanessa226 · April 2015

I still drink my one cup of coffee every morning and my OB says its fine. Talk to your doctor about it. Bring it up next time your hubby goes to the doctor with you. Maybe he's overreacting out of concern but he shouldn't be a jerk about it.

jenspeake · April 2015

My hubby is the opposite! If I say I can't have too much of that or I can't eat that I get the eye roll! He tried to get me to have a drink last night! When I have soda/coffee/tea I try to just drink decaff but every once in awhile I need my Cherry Pepsi! I especially have some caffeine when I'm having a headache. I'd rather try that than take some medicine. Just don't go crazy and have six espresso's from Starbucks!

VallieS86 · April 2015

I've also heard 150-200 mg is fine, I just made the choice to stop drinking coffee and soda. I just figured it would give me an opportunity to drink more water. I still eat chocolate though, and know that it has caffeine. You'll be fine, he's being dumb.

McRad · April 2015

I was the same way. I had it in my head that you can't have ANY. But as others have posted, if you stay below the 150-200mg a day, you are totally fine. I have one coke a day and my OB said it was totally fine!
I'd suggest talking with your OB and your husband so he can hear first hand it's okay to have a limited amount of caffeine.
And, as far as the hateful stuff- I am a firm believer in you can do absolutely everything to a tee correct and there can be something wrong. Or you can do everything you're not supposed to do and have the baby be perfectly healthy. It is all in Gods hands and we are give a baby He sees fit for us. (My religious rant.)
Maybe he should give up caffeine, deli meats, soft cheese, medium rare steaks, beer, hot dogs, bacon, over easy eggs, etc. I'd say he wouldn't last a week. Haha. No low blow intended, just unrealistic expectations on his end. Like my cousin said, you're pregnant, not allergic to the world. Be mindful and you'll be fine.

lanaloulittle · April 2015

My husband, while he hasn't said it meanly, would also prefer I don't drink caffeine (or even noncaffeinated soda). I told him and the Dr told him that it was fine if I am staying under 200mg. Men just feel helpless for 9 months because there is really absolutely nothing THEY can do to help this baby along, its all on you. I kept to one can of coke a day and then maybe a glass of black tea. I have actually almost cut out all soda now because it just doesn't taste good to me, but I am not giving up the tea and if/when I crave a soda I will have it.

rosebby7 · April 2015

You can always drink caffeine free soda such as sprite, root beer, orange or strawberry soda

those are always nice especially since most of us basically only drink water

nmatheny14 · April 2015

My husband (and I both) would prefer I not drink any caffeine. But, quite frankly, I need some in the afternoons to get through the day. I don't sleep well at night, have a busy job, and am growing two humans. I limit to either one Coke or, preferably, twelve ounces of unsweetened black iced tea.

sweet+cheeks · April 2015

kpgoncalves said:
My OB said about 12 oz. a day is fine and to definitely stay away from the "hard stuff" like espresso and energy drinks. He also said that later on once you can start to feel baby too much caffeine might keep them up and moving around a lot too.

I have to disagree. While I wouldn't recommend drinking 12 oz of espresso, there is no reason to avoid it! A grande starbucks drink with 2 shots of espresso has around 150mg caffiene. Totally within the safe zone.

VioletandRose · April 2015

jenspeake said:
My hubby is the opposite! If I say I can't have too much of that or I can't eat that I get the eye roll! He tried to get me to have a drink last night! When I have soda/coffee/tea I try to just drink decaff but every once in awhile I need my Cherry Pepsi! I especially have some caffeine when I'm having a headache. I'd rather try that than take some medicine. Just don't go crazy and have six espresso's from Starbucks!

Mine is the same way! He hasn't really tried to get me to drink, but believe it or not his mom did. I actually think I'm really liberal with my pregnancy habits (compared to what I read here), but he thinks I'm ridiculous for limiting my caffeine intake or not eating lunch meat, unpasteurized cheese, tuna, etc. He is, however, very big on not wanting me to strain myself physically. He won't let me lift anything or paint or do a lot around the house...which is kind of nice

Anyway, my doc told me 250 mg of caffeine per day is fine. I cannot function without an iced coffee in the AM, but I usually get half caf or decaf in case later in the day I decide I want a frappucino or something – which isn't every day, but maybe once a week.

adcoxmt · April 2015

I usually don't drink coffee (unless I'm near a Starbucks, yum), but I do have a coke or something most days. My doctor actually advised me to keep drinking caffeine (just limit to 200mg or less) to avoid caffeine withdrawal-related headaches. I already had an issue with frequent headaches before getting pregnant and he said they would most likely increase in frequency; I might as well avoid the ones I can! :P

komorebi · April 2015

I have kept my coffee for three of my pregnancies and so far my kids are gorgeous, brilliant and amazing, to put it mildly.

I'm on team #kickyourdhinthenuts.

It's so rude and honestly misinformed. Caffeine in moderation is fine.

I have noticed that my body let's me know what it can and can't handle better when I'm pregnant and i just go with that. In early pregnancy i can't even look at coffee or soda,but once the aversion lifts i figure that's my sign.

lizzyLD · April 2015

I have a cup of coffee every morning. sometimes a little more or maybe a soda later on. I will say last pregnancy I feel like I drank way too much towards the end and my baby was not a good sleeper, cried a lot, and was always overly active. correlation? I don't know...

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