Caffeine During Pregnancy 

Experts believe caffeine during pregnancy can negatively impact pregnancy and beyond. But is there any amount of caffeine that is safe? Or is it better to eliminate your caffeine intake completely? 

Caffeine, not coffee 

‍When people think of caffeine consumption, their minds spring to drinking cups of coffee, but caffeine is in other foods and drinks too. You will find caffeine in energy drinks, teas, chocolate, cups of cocoa, soft drinks and even over the counter medications. Cold and flu medicines or paracetamol often include caffeine, so opt for the version without caffeine where possible. But the thing that most people struggle with is giving up their morning cup of coffee. 

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Skinny latte, americano or espresso? Many people drink coffee every day without giving it a second thought. Yet, this innocent beverage could be impacting your fertility and chances of successful IVF treatment.  

Given it’s a stimulant, caffeine can be a hard habit to quit—even though some pregnant women find it causes heartburn. Whatever your taste in coffee, healthcare professionals advise you to reduce your coffee intake before, during and after pregnancy because high levels of caffeine can cause an increased risk of infertility and pregnancy complications. 

Remember to check the label first to see what the caffeine content of your foods and drinks is.  

How much caffeine is too much? 

According to guidelines, it is recommended that your caffeine consumption does not exceed 200 milligrams per day, which is equivalent to about 2 cups of instant coffee.  

Knowing how much caffeine is in the products you buy can be a challenge. Below is a caffeine calculator, as referenced from the NHS. There are approximately: 

• 100 mg of caffeine in a mug of instant coffee 
• 140 mg of caffeine in a mug of filter coffee 
• 75 mg of caffeine in a mug of tea (regular or green tea) 
• 34 mg of caffeine in a 12oz can of regular or diet cola 
• 80 mg of caffeine in 250 ml cans of energy drinks 
• less than 25 mg of caffeine in 50 g of a plain dark chocolate bar 
• less than 10 mg of caffeine in 50 g of a plain milk chocolate bar. 

The amount of caffeine you have can be difficult to measure as it can vary from product to product. This is particularly true of herbal tea, where the amount can vary as much between the types of tea as it can between the different brands. Check the ingredients of the food you eat in case they include coffee and chocolate. We are more aware of our caffeine consumption in beverages, yet we sometimes forget about caffeine hiding in foods. It is best to avoid caffeinated products where possible and substitute it by drinking water or soft drinks that don’t contain caffeine. 

Does caffeine affect IVF and IVF implantation?  

The evidence from studies varies, with some...