A recent study claims that drinking caffeine when you're pregnant can double the risk of miscarriage. But with lots of 'do's' and 'don't's' during pregnancy what advice should you follow?

When you are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, you should limit the amount of caffeine to no more than 300 mg per day. That is about the amount of caffeine in six cups of tea, or four cups of instant coffee.

What is caffeine?

Most of us will take in some caffeine on most days. Caffeine is a substance that:

• occurs naturally in foods such as tea, coffee and chocolate.
• is added to drinks such as cola, and some 'energy' drinks.
• is an ingredient of some cough and cold remedies, and some painkillers which you can buy at pharmacies.

Why is caffeine a concern during pregnancy?

A small amount of caffeine is fine. However, if you have a lot of caffeine it increases your risk of having a baby with low birth weight, and increases your risk of having a miscarriage. The increased risk is small. But, it is best to play safe. The Food Standards Agency recommends that you do not have more than 300 mg caffeine in any one day if you are pregnant, or if you are trying to become pregnant.

Calculating your daily caffeine intake

As a rough guide:

• One mug of instant coffee has about 100 mg caffeine.
• One cup of instant coffee has about 75 mg caffeine.
• One cup of brewed coffee has about 100 mg caffeine.
• One cup of tea has about 50 mg caffeine.
• One 50g chocolate bar has about 50 mg caffeine.
• One can of cola has up to 40 mg caffeine.
• One can of 'energy' drink may contain up to 80 mg caffeine.
• Check the label on medicines for quantities of caffeine.

So, you do not have to stop your favourite drinks, but you may need to limit their amount. For example, you will reach the 300 mg limit for one day if you:

• Eat two bars of chocolate, drink two cups of tea, and have a cup of brewed coffee, OR
• Drink three cups of tea, and three cups of instant coffee, OR
• Drink a can of energy drink, two cans of cola, one cup of tea, and eat a 50g bar of chocolate.
• Etc.

© EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: June 2006 PRODIGY Validated

Read on for info about smoking and pregnancy

Where next?
- Pregnancy myths busted
- What to eat during your pregnancy?
- Food and drinks to avoid when you're pregnant

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