Caffeine Consumption and Beta Testing

If you are anything like me, the thought of giving up caffeine during pregnancy sounds terrifying. I so much look forward to my piping hot cup of coffee every morning to kickstart the day!

When pondering caffeine and pregnancy, many questions come to mind:

• Does being pregnant mean sacrificing my morning cup of joy?
• What exactly is the recommendation for caffeine in pregnancy, and how does this affect fertility?
• If I have too much caffeine, will I have a failed Beta Test (pregnancy test)?

Our Recommendation for Caffeine Consumption While TTC or While Pregnant

Out of an abundance of caution, our current recommendation is 200 mg or less of caffeine daily when pregnant. For caffeine amounts in certain products, see below.

This recommendation is based on one study of 1,063 pregnant women that found an increased risk of miscarriage with higher levels of caffeine consumption (> 200 mg daily). However, another study of 2,407 women showed no difference in women with no caffeine vs. < 200 mg/ day of caffeine vs > 200 mg/day of caffeine. Thus the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG ) states that a final conclusion can not be made at this time as to whether there is a correlation between high caffeine intake and miscarriage.

Fertility and Caffeine

A recent study reflected high levels of caffeine (> 500 mg/ day) decreased fertility, but moderate amounts of < 200 mg did not affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes.

In previous studies, caffeine consumption has not been associated with increased birth defects, intrauterine growth restriction, or preterm birth. Caffeine consumption has also not been associated with abnormal sperm parameters in men.

So, the bottom line is that when you get that positive pregnancy test that you have been long waiting for, it is probably safest to restrict caffeine consumption to < 200 mg of caffeine a day. When trying to conceive, it is safest to limit caffeine to < 500 mg daily.

We want to give you every chance to have a pregnancy to make it to live birth. If you are having recurrent miscarriages or difficulty conceiving, it is always best to contact a reproductive endocrinologist to discuss your history further.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call 678.841.1089 or click here.