Caffeine Use-Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology : University of Iowa Health Care

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
UI Maternity Care

Caffeine Use

Caffeine: It is a good idea for you to use caffeine sparingly during pregnancy. Recent research does show that women who consume large amounts of caffeine during pregnancy have smaller babies. (Smaller babies are not always healthier babies.) Large amounts of coffee/tea can also inhibit the absorption of iron, which may lead to anemia. Caffeine may also cause heartburn or nausea and vomiting. For all these reasons, we recommend you cut your intake to less than the equivalent of 2-3 cups of coffee per day (200-300 mg).

Use the following chart to figure the suggested caffeine content of many foods and beverages.

Carbonated Beverages
Mountain Dew (12 oz)	54 mg
Mello Yellow (12 oz)	52 mg
Cherry Cola Slice (12 oz)	48 mg
RC/Diet RC (12 oz)	48 mg
Coca Cola/Cherry Coca Cola (12 oz)	46 mg
Mr. Pibb (12 oz)	40 mg
Pepsi Cola (12 oz)	38 mg
Dr. Pepper (12 oz)	37 mg
Diet Pepsi Cola (12 oz)	36 mg
Cherry RC (12 oz)	36 mg
Root Beer/Sprite/7up (12 oz)	0 mg

Coffee
Brewed (6 oz)	100 mg
Instant powder (1 tsp)	57 mg
Cappuccino/Starbucks	200-300 mg

Tea
Brewed 3 minutes (6 oz)	36 mg
Instant powder (1 tsp)	31 mg
Crystal Light tea (1 tsp)	11 mg

Miscellaneous
Chocolate Cake (1 small piece)	14 mg
Chocolate Fudge Mousse (1/2 cup)	12 mg
Chocolate Jell-O Pudding	5 mg
Chocolate Kisses (6 pieces)	5 mg
Candy Bar	5-25 mg
Chocolate Milk/Hot Cocoa	4-8 mg

Other Beverages
Irish Mocha Mint	75 mg
Amaretto, General Foods	60 mg
Vienna	56 mg
Francais, General Foods	53 mg
Irish Creme, General Foods	48 mg

Peer Review Status: Internally
Peer Review Date: 2004

Last modification date: Thu Aug 23 12:28:59 2007
URL: http://www.uihealthcare.com /depts/med/obgyn/patedu/prenatalcare/caffeineuse.html