Morning cup of coffee

[Southwestwhippet]

Unlike a lot of people, I didn't go off coffee, tea or alcohol when I got pregnant. I didn't suffer too badly with morning sickness (lucky me) and my food tastes didn't really change. However, I am avoiding alcohol 100% and for the first 3 months didn't touch tea or coffee either. But I really MISSED my morning cup of coffee, I just longed for it.

So after the 3 months, I started having a cup of coffee first thing in the morning but avoiding any other caffine during the day. But I can't shake this nagging sense of guilt that a sudden early morning caffiene rush is really bad for my baby. I feel really selfish, but at the same time, drinking that cup of coffee first thing in the morning is lovely and also seems to settle any sick-feelings.

Guess I just want some reassurance that this is ok (or a slap if it's not). Drinking it then feeling guilty for 2 hours is not the answer!

[clu]

The guidelines are 200mg of caffeine which is 2 mugs of coffee so you are fine to have a coffee in the morning. Sit back and savour every sip and dont feel bad at all.

[Alibabaandthe40nappies]

I didn't really reduce caffine at all during pregnancy, but then I don't ever have huge amounts. I used to still have my morning cup of tea (when I could stomach it) and then more tea throughout the day. I don't drink coffee every day but when I wanted some I had it.
Have it, and enjoy it

[mogend77]

I thought the guidelines were up to 300mg? Either way they are not (in the UK) and never have been none at all. Have your coffee & enjoy it. I am jealous - I went off it both times. But I am drinking copious quantities of green tea.

[ErikaMaye]

Drink up and enjoy! Depending on what book / guidelines you read it varies between 2 and three cups advisable during the day, so enjoy your morning mug!

[KatyS36]

I completly went off coffee from weeks 6 to 18. Then I found myself really craving it.

After reading around it seems that the jurys out on this one, there is a consensus that lots isn't good, but no evidence that small amounts cause harm.

I also believe in your bodies ability to determine what it should shouldn't have.

On the basis of the above I now immensley enjoy a small cup of filter coffee every morning without the slightest guilt

(If the context helps I'm an older first time mum of a desperatly wanted baby who is following more or less every other piece of food guidance. I have a half unit of wine twice a week)

Enjoy!

[BexJ78]

i have a cup every morning without fail as soon as i get to my desk. don't worry about it. if i'm going crazy i might then also have one mid morning, but then it will be water or juice for the rest of the day. i think you can worry too much about these things.

[raindroprhyme]

i can't drink tea so am having at least 2 cups of coffee a day when i normally only have 1 in th emorning.

not overly worried. no3 for me tho so am much more relaxed about everything.

DH keeps saying this one is going to be a ferral child, i am so laid back about everything.

[ThePregnantPhantomPlopper]

I did cut back a bit with my first two, I switched to decaffeinated coffee, but can't stand decaffeinated tea. The guidelines seem to have changed though, I'm sure you could have more.

Will cut back again this time as I drink far too much tea!

[Ladyem]

I'm sure that 1 cup of coffee per day will do no harm to your baby! We do have guidelines for caffeine these days, but my Mum certainly didn't cup down on her daily cups of tea while pg with me, my sis and bro (she even drank Gin and 'It' when she was pg with me - whatever that is!!)

With all the fuss these days over what to eat and not to eat it is easy to feel guilty at the slightest thing, but remember there are much worse things you could be doing whilst pregnant than having a cup of morning coffee!!

[mogend77]

I think Gin & It is Gin with Martini (in other words a Dry Martini) - It being from the fact that Martini Italian. I might be misremembering though!

[Ladyem]

Is that what it is?! Can't believe she drank that while she was pg with me!! Oh well, hasn't done any harm...!!

[KnockedUpDelf]

Personally I think, the wonderful rush and happy feeling I get from my morning cup of coffee must be excellent for the baby, feeling all the lights come on and my head clearing.

[Southwestwhippet]

Thank you everyone. I have to confess I am not particularly enjoying all the 'thou shalt not' stuff of pregnancy as I feel pretty normal apart from the occasional throwing up.

I will savor tomorrow's cup with no guilt whatsoever