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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Suddenly freaking out about tea - please tell me I'm an being stupid

18 replies

dolly1 · 12/02/2008 22:21

At 30 weeks I am now suddenly panicking that I should not have been drinking 3/4 small mugs of tea a day.
In true pregnant irrational style I'm suddenly really worried I'll have done the baby some damage.
Add in the chocolate etc and I'm sure I'm up at my limit every day.
What risk does caffine really pose to babies? Obviously not worrying about early miscarriage any more - more brain defects etc.
Please tell me I'm being daft!
Off to throw all the tea in the bin!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

HuwEdwards · 12/02/2008 22:23

I gave up coffee but drank probably 6 cups of tea a day and ate chocolate. Don't worry, all will be fine!

LyraSilvertongue · 12/02/2008 22:24

Tea's much lower in caffeine than coffee.
Really, you've got nothing to worry about.

NorthernLurker · 12/02/2008 22:28

You're being daft!

Drink it now - whilst you can get to it when it's still hot! Seriously - you don't want to have been glugging vats and vats of coffee - but a few cups of tea will be fine.

Original poster

dolly1 · 12/02/2008 22:30

Thanks ladies. You know when you suddenly feel like you've been a bad selfish mother for doing something? 'Why couldn't I just have given it up?' I keep thinking. Think it must just be my hormones getting the better of me.
Midwife told me tea would be OK but then I made the mistake of googling 'caffine and pregnany'! And have convinced myself my baby will have all the terrible things that those studies say 'might' be linked to caffine.
Other than MN of course, the internet is a bloomin curse when you're pregnant!

OP posts:

Oenophile · 12/02/2008 22:32

When I was pregnant I went right off coffee and only drank tea, which I don't normally like. I reckoned this was my body's way of telling me tea was GOOD and my babes were just fine. Truly, don't worry! (though we are all prone to these fears so you're not alone! I worried myself to a frenzy about something else entirely - again unfounded.)

NorthernLurker · 12/02/2008 22:33

'might' be linked - and even then only if you're drinking said vats and vats! Take it easy and do some baby shopping on-line instead
I like this website!

EffiePerine · 12/02/2008 22:34

Current limit (acc to Google) is 300 mg which equals about 6 cups of tea a day. If you're worried, you could try switching to decaff or Rooibos tea (which I rather like).

Original poster

dolly1 · 12/02/2008 22:38

northern lurker that is a great site - thanks! You have helped me loads by distracting me!
x

OP posts:

NorthernLurker · 12/02/2008 22:41

It's brilliant isn't it - saw it on a thread here when I was pregnant and have kept it on my favourites ever since

Original poster

dolly1 · 12/02/2008 22:43

Have discovered my need for a chic bottle holder! Could always buy two - one for the baby and one for me to put my tea in!
Actually my mum gave me tea in a bottle as a todler - and then wondered why I didn't sleep to well?! She is to blame for my addiction!

OP posts:

angel1976 · 12/02/2008 23:28

I just had 3 teas and an iced latte today! I seem to get more lax as my due date draws near! :P Not to mention a snickers bar and a very, very delicious scone with jam and tea...

Ax (37+3!)

lollipopmother · 13/02/2008 13:51

I thought that we had to stop coffee because of the risk of miscarriage, hadn't realised it had possible other effects (doesn't everything!). Thankfully I only had a couple of cups of coffee from Starbucks right at the start of my pregnancy, and I think there's more sugar than caffeine in those!

Snaf · 13/02/2008 14:03

You're being stupid

No, you're not actually, because it's no surprise pg women get panicky given the amount of scaremongering that goes on re: foods to avoid in pg.

You don't have to STOP anything (well, smoking and intravenous drugs might not be a bad idea but apart from that...)

Tea won't harm the baby. Nor will coffee, in moderation. Nor will chocolate, or the odd glass of wine, or even the occasional smear of pate on toast or little nibble of Brie, while we're at it.

And whilst I'm here waiting for the Pregnancy Police to call me irresponsible, please reassure me you didn't actually throw all your tea into the bin?!

Original poster

dolly1 · 13/02/2008 14:08

No I didn't throw it all in the bin! Was just being a drama queen. And you are so right a few cups won't do any harm.
I just had that late a night panic - you know when you are really tired and should actually be in bed instead of worrying yourself sick over silly things.
Had a cup this morning and may even have another this afternoon!
Thanks for reassuring me.

OP posts:

NorthernLurker · 13/02/2008 14:11

no you'll need space in the bin for your credit card bill when the results of your late night spree on 'uber mama' arrive! I'm going into hiding from your dp/dh or bank manager!!

Snaf · 13/02/2008 14:12

Glad to hear it!

Relax and enjoy the last few weeks of your pregnancy. And as NorthernLurker says - make the most of a cup of tea while you can because you'll be lucky if you drink another hot one for at least three years

doggiesayswoof · 13/02/2008 14:18

lollipopmother - I didn't stop having coffee in either of my pregnancies (26 weeks and counting and still having 'proper' coffee every day) I also have 2/3 cups of tea a day. OK, there's an increased risk of miscarriage but it's a v small increase

Personally I couldn't get through being pregnant, having a 3yo and going to work without some form of caffeine. I need it to keep me awake.

Dolly, you and your baby will be fine

micegg · 13/02/2008 19:39

You are being stupid .

You and baby will be fine.

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