Coffee and pregnancy

[Ecm123]

Hi all, I’m in a bit of a panic and need some advice! I’m 26 weeks pregnant with my second and have been having one flat spoon of caffeinated coffee and one spoon of decaf every morning thinking this is fine according to guidelines. I’ve also felt way more tired this time round having a little one to run around after whilst pregnant! However, my baby has been measured in the 13th percentile which has got me really worried! My previous child was bigger…
Could the caffeine be affecting the baby?? I’m healthy apart from that - I eat healthily, lots of fresh food, vitamins etc. I’d really appreciate any advice please as I’m in a panic 🙏

@Ecm123 - The current NHS guidelines recommend that pregnant women should have less than 200mg a day. This is about 2 cups of instant coffee. However, new research from our Tommy's research centres shows that the risk from caffeine increases the more you have.

Bear in mind that lots of other drinks like tea and some foods also have caffeine in. I'm sure though, judging by your post, you've done nothing wrong x

I didn't reduce my caffeine at all with my son and he's always been bigger than expected. He's now 5 in 7-8 year old clothes as he's so tall lol. Currently pregnant again and I drink one caffeinated coffee a day but have the occasional glass of coke or something too. You're doing no harm! You're within the limit anyway x

As above poster says, what you're having is well within the current NHS guidelines. From what I understand there can be lots of different reasons for a baby's size, so I'd be inclined to say it's unlikely the caffeine, but if you're worried you could go full decaf moving forwards.

Is your midwife concerned over baby's size?

Thanks for the reply ❤️ I think they raise alarms if baby is below 10th percentile- so I’m currently just over. I think I’ll probably go full decaf from now on just to put my mind at ease!!