Updated: June 21, 2024

We’re sure you’ve heard it before—caffeine and pregnancy do not mix. But is that completely true? Can you have any caffeine while pregnant? In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about your morning pick-me-up. 

Understanding Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy

Caffeine is both a stimulant and a diuretic. Stimulants increase your blood pressure and your heart rate—two things you don’t really want while pregnant. Diuretics make you have to urinate more often, which can lead to a reduction in your overall body fluid levels and, eventually, dehydration. 

Caffeine also, like everything you consume, has an effect on your baby. While you may have built up a massive caffeine tolerance over the years, your baby hasn’t—their metabolism is still maturing, and can’t fully metabolize the caffeine they’re being given. Any amount (yes, even a small amount!) can cause changes in your baby’s sleep pattern or normal movement pattern in the later stages of pregnancy. It is a stimulant, after all, and can keep both of you awake when you should be resting. 

What’s worse than having to give up your morning boost—caffeine is found in a lot more than just coffee. Tea, soda, chocolate, and even some over-the-counter medications contain caffeine. Simply put, you should always be aware of what you’re consuming while pregnant. Some normal, everyday things have secret ingredients you don’t want! 

Is Caffeine as Bad as They Say?

You’ll see (or maybe you’ve already seen) some pretty harsh statements about caffeine floating around. While they aren’t all off base, they aren’t all true, either! Let’s dive into some of those statements and look at the accompanying research.

Does Caffeine Cause Birth Defects? Does Caffeine Cause Miscarriages? Can Pregnant Women Have Any Caffeine?

How Much Caffeine Are You Consuming?

Here’s a breakdown of the caffeine content in some of your favorite drinks and snacks—it’s a good idea to get familiar with ballpark estimates to keep track of your daily intake. 

• Brewed Coffee: 95–165 mg
• Brewed Decaf Coffee: 2–5 mg
• Espresso: 63 mg
• Latte: 63–126 mg
• Dr. Pepper (12 oz): 37 mg
• 7 Eleven Big Gulp Diet Coke: 124 mg
• 7 Eleven Big Gulp Coca-Cola: 92 mg
• Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Buzz Ice Cream: 72 mg
• Baker’s Chocolate (1 oz): 26 mg
• Green Tea: 40 mg
• Black Tea: 45 mg
• Excedrin (one capsule): 65 mg

How Much is Too Much?

Honestly, the less caffeine you consume, the better. Some experts say that more than 150 mg per day is too much—while others say that more than 300 mg is too much! Avoiding caffeine as much as you can will always be your best bet. Of course, you should always discuss things with your healthcare provider. They’ll be able to work with you to make the healthiest choice possible for you and your baby. 

Can Caffeine Induce Labor?

Although heavy caffeine consumption has been linked to slight reductions in newborn birth weight, caffeine isn’t a human teratogen. Teratogens are substances that hinder normal fetal development and cause congenital disabilities. As such, there’s no conclusive evidence that caffeine affects delivery or causes preterm birth. 

Does Caffeine Affect Pregnancy Outcomes?

The WHO advises pregnant women against too much caffeine since it takes longer to clear from the bloodstream. 

Studies have shown that even low caffeine doses (100-200 mg) can increase the risk of miscarriage, cognitive development impairment, and obesity. 

Safe Alternatives to Caffeine During Pregnancy

Saying goodbye to that caffeine kick can be challenging, especially if it gets your day started. You might even suffer from withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and low energy levels. Instead of quitting abruptly, you limit caffeine intake to less than 200 mg a day, reducing your consumption by small amounts until you cut out coffee altogether. Here are safer alternatives you can try:

• Water to keep you hydrated and boost your energy levels. You can throw in some lemon, mint, berries, or cucumber slices to add flavor to your water.
• Caffeine-free herbal teas. You can choose from a variety of flavors, including ginger, rooibos, chamomile, and peppermint. Check with a doctor before consuming herbal teas. Varieties like raspberry leaf teas might not be safe during early pregnancy. There are claims that this drink can kick-start labor. 
• Diluted/plain fruit juice for a refreshing boost.
• Fruit smoothies that are rich in minerals, vitamins, and natural sugar.
• Chicory coffee that, despite the association, is caffeine-free. It also contains prebiotics to promote digestion.

Remember, it’s not just about staying away from coffee. You should also avoid other caffeinated beverages like energy drinks, soda, and other soft drinks. Incorporate nutrient-dense foods into your diet to stay energized throughout the day while ensuring a healthy pregnancy. Additionally, exercise more to reduce stress and improve your sleep patterns. 

FAQs About Caffeine During Pregnancy

Is decaffeinated coffee completely safe during pregnancy? How does caffeine consumption affect sleep quality for pregnant women? Can caffeine influence a baby’s behavior or development in the womb? Are there any long-term studies on children exposed to caffeine in utero? How do caffeine metabolism rates change during pregnancy?

At RMC, We Know Babies

As Alabama’s first designated baby-friendly hospital, we know a thing or two about maternity care. Interested in learning more? Check out the rest of our blogs here.

It’s perfectly normal for your baby to have gas; their digestive systems are brand new, after all—and very small! In this article, we’ll go over all the need-to-knows:

• Symptoms of gassiness;
• How to relieve your little one’s gas;
• What foods (in breastfed babies) lead to more gas;
• And when to call your doctor. 

Why Is Your Baby Gassy in the First Place?

Babies usually experience gas troubles almost right away, even after only a few weeks of life. Most infants grow out of it by around four to six months of age—but sometimes, it can last longer. 

Most infant gas is simply caused by swallowing air while feeding. Other times, though, it can be caused by sensitivities that could be affected by a breastfeeding mom’s diet or a certain type of formula. Here’s how to tell if your baby is gassy:

You notice that your baby is fussy for about an hour or so per day. Again, baby gas is normal! But if you notice it every single day with no sign of improvement, it’s time to call your doctor. 

Your baby seems unhappy most of the time. This is a good indicator that your baby’s gas is above a normal newborn gas level. 

Your baby isn’t eating or sleeping well. This can have a lot of different causes, but gas is definitely a common one. 

When your baby cries, you notice that they get red in the face, or they seem like they’re in pain. 

Your baby is squirming a lot. If your baby seems uncomfortable, is squirming around, or pulling their legs up to their chest, it could be a sign of gas. 

Remedies for a Gassy Baby

Here are several home remedies you can try to help relieve your baby’s excess gas! 

Burp Them Twice

Since swallowing air while feeding is the most probable explanation for newborn gas, burping them twice is a great and simple thing to try. Even giving your baby some gentle back pats during feeding can go a long way. A lot of times, if your baby turns away from the breast or bottle in the middle of feeding, it’s not because they’re full—it’s because the gas is making them uncomfortable! 

Keep Them Upright

Try to feed your baby (however you’re feeding them!) in a very upright position. This will help minimize the amount of air they’re swallowing. If you’re bottle feeding, you can try an anti-gas nipple to better control the flow of milk. Also be sure to avoid shaking the bottle too much, which can create extra bubbles. 

Learn Their Hunger Cues

Crying, of course, can be very unpredictable. But, if you can, try to feed your baby before they start crying. Babies swallow a lot of air while crying; try to learn their hunger cues as early on as possible, so you can get them fed before they cry. 

Baby Bicycles

Lay your baby on their back, and gently cycle their legs toward their tummy. This motion will help manually push all the trapped air out of their tummy. You can also try gently pushing their knees to their chest, holding the position for 10 seconds, releasing, and repeating. 

Tummy Time

Tummy time is great for helping your baby strengthen the muscles they need to lift their head. These same muscles will eventually help them crawl and walk! Also, the gentle pressure on their tummy can help relieve their gas. Some babies spit up if they’re put on their tummies too soon after eating, so it’s best to wait 20–30 minutes after they’re done eating. Remember never to put your baby to bed on their stomach—this increases their risk of sudden infant death syndrome. 

How Can Breastfeeding Make Your Baby Gassy?

There has been some research which suggests that the foods in your diet could make your baby gassy if you’re breastfeeding. The evidence isn’t conclusive yet, so be sure to try other things (like the tactics mentioned above!) first. If they’re still gassy, and you notice that they get gassier when you eat certain foods, there’s no harm in cutting that food out of your diet to see if it helps. 

You can work with your doctor, too, to nail down foods that might be causing the gassiness. Some common gas-inducing foods include:

• Cruciferous veggies like cabbage, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower;
• Dairy and eggs;
• And meals that are very spicy, onion-y, or garlic-y. 

Basically, anything that makes you gassy could be making your baby gassy as well!

When to Call Your Doctor

It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor about what’s going on, even if it doesn’t seem like a big deal. There are, however, a few signs you should be on the lookout for. If you notice any of the following, call your doctor right away. 

• Your baby isn’t gaining weight
• Your baby often doesn’t want to eat or is difficult to feed
• Your baby seems constipated or has a hard time with bowel movements
• Your baby has an allergic reaction

For more expert baby tips and advice, check out the rest of our blogs!

You’ve no doubt heard the parenting horror stories of all the sleepless nights that come with taking your newborn home. But the more you know, the better you can cope with the long nights ahead. In this article, we’ll go over the different phases of the newborn sleep cycle. Here’s what you need to know:

What You Need to Know About Baby Sleep Patterns

The average newborn sleeps most of the day and night, waking up every few hours to eat. Most new parents aren’t sure how long, or how often, their newborn should sleep. There’s a good reason for that—there isn’t really a schedule at first, and a lot of babies get their days and nights confused. Sometimes they think they’re supposed to be awake at night and sleep during the day. There are things you can do, however, to help them get on the right schedule!

Typically, newborns sleep for a total of around eight to nine hours during the day, and eight hours at night. Their stomachs are very small at this stage, which is why they wake up every few hours to eat. 

When Will Your Baby Sleep Through the Night?

Most babies don’t start sleeping all the way through the night until at least three months of age. This, like most things with babies and pregnancies, can vary. Some babies don’t sleep through the night until closer to one year! Your baby will most likely wake up and be ready to eat at least every three hours. 

How often—and how much—your baby eats will depend on what they’re being fed and how old they are. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you need to wake your baby up for feedings during the night. 

Make sure you’re always watching for any changes in your baby’s sleep pattern. If they’ve been sleeping consistently but start suddenly waking up more often, there could be a problem. Although, some sleep disturbances are simply a result of changes in development or because of overstimulation. 

The Different Alert Phases of a Newborn

Babies are also different in how alert they are while they’re awake. Keep reading for information on the different alert phases; knowing what phase your baby is in will help you solidify a sleep schedule. 

Quiet Alert Phase

This phase typically occurs right after a baby wakes up. They’re awake, but haven’t entered into their active alert phase yet. During this phase, your baby will be awake but very still. They’ll take in their surroundings, often staring at objects, and react to sounds and motion. During their active alert phase, they’ll be attentive to sounds and sights and will move actively. 

Crying Phase

After the quiet alert phase comes the crying phase. Your baby will move their body erratically, and will cry loudly. During this phase, your baby is easily overstimulated—so the best way to cope is to try calming your baby and their surrounding environment. Holding your baby close or wrapping them snugly in a blanket may help calm them. 

Feeding your baby before they reach the crying phase can help as well. Especially because during the crying phase your baby could be so upset that they refuse to eat. In newborns, crying is a late sign of hunger. 

Helping Your Baby Get to Sleep

As previously mentioned, babies have a hard time making their own sleeping patterns. But you can help your baby sleep by being aware of the signs of sleep readiness. This way, when they’re ready to go to sleep, you can teach them to fall asleep on their own. 

The signs of sleep readiness:

• Rubbing eyes
• Yawning 
• Looking away
• Fussing

As you can imagine, not all babies know how to put themselves to sleep. One of the best ways to help your baby fall asleep is to set up a bedtime routine. This can include feeding them and putting them in their beds, playing soft music, etc. 

After the newborn period, most experts recommend allowing your baby to become sleepy in your arms, then placing them in the bed while they’re still awake. This way, your baby will learn to go to sleep on their own. 
For more advice on all things maternity, check out the rest of our blogs.

As the title of this blog suggests, September is a very important month to all of us at RMC! It’s Baby Safety Month, sponsored every year by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. This year, JPMA is helping educate both parents and caregivers on the safe selection and use of juvenile products, while also encouraging those around them to become safety ambassadors through civic engagement. 

Parents and caregivers have a lot to juggle—but their #1 priority is always the safety and health of the baby they’re looking after! Whether you’re about to have your first baby, your fourth baby, or you’re about to welcome grandchildren, now is the time to put some simple safety steps into action. 

Baby Safety Month: Tips for Creating a Safe Environment

Did you know that injuries are the leading cause of death for children younger than four years old? The good news is that most of these injuries are completely preventable, and just take a little effort on your part to avoid.

While your child needs some freedom to explore their world, develop, and make important connections as they grow up, you also need to make sure that they stay safe while doing so. Unfortunately, you can’t protect them from everything, but here are a few things you can do:

One of the most effective ways to keep your baby safe is to get on their level. Get down on your hands and knees, so you can share your baby’s point of view. This is a great way to spot obvious hazards that you otherwise might not notice when you’re standing up or even sitting!

Make sure that furniture, televisions, or any heavy things that could fall over are secured. Cover up any outlets, and keep small objects out of reach. Make sure you’re always on the lookout for the not-so-obvious hazards as well—things like dangling tablecloths or poisonous plants in your yard. 

Another simple thing you can do is check your baby’s surroundings every day. Your living environment is constantly changing, whether you realize it or not. Items are brought, taken out, and rearranged every day. Do a quick sweep first thing in the morning for anything that could be dangerous. 

Always make sure that any gear or toys your child is using are age-appropriate; some regular things might seem like good toys, but could be dangerous. It’s also best to regularly inspect your child’s toys for missing parts, hardware, loose threads, holes, or tears. Replace things as needed. 
The first few years of your child’s life are extremely important. They need to explore this big, wide world for themselves! But you can do your part in making sure they explore it safely. For more information and advice on all things babies, check out the rest of our blogs.

Few things garner as much superstition as pregnancy—for centuries men and women, alike,  have been coming up with weird theories surrounding this magical, and at times mysterious, phenomenon. But how many of them have a leg to stand on? Let’s dive into some of the most common old wives’ tales regarding pregnancy. 

The Best Sleeping Position? On Your Left Side

This one has been proven! Sleeping on your left side allows better blood flow to the placenta. It can also help with swelling, because it helps your kidneys eliminate waste more efficiently—leading to less ankle, feet, and hand swelling. Sleeping on your back can lead to a backache quickly. It also presses on your bowel, causing constipation and even piles. If you’re over 28 weeks pregnant, you should never fall asleep on your back, as it can double the risk of stillbirth. 

Dads Show Signs of Pregnancy, Too

This one’s true as well. Men whose partners are pregnant can actually experience pregnancy-related symptoms. It’s called “sympathetic pregnancy” (cute, right?) or “couvade syndrome.” Doctors still aren’t sure why this happens. 

The usual symptoms men experience during sympathetic pregnancy are nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, cramps, and backaches. Changes in their sleeping patterns, depression, anxiety, reduced libido, and restlessness are also common symptoms. 

Steer Clear of Hot Tubs and Saunas

Another truth! It’s not a good idea to use hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms when you’re pregnant. That’s because while pregnant, you’re much more likely to overheat or get dehydrated. 

You’re Eating for Two

Although you are carrying a separate person, this one’s a myth. For the first six months of pregnancy, you don’t have to eat more than you normally do. And in the last three months, you’re only expected to eat an extra 200 calories per day. What you eat is far more important than how much you eat! 

Avoid Spicy Foods While Pregnant

Fans of spicy food rejoice—this one’s a myth! It’s been said that spicy food can burn your unborn baby’s eyes, causing blindness or even miscarriages. Thankfully, none of this is true. The only reason you might want to steer clear of spicy foods is if you’re suffering from heartburn. A spicy meal will definitely make this worse! 

The Size of Your Bump = Your Baby’s Health

Don’t worry, this one isn’t true. Every bump is different in the same way that every woman’s body is different. The size of your baby bump doesn’t mean anything regarding your baby’s health and overall wellbeing. In fact, doctors don’t even have a definition or exact measure of what a bump “should” look like. 

You Can Replace Your Pregnancy Test With a…Frog?

Unbelievably, this one is true! Up until the 1950s, male and female frogs were used to test for pregnancy. The frogs would be injected with a woman’s urine, and if they were pregnant, visible eggs or sperm appeared. 
For more pregnancy information (of both the fun and medical variety), check out the rest of our blogs.

Long gone are the days of waiting 40 weeks to find out the sex of your baby. Did you know that—even before science found a way to know earlier—women have been coming up with their own methods for centuries? Some are scientific, some trace back to traditional lore, and some are downright myths! 

Here are a few fun things you can try!

Genetic Blood Test

This one is purely scientific. Blood tests predicting your baby’s sex as early as seven weeks have been around for years—but they haven’t been very popular because it wasn’t super clear whether or not they worked. 

However, an analysis of 57 studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that these tests can be between 95–99% accurate. These tests look for the presence of the male Y chromosome in a few drops of blood taken through a finger prick. If it’s there, you’re having a boy! If it’s absent, you’re having a girl! 

These tests are more accurate at predicting boys, since the lack of a Y chromosome could mean that that chromosome just wasn’t present in the blood sample taken. 

Amniocentesis

This one will definitely work, but it’s much more invasive than the blood test. Because it presents a small risk of miscarriage, your doctor probably won’t do it for curiosity’s sake alone. A needle is inserted into the fluid surrounding your baby, and then the chromosomal makeup of your baby is analyzed. This can also reveal any chromosomal abnormalities your baby might have. The only way this test is inaccurate is if someone mislabels your results!

Fetal Heart Rate Predictor

This one is not a guarantee, but women have sworn by this method for generations. It’s said that a quick fetal heart rate, (140 beats per minute or higher) means a girl. This is mainly based on the theory that baby girls are smaller, meaning they’d have a quicker heartbeat.

Doctors are quick to debunk this one, but hey plenty of people have been right!

Wedding Ring on a String

This one’s fun to try, but certainly not scientifically accurate. 

Slip off your wedding ring, and tie it to the end of a string. Lie down, and hold the string over your belly. If it swings in a circular motion, it’s a girl. If it swings in a pendulum-like motion, it’s a boy!

Baby Sex Prediction Kits

In terms of how effective this one is, it’s pretty in the middle—not exactly surefire, but not exactly an old wives’ tale either. This is a urine-based test that mixes your pee with crystals that contain certain hormones. According to these tests, you can find out the sex of your baby as early as 10 weeks.

Morning Sickness

According to generations of gossip, if you can’t keep anything down during your first trimester, you’re having a girl! A lack of morning sickness altogether usually points to a boy!

Sweet and Savory

Girls are supposed to be sugar, spice, and everything nice, right? It’s believed by many that moms who crave sweets while pregnant are having a girl. Are you craving salty french fries instead? It’s a boy!

Chinese Gender Chart

This one dates back a long time—700 years at least. This chart was supposedly buried in a royal tomb over 700 years ago, but was recently discovered. Simply find your age at the time of conception, then follow across to the month your baby was conceived to find the predicted gender.

Mayan Gender Prediction

Are you sensing a theme? People have been trying to find out the sex of the baby as early as possible for years and years! Look at the year of conception and your age at conception, like the last chart. If both numbers are even or odd it’s a girl. If one number is even and the other is odd, it’s a boy.

The Key Test

This one’s easy to try, but don’t think too hard about it! Simply pick up a key like you normally would. If you grab it at the top round part, it’s a girl. If you grab at the narrow part, it’s a boy! Did you grab it in the middle? Twins! 

Breast Changes

It’s no secret that pregnancy involves a lot of breast changes. So it’s no surprise that there’s an old wives’ tale to accompany those changes! If your left breast feels bigger, that’s supposed to mean it’s a boy. If your right breast feels bigger, a girl!

Sleep Habits

Next time you wake up in the morning, pay attention to how you’re positioned. As the myth goes, if you naturally sleep on your left side, you’re having a boy. If you naturally sleep on your right side, you’re having a girl. 
For more pregnancy information (we promise, it’s all scientifically accurate) check out the rest of our blogs.