"Limiting your intake of coffee or tea to two cups a day won't have any affect on your pregnancy. But anything beyond that, will start reflecting in your child's growth," informs Dr. Nita Raj, gynaecologist, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kerala.

How Can Caffeine Affect Your Unborn Child?

Pregnant or not, on a daily basis, a person should have not more than 500 mg of caffeine, which is three cups.

However, if you are pregnant, you shouldn't have more than 300 mg per day, i.e., two cups.

Although tea provides flavonoids, antioxidants and a few micronutrients, there is no evidence of any positive health benefits.

Remember, caffeine is found not only in coffee and tea but, in soft drinks and chocolate as well.

It has a diuretic effect. i.e.: caffeine drains out the calcium and sodium from your system. This in turn, will prevent you and your child from getting the required nutrients during her growth.

It also prevents the absorption of vital minerals and nutrients like iron from your food.

"Caffeine can easily pass from you to your child through the placenta," says Dr. Raj. "A higher dose of tea or coffee will have the same effect on your child as it does to you. This means that your baby could have a faster heart rate or rapid breathing rate."

Cutting Down

If you can't do without your coffee, try one of these options.

• Switch to herbal or green tea. Again, don't consume more than four cups daily.
• If you are a coffee addict, then go for de-caffeinated brands. Limit it to three cups per day.
• For that extra boost, try drinking fruit juices instead or even, exercising!
• Ease off caffeine gradually. Start with two cups daily. Then reduce it to one cup, followed by half-a-cup to none!
• Keep your energy levels up by keeping your blood sugar level up through a protein and carbohydrate-rich diet.