Starbucks at 11 Weeks.

I heard that 16 oz of coffee a day is totally fine, chai has a little less caffeine than coffee I think, so it should be fine. I did decaf while I was pregnant.

i"m dairy free so I always drink soy milk. . . . I'm also trying to get more protien, which soy milk is a great sorce (as I have an adversion to meat right now) I get a venti iced soy chai, half the chai - to cut calories and caffeine (I don't and haven't drank caffeine) and it's 21 grams of protein. I also get light ice to get more soy milk. I found a decaf chai in the grocery store and I'll have a chai before bed. the protein makes me feel better (I'm 17 weeks and still struggling with morning sickness and believe it or not, 70 grams of protein a day helps), but I struggle to drink soy milk by itself (I even use the vanilla) I eat to keep the nausau at bay, so I've gained 15 pounds already, which is why I'm trying to watch calories.

Actually, I'd suggest making your own coffee and banking the extra $4 for a spa treatment of massage when you get into your 6th month!

Let's put it this way. The average serving of coffee (16 oz) has 100 mg of caffeine (although the way people brew at home, it can vary of course) and the recommendations for pregnant women are typically to be "allowed" to have up to 2 cups of coffee per day.

If you get the nutrition information from Starbucks on their chai with extra chai, you can have up to 200 mg of caffeine from the tea. In a grande Chai Latte (16 ounces), you have 100 mg of caffeine. You could drink two of these and be fine.

This page on Starbucks will give you nutrition info: http://www.starbucks.com/menu/catalog/product?drink=tazo-...

Or you can call them: 1-800-23LATTE ###-###-####)

I would not have functioned through either of my pregancies without coffee.
It's fine. 1-2 cups/day will not hurt baby.

i had 1 cup of coffee everyday for each pregnancy!
I'm not a doctor but both obgyns in both pregnancies said its absolutely fine. And everything I've read says not to stress.

I've had friends who wouldn't drink a SIP of caffeine, not even take tylenol or even eat salad dressings (fear of the egg in the dressing) during their pregnancies and that's all fine and dandy but WHOA NELLY! talk about will power!

Just in comparison... I was not that extreme. I still had my coffee or a diet soda now and then (for a fizz fix) and even took Flexeril (muscle relaxers) for my back injury.

Our kids all turned out okay!

You just do you!
Don't fret on hype. If you want a cup of coffee... enjoy. You deserve it Mom!! If you have the will power and desire to go all out, then kudos.

Either way, you're doing a magical thing and your body will tell you if something is not right. So do, consume, have what you please. You'll find your limits. And you're 11 weeks... baby will tell you whether he/she likes it or not ;-)

disclaimer: just don't smoke or get drunk everyday lol

I did not go a day without coffee my entire pregnancy and afterwards. A cup of tea or coffee is fine. I would just stay away from that super big gulp coffee cup they have out now. Enjoy your tea :)

My OB told me that I could have up to two cups of coffee a day during my pregnancy. That was such a relief to me, as I was addicted to caffeine and was going through crazy caffeine withdrawal (daily migraines, etc). I eventually went down to herbal tea, but it was a process.

Check with your OB and see what he/she says. Usually, caffeine is okay at least to some degree.

Starbucks NEVER.

B.
Family Success Coach

I switched to hot cocoa or decaf coffee with milk and raw sugar in it while I was pregnant....for this third one, I have been drinking them INFREQUENTLY just because I don't crave then anymore....or I make my hot cocoa myself at home in the evening. I am not sure about the herb component of chai...but as for the caffiene, if it is a small one, I am sure one every or every other day would be AOK just like coffee or tea.

Go for it! Caffeine while pregnant is fine, within reason, of course.

My sister works for Starbucks. She was never seen before or after work with out some form of drink. Coffee, tea...chai tea. GO!!! get your Soy chai latte extra chai!! You have to give up so much while you're pregnant...keep what you can lady!!!!!

And congrats!!!

I think it's fine, maybe not every day, but once a week - skip the extra chai though. On other days you can get decaf or half calf drinks. One thing I craved when I was pregnant too that had 0 caffeine was to have Starbucks make a cup of steamed milk (I usually did skim or 2%) with an easy shot of flavoring in it. Yum!!! You could probably do that with an easy shot of chai. Yum! During the summer I'd have them do it iced.

Sure, why not? Most things in moderation is absolutely fine... this would fall into that category! Enjoy your extra chai soy chai latte!

I don't think one chai latte will hurt you or your baby. Do you ever make your own? I'm too cheap for Starbucks, but I have my own chai almost everyday and they make some good decaf chai, so you wouldn't have to worry about the caffeine.

are you 11 weeks? I had a chai every work day while I was pregnant and my baby was fine. (not a starbucks chai, I'm too cheap for that) my doctor told me I could have one chai and one can of pop a day while I was pregnant.

I was wondering the same thing earlier this week (im 11 weeks as well)! I called my OB to check, and here's what i was told: They see chai as a drink between coffee and herbal tea, safety-wise. She said i could probably have one once in a while, but not more than that because the spices could be unsafe (cloves, anise). I love chai, but it seems a little risky, per my doctor. I might have it once in awhile, but not until im past the first trimester.

Mmmm, I dont know about that, but I get the Decaf Mocha lite frappacino! Fabulous!

A few items to consider. I do go over this in my birthing classes and with my doula clients. For every cup of caffeine, it's advisable to drink 3 cups of water to re hydrate your body. It also puts some stress on your adrenals. Not tons, but some.
Contrary to what one person posted, chai is not dangerous to pregnancy. And, despite what some anti soy people keep posting, some soy milk/creamer in your hot beverage is not dangerous.
There are some great pregnancy teas on the market that will support your uterus, and female system. You can add cinnamon and some soy or coconut creamer to them and have a great drink.
Hope this helps.

My Dr. told me to stay away from chai tea, because the herbs and spices in them can be dangerous to a pregnancy. I would check with your Dr. before consuming chai.

i don't think the occassional caffeinated beverage is a problem. personally, i'd avoid the soy though - they are finding that there are some hormonal issues with soy. even that on the rare occassion prob isn't gonna harm you or your baby though - drink up!

I had a cup of coffee every morning during both pregnancies and had 3 beautiful, healthy babies!

Go for it!! Congratulations on your little one!