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Q: I know it may sound like an odd question, but is it okay to drink coffee and/or Espresso while I'm pregnant? My fatigue is so strong I can barely stay awake at work. Naps just make me even more tired. I just don't know how to stay awake and be pregnant at the same time. This is my 3rd child, so you'd think I'd know the answer to this. The truth is, I wasn't working when I was pregnant with either of them, so I had time to sleep all day. Please, any advice on how to stay awake, or if you know how much coffee is too much....anything would help. Thanks.

A: Well, any Dr. will tell you that caffeine is a "no no" or to at least limit your intake as much as possible. I personally had a Latte or Cappuccino once a week and didn't experience any kind of issue (at least nothing that was obvious to me). I would def. talk to your doc. about it. They usually would like you to stay away from caffeine. Maybe they have something else that's healthier to take to help with your fatigue. Well, I hope that everything works out well for you and congrats on the pregnancy. Coffee must be limited during pregnancy, no more than two cups per day. If the Espresso is higher in caffeine, you should have even less than that. One thing, I found that more exercise really cuts the fatigue. I talk a brisk walk in the morning and a routine at night really helped me. I slept better too from the night routine, therefore was less fatigued. Good Luck! You are allowed one caffeinated drink a day. That means, like, a can of coke or a cup of coffee. Expresso might be too strong. Caffeine dehydrates you so you don't want to overdo it. Have you mentioned how tired you are to your doctor? I was severely tired for the first 6 months of my pregnancy, then, during routine bloodwork, my doctor discovered I was very anemic. After 3 weeks on iron supplements I felt like a new woman. It wouldn't hurt to ask your doctor if there could be something causing your exhaustion other than the pregnancy. My doctor told me I could have two servings of caffeinated beverages a day. Just try to stay hydrated, maybe try and take a little walk during your break at work, crank up the A/C if you can. I know it's rough, I'm right there with ya! Good luck.