..but not a drop to drink. This is the sad song often sung by expectant mothers everywhere, as caffeine and pregnancy don't mix quite as well as coffee and cream. Although its effects are disputed and controversial, there are certain things that "moms-to-be" should know about their morning cup of coffee and how their growing baby feels about it.

Now if you're anything like me, an 18-wheeler could come crashing through your kitchen, but until you've had your morning coffee, you'd never notice. I'd label this a pretty severe dependence, and ladies like me know who they are. Our love affair with coffee is deep and personal, and highly protected.

Enter baby.

News of a pregnancy can bring nervous excitement and questions about parenthood. When you become pregnant, parenthood begins in that moment. We all know that caffeine is a stimulant (that's why we love it so much, right?) and begins to take an effect on your nervous system within several minutes. Your heart rate and blood pressure will rise slightly, and a growing fetus will experience these same changes. While studies have been unable to provide proof that caffeine will harm your baby directly and consistently, it's wise to err on the side of safety. Evidence has shown that large quantities of caffeine (5 cups or more) during pregnancy have been linked to greater risk of miscarriage and low birth weight - reason enough to make changes in your lifestyle. There's also been evidence that high caffeine intake can prolong conception as well. If you're beginning to think about expanding your family, this may be something to consider.

With that said, experts agree that cutting out lattes altogether doesn't have to be the nine month sentence every mom must face. Limited amounts of caffeine are safe for you and your baby, as long as you're mindful of how much you're getting daily. It's also a good idea to watch out for products containing caffeine that can fly below the radar, like chocolate and some pain medications. Tea contains substantially less caffeine than brewed coffee and caffeinated sodas, and can provide a great (and surprisingly healthy) alternative to your regular coffee fix. Who knows, you might even stumble across a new favorite variety on this quieter, more subtle section of the coffeehouse menu. With options now spanning from green, black, and white teas, there's plenty to experiment with. No matter what, enjoy your pregnancy and the changes it brings, all the way down to what you put in your mug or to-go cup. Nine months is, after all, only nine months.