Q. Can caffeine increase my risk of miscarriage?

A. New research from Kaiser Permanente found that women who consumed three or more cups of coffee a day doubled their risk for miscarriage. As a result, the March of Dimes changed its caffeine recommendation for pregnant women to no more than 200 mg a day, the equivalent of one 12-ounce cup of coffee (“tall” in Starbucks-speak). While moderation is key, remember that miscarriage can happen for a variety of reasons, according to integrative ob-gyn Joel M. Evans, MD. “If you have to have that first cup of coffee in the morning, drink it guilt-free,” he says. But consuming much more than that can interfere with your ability to absorb iron and calcium. Watch out for small amounts of caffeine in chocolate, sodas, and headache or allergy medicine as well.