Caffeine During Pregnancy
The short answer
Moderate caffeine intake during pregnancy (less than 200mg per day, about one 12-ounce cup of coffee) is generally considered safe by ACOG. High caffeine intake has been associated with increased miscarriage risk and lower birth weight. While you do not need to eliminate caffeine entirely, keeping it under 200mg daily is the recommended approach.
Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.
By Age
What to expect by age
Caffeine intake under 200mg/day has not been shown to increase miscarriage risk in most studies. One 8-oz cup of coffee has about 95mg caffeine; a 12-oz cup has about 140mg. Remember that tea, chocolate, soda, and some medications also contain caffeine. If morning sickness has caused a natural aversion to coffee, this may make limiting caffeine easier.
Continue to keep caffeine under 200mg daily. Caffeine crosses the placenta and the baby cannot metabolize it as efficiently as an adult. Be mindful of all caffeine sources throughout the day. If you are struggling with fatigue, address it through sleep, nutrition, and exercise rather than increased caffeine.
Caffeine metabolism slows during pregnancy, so caffeine stays in your system longer. You may notice stronger effects from the same amount. Limiting caffeine in the afternoon and evening can help with pregnancy insomnia.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Consuming under 200mg of caffeine daily
- Choosing to reduce or eliminate caffeine during pregnancy
- Enjoying one cup of coffee or two cups of tea daily
- You are consuming more than 200mg caffeine daily and are finding it difficult to cut back
- You are unsure about the caffeine content of specific beverages
- You are worried about caffeine you consumed before knowing you were pregnant
- Consuming very high amounts of caffeine (energy drinks, multiple large coffees) with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, jitteriness, or insomnia
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Maternal Concerns
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Headaches During Pregnancy
Headaches are common during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. They are often caused by hormonal changes, increased blood volume, stress, fatigue, caffeine withdrawal, or dehydration. Most pregnancy headaches are tension-type and harmless, but severe or persistent headaches, especially in the third trimester, should be evaluated to rule out preeclampsia.
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While pregnancy after 35 carries some increased risks (including chromosomal abnormalities, gestational diabetes, and hypertension), the vast majority of people over 35 have healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. The term "geriatric pregnancy" is outdated and does not reflect reality. With appropriate prenatal care and monitoring, outcomes are excellent.
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20-Week Anatomy Scan Unexpected Findings
The 20-week anatomy scan checks your baby's major organs, structures, and growth. Most scans are completely normal. When unexpected findings are identified, they range from minor variants that resolve on their own to conditions that need further evaluation. Many findings require nothing more than a follow-up ultrasound to confirm the baby is developing well.