Caffeine During Pregnancy
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lisa Okafor, MD, FACOG · Board-Certified OB-GYN
Content reviewed against published ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your health matters just as much as your baby's. If you are dealing with caffeine during pregnancy, here is what you need to know.
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.
Key takeaways
- 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.
- Usually normal when: Consuming under 200mg of caffeine daily
- Call your doctor if: Consuming very high amounts of caffeine (energy drinks, multiple large coffees) with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, jitteriness, or insomnia
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to ACOG, NIH, March of Dimes guidelines, 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. At First trimester, 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. It is generally considered normal when consuming under 200mg of caffeine daily. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if consuming very high amounts of caffeine (energy drinks, multiple large coffees) with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, jitteriness, or insomnia.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
First trimester
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.
Second trimester
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.
Third trimester
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 to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed caffeine during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you are consuming more than 200mg caffeine daily and are finding it difficult to cut back.
- Mention if you are unsure about the caffeine content of specific beverages.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
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
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice caffeine during pregnancy — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that consuming under 200mg of caffeine daily — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At First trimester, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Prioritize your own rest and nutrition. Accept help when offered, and do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if consuming very high amounts of caffeine (energy drinks, multiple large coffees) with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, jitteriness, or insomnia.
Related Conditions
Insomnia and Sleep Difficulties in Pregnancy
Insomnia affects up to 78% of pregnant people at some point during pregnancy. It can be caused by physical discomfort, frequent urination, hormonal changes, anxiety, and difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position. While frustrating, it is very common and there are many strategies that can help improve sleep quality.
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.
Related Resources
Postpartum Recovery Guide
Week-by-week postpartum recovery timeline and warning signs.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is caffeine during pregnancy normal?
When should I call the doctor about caffeine during pregnancy?
When is caffeine during pregnancy normal?
What causes caffeine during pregnancy?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about caffeine during pregnancy?
Is caffeine during pregnancy normal at First trimester?
Is caffeine during pregnancy normal at Second trimester?
Should I go to the ER for caffeine during pregnancy?
Does caffeine during pregnancy go away on its own?
References
- [1]American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 462, 2010 (Reaffirmed 2022). ACOG
- [2]National Library of Medicine. Caffeine and Pregnancy Outcomes. BMC Medicine, 2020. NIH
- [3]March of Dimes. Caffeine in Pregnancy. March of Dimes, 2023. March of Dimes
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Caffeine During Pregnancy.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed caffeine during pregnancy and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if you are consuming more than 200mg caffeine daily and are finding it difficult to cut back.
- Mention if you are unsure about the caffeine content of specific beverages.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- 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
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Consuming very high amounts of caffeine (energy drinks, multiple large coffees) with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, jitteriness, or insomnia
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of caffeine during pregnancy are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if consuming very high amounts of caffeine (energy drinks, multiple large coffees) with symptoms like rapid heartbeat, jitteriness, or insomnia.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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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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