Pregnant women can safely enjoy normal caffeinated coffee in moderation. The UK National Health Service (NHS) recommends a daily limit of 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine, roughly equivalent to two regular 8-ounce (237ml) cups of filter coffee. However, the FDA suggests consulting with your physician as caffeine levels in different types of coffee drinks can vary significantly, even within the same coffee shop, with studies showing up to 6-fold differences.
The primary concern with excessive caffeine intake during early pregnancy is the increased risk of complications, including low birthweight, miscarriage, and potential long-term developmental issues, according to the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.
However, scientific research from the University of Eastern Finland suggests potential health benefits of moderate coffee consumption (1-2 cups per day) during early pregnancy, such as a lower risk of gestational diabetes in the first trimester. Additionally, coffee's general health benefits, like its antihypertensive properties, antioxidant content, and potential to reduce the risk of certain diseases, could indirectly benefit pregnant women.
This naturally leads to questions about drinking coffee while pregnant, caffeine limits, the effects of excessive caffeine intake, and whether decaf coffee is a healthy alternative.
How Much Caffeine Can You Have While Pregnant?
Pregnant women should have no more than 200 mg of caffeine per day, equivalent to about two standard 8-ounce cups of regular coffee, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the UK National Health Service (NHS) recommend similar guidelines.
However, the caffeine content in different types of coffee can vary widely depending on the bean type, roast, serving size, and brewing method, making it difficult to determine exactly how much coffee equates to the recommended 200 milligrams. A 2007 study in the Food and Chemical Toxicology Journal by Ben Desbrow found that a single 30mL shot of espresso can have anywhere from 25 to 214 milligrams of caffeine. A 2012 study from University of Glasgow found 6-fold differences in caffeine levels from different coffee shops, ranging from 51 mg to a 322 mg in just one shot of espresso.
Since espresso is often used as a base or building block in various coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos, a single 30mL serving with high caffeine content could easily exceed the recommended daily limit for pregnant women and other individuals susceptible to caffeine's effects, such as those taking oral contraceptives, young children, and breastfeeding women.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends consulting with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate, safe, and personalized caffeine intake during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or for those with other health concerns or taking medications. This image illustrates the average caffeine content in various foods and drinks, including brewed coffee, instant coffee, decaf coffee, coffee ice cream, and more, helping pregnant women monitor their intake and stay within recommended limits.
How Much Caffeine Do Pregnant Women Typically Have?
Pregnant women typically consume varying amounts of caffeine, often exceeding recommended safety limits of 200 mg per day set by EFSA and NHS.
- A 2021 study on 2,840 Finnish pregnant women by Anni Lehtonen published in European Journal of Nutrition found that 41% consumed more than 200 mg of caffeine per day in the third trimester of pregnancy. This intake mainly comes from coffee, comprising 81% of the total caffeine consumption.
- According to the 2024 Kuopio Birth Cohort prospective cohort study, 32% and 38% of pregnant women in their first and third trimesters, respectively, exceeded the recommended caffeine intake limit of 200 mg per day, with 44% and 52% of coffee drinkers surpassing this limit. The study indicates that many pregnant women in Finland consume more caffeine than recommended safety limit.
- A 2020 study from Debre Markos University conducted in Butajira, South Central Ethiopia, found that 17.6% of Ethiopian pregnant women consumed more than 300 mg of caffeine daily. The median daily intake among these women was 170.5 mg, with a range of 0 to whooping 549.8 mg per day.
- In the United States, around 70% of pregnant women consume caffeine, with some exceeding 300-500 mg per day, according to a 2005 study by Carol D Frary from University of Vermont.
While a significant proportion of expectant mothers exceed the recommended caffeine pregnancy limit, researchers from the University of Leicester report that pregnant women generally reduce their caffeine consumption compared to their pre-pregnancy levels. A 2008 study of 2,635 low-risk pregnant women published in the British Medical Journal showed that, on average, participants decreased their caffeine intake by 42%, from 238 mg per day before pregnancy to 139 mg per day during the first trimester (weeks 5-12), then slightly increased their intake in the third trimester.
The following table, sourced from CARE Study Group, illustrates the average daily caffeine intake (in milligrams) of the study participants before pregnancy and during each trimester.
| Pregnancy Period | Number of Weeks | Average Caffeine Intake (milligrams per day) |
|---|---|---|
| Before pregnancy | - | 238 |
| First trimester | 5-12 | 139 |
| Second trimester | 13-28 | 141 |
| Third trimester | 29-40 | 153 |
Is too much caffeine harmful during pregnancy? Research suggests a potential link between higher maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and increased pregnancy complications. Understanding the impact of caffeine on pregnancy is crucial for making informed choices.
How Does Caffeine Affect Pregnancy?
Caffeine negatively affects multiple aspects of pregnancy. Being pregnant is a dynamic process of fetal development within a woman's uterus (womb) lasting 37-42 weeks and often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy diet and reducing caffeine consumption found in coffee.
The World Health Organization (WHO) advises pregnant women not to exceed 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day (equivalent to two 237mL cups of brewed black coffee) to mitigate risks of fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, pregnancy loss, childhood obesity, increased fetal heart rate, increased fetal breathing rate, and potential long-term developmental issues.
- Fetal Growth Restriction: A large 2008 observational study published in the British Medical Journal found that drinking two to three 8-ounce cups of regular coffee during the day while being pregnant (200-299 mg of caffeine within 24 hours) increases the risk of fetal growth restriction (a condition in which a fetus does not grow at the expected rate) by 50%. Consuming more than three 8-ounce cups of regular coffee (300 mg of caffeine or more per day) increases the risk by 40%, compared to consuming less than 100 mg of caffeine per day (or roughly one cup of instant coffee).
- Low Birth Weight: A 2022 study on 5,405 pregnant Italian women, published in The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine, found that drinking more than two cups of caffeinated coffee (over 200 mg of caffeine per day) while being pregnant can result in a significant birth weight reduction of approximately 60-70 grams. Similarly, a 2015 meta-analysis by Jongeun Rhee from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health indicated that for each additional cup of coffee (100 mg of caffeine per day), the risk of low birth weight further increased by 3%.
- Pregnancy Loss: A 2008 BMJ study found that British pregnant women consuming three or more 8-ounce cups of standard instant coffee (300 mg of caffeine per day) had a 37% higher risk of pregnancy loss, and those consuming more than six cups (600 mg of caffeine per day) had a 132% higher risk. Pregnancy loss, as defined by Holly B. Ford from the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women's Health at the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, encompasses all pregnancy losses, including miscarriages, stillbirths (loss of a pregnancy after 20 weeks), and other types of pregnancy terminations.
- Childhood Obesity: A 2021 meta-analysis of 102,347 pregnant women, published in the International Journal of Obesity, found that children born to mothers who consumed 2-3 cups of regular coffee (over 200 mg of caffeine per day) had a 39% increased risk of childhood obesity, a serious medical condition with excess body fat that affects children and adolescents. Each additional cup (100 mg/day) was associated with a further 31% increase in risk.
- Increased Fetal Heart Rate: A 2012 clinical trial on 50 pregnant women with uncomplicated pregnancies, conducted by Giorgia Buscicchio from the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Università Politecnica Marche, found that drinking just one moderate-strength 30mL espresso shot significantly accelerated fetal heart rate (the heart rate of the unborn baby) by 10 to 15 beats per minute for 15 seconds. While the long-term health implications of the increased fetal heart rate remain unclear, researchers from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine suggest it could potentially contribute to adverse pregnancy outcomes such as spontaneous abortion.
- Increased Fetal Breathing Rate: A small 1989 study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology observed a significant increase in fetal breathing rate in eight pregnant women after drinking both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee. However, only caffeinated coffee caused a significant 2.3-fold baseline shift in fetal heart rate.
While drinking too much caffeine before and during pregnancy can increase the risk of these complications, a 2024 study published in Primary Care Diabetes Journal found moderate coffee intake (1-2 cups per day, approximately 100-200 mg of caffeine) has potential health benefits.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Coffee While Pregnant?
Potential health benefits of drinking regular coffee while pregnant include a reduced risk of gestational diabetes, a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. A 2024 study from Finland, where coffee intake is the highest worldwide, conducted by Anni Kukkonen from the University of Eastern Finland, found that moderate coffee intake (1-2 cups per day, approximately 100-200 mg of caffeine) shows a slight protective effect, with a 13% lower risk of developing gestational diabetes.
The study of 2,214 Finnish pregnant women also found that regular coffee consumption (2-3 cups per day, approximately 200-300 mg of caffeine) was associated with cardiovascular health benefits, such as a 17% reduction in the risk of death from cardiovascular causes and a 21% reduction in the risk of stroke.These benefits of coffee may indirectly positively impact pregnant women by supporting overall cardiovascular health, but it is crucial to stay within the recommended caffeine limit of 200 mg/day during pregnancy to avoid potential risks. While moderate caffeine consumption might offer certain benefits, some pregnant women may prefer to avoid caffeine altogether.
Can You Drink Decaf Coffee While Pregnant?
Drinking decaf coffee in moderation is generally considered safe, may offer some health benefits, and can be a good alternative for those sensitive to caffeine, but it's always best to consult with your doctor, and limit your intake during pregnancy. A 1999 study from the University of California of 7,855 live births found no increased risk of small-for-gestational age birth, low birth weight, or preterm delivery in women who drank decaffeinated coffee during pregnancy. In fact, decaf coffee showed a negligible impact on mean birth weight, increasing it by only 0.4 grams per cup per week.
Is it okay to switch to decaf coffee while pregnant? In general, drinking decaf coffee in moderation (1-2 cups per day) is not considered dangerous during pregnancy. A 1989 clinical trial found some minor effects on fetal heart rate and breathing, but more recent research is needed to confirm those findings. It's always advisable for pregnant women to consult their healthcare provider for peace of mind, specific recommendations, and personalized advice on their overall caffeine consumption, including decaf coffee.
How Much Decaf Coffee Can I Drink When Pregnant?
While there's no officially established "safe" level of decaf coffee during pregnancy, it's generally considered safe in moderation due to its significantly lower caffeine content (about 2-15 mg per cup) compared to regular filter coffee (70-140 mg). However, its safety during pregnancy has been debated due to conflicting research findings.
A 1997 study published in Epidemiology suggested a potential link between high decaf coffee consumption (three or more cups per day) during the first trimester and an increased risk of miscarriage. However, the authors acknowledged potential biases in the study, such as pregnancy symptoms influencing consumption patterns.
In contrast, a 2003 study from the American Journal of Epidemiology found no association between decaf coffee consumption and adverse perinatal outcomes like low birth weight or intrauterine growth retardation.
Given the low caffeine content in decaf coffee, well below the 200 mg daily limit recommended for pregnant women, it's generally considered safe to consume in moderation. However, due to the conflicting research, it's advisable to consult your doctor for personalized advice on decaf coffee consumption during pregnancy.
Where to Buy the Best Decaf Coffee for Pregnancy?
You can buy the best decaf coffee for pregnancy at several stores, including Amazon, Costco, or Walmart. Look for Swiss Water Decaf, as this method uses only water to remove caffeine, ensuring no harmful chemicals are involved. If you want to elevate your decaf coffee experience, consider Swiss Water Process decaf coffee beans from Powerbean Coffee, with specialty blends roasted fresh to order. This is a flavorful and safe option for your daily coffee fix without caffeine.
