How Much Caffeine is Safe During Pregnancy

Status

caution Last reviewed: 2026-05-16 · Confidence: high

Reason

Official guidance limits caffeine in pregnancy. ACOG says under 200 mg/day; WHO says below 300 mg/day.

Safe Amount

No established safe limit beyond official guidance. ACOG says less than 200 mg/day; WHO says below 300 mg/day.

Effects

Pregnancy
High intake is linked in some guidance with pregnancy loss and low birth weight.
Mother
May cause poor sleep, jitteriness, nausea, light-headedness, and more urination.
Baby
High intake may affect growth and birth weight.

Trimester Notes

1st Trimester
Limit intake. High intake may be linked with pregnancy loss in some guidance.
2nd Trimester
Limit intake. Keep total daily caffeine within official guidance.
3rd Trimester
Limit intake. Caffeine clears more slowly in pregnancy.

Conditions & Warnings

  • Keep total caffeine from coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medicines within daily guidance.
  • Avoid energy drinks and large caffeine doses.
  • If you are sensitive to caffeine, cut back more.

Alternatives

  • Decaf coffee
  • Herbal tea that is pregnancy-safe
  • Water or milk

References

  • ACOG
    https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/how-much-coffee-can-i-drink-while-pregnant
  • WHO
    https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/caffeine-pregnancy
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