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Home > Diseases & Conditions > Pregnancy and Caffeine

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Pregnancy and Caffeine

When you are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, you should limit the amount of caffeine to no more than 200 mg per day. That is about the amount of caffeine in four cups of tea, or two mugs of instant coffee.

What is caffeine?

Most of us will take in some caffeine on most days. Caffeine is a substance that:

  • Occurs naturally in foods such as tea, coffee and chocolate.
  • Is added to some drinks such as cola, and some energy drinks.
  • Is an ingredient of some cough and cold remedies, and some painkillers which you can buy at pharmacies.

Why is caffeine a concern during pregnancy?

A small amount of caffeine is fine. However, if you have a lot of caffeine, it increases your risk of having a baby with low birthweight, and increases your risk of having a miscarriage. The increased risk is small. But, it is best to play safe. The Department of Health recommends that you do not have more than 200 mg caffeine in any one day if you are pregnant, or if you are trying to become pregnant.

Calculating your daily caffeine intake

As a rough guide:

  • One mug of instant coffee has about 100 mg caffeine.
  • One cup of instant coffee has about 75 mg caffeine.
  • One mug of filter coffee has about 140 mg caffeine.
  • One mug of tea has about 75 mg caffeine.
  • One cup of tea has about 50 mg caffeine.
  • One 50 g plain chocolate bar has about 50 mg caffeine. Milk chocolate has about half as much caffeine as plain chocolate.
  • One can of cola has up to 40 mg caffeine.
  • One can of 'energy' drink may contain up to 80 mg caffeine.
  • Check the label on medicines for quantities of caffeine.

So, you do not have to stop your favourite drinks, but you may need to limit their amount. For example, you will reach about the 200 mg limit for one day if you:

  • Eat two 50 g bars of chocolate, and drink two cups of tea; OR
  • Drink two mugs of instant coffee; OR
  • Drink a can of energy drink, one can of cola, and eat one 50 g bar of plain chocolate and one 50 g bar of milk chocolate.
  • Etc.

If you occasionally take in more than 200 mg in one day, it is likely to be fine as the risks to the baby are small. However, as a general rule, it is best to aim for 200 mg or less on most days throughout your pregnancy.

Further information

Department of Health - Nutrition for pregnancy and the early years

Web: www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publichealth/Nutrition/Nutritionpregnancyearlyyears/index.htm

National Childbirth Trust

Information on pre-pregnancy care and health of pregnant women.
Tel: 0300 330 0772 Web: www.nct.org.uk

The Pregnancy Book from the Department of Health

Go to their website - www.dh.gov.uk - and search for 'Pregnancy Book'.

References and Disclaimer | Provide feedback

References

  • No authors listed; Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of fetal growth restriction: a large prospective observational study. BMJ. 2008 Nov 3;337:a2332. doi: 10.1136/bmj.a2332. [abstract]
  • Weng X, Odouli R, Li DK; Maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy and the risk of miscarriage: a prospective cohort study. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Mar;198(3):279.e1-8. Epub 2008 Jan 25. [abstract]
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Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.
© EMIS 2011    Reviewed: 1 Jul 2011   DocID: 4799   Version: 39
For the planned review period see the Data Creation and Quality Control Process.