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URLhttps://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-pregnant-women-drink-coffee
Last Crawled2026-04-16 22:32:18 (1 day ago)
First Indexed2026-03-10 13:46:30 (1 month ago)
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Meta TitleCan Pregnant Women Drink Coffee?
Meta DescriptionYou don’t have to give up coffee while pregnant, but it’s best to limit caffeine to less than 200 milligrams per day, given potential adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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It’s often said that the world runs on coffee. But if you’re pregnant, can you tap into that caffeine-packed fuel source to power through the day? We asked maternal-fetal medicine specialist Cara Dolin, MD , to brew up an answer. Can you drink coffee while pregnant? Let’s get right to the point: “YES, you can drink coffee while you’re pregnant — if it’s limited,” says Dr. Dolin. “Too much caffeine can lead to some potentially adverse pregnancy outcomes.” How much coffee is safe during pregnancy? So, how much coffee is too much when you’re pregnant? “If you’re pregnant, we recommend limiting your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day,” stresses Dr. Dolin. “That’s about what you get in a regular 12-ounce cup of coffee.” But remember, caffeine isn’t just in coffee or other bean-based drinks like espresso. The stimulant may also appear in: Various types of tea : Black tea typically comes in highest among brewed teas, at about 71 mg of caffeine per 12 ounces, or a little less than half of what’s in coffee. Green tea often comes in lower amounts, though totals may vary. (Matcha is higher, for example.) Soda : A typical cola includes about 33 mg of caffeine in a 12-ounce can. Energy drinks : Many energy drinks match or even exceed coffee when it comes to offering a jolt of caffeine. (Hence, the “energy” branding.) Supplements : Products such as protein powders and pre-workout may include caffeine to give users an extra boost. Medications : Over-the-counter pain relievers often include caffeine. Ditto for many cold and flu products. It’s always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications while pregnant. Chocolate : Milk chocolate contains a bit of caffeine, with about 9 mg of caffeine in a 1.5-ounce bar. Dark chocolate delivers a heftier dose, with four times as much caffeine. “It’s not just about coffee,” reiterates Dr. Dolin. “You really need to look at your total caffeine consumption throughout the day.” Potential side effects of too much coffee Excessive caffeine consumption (more than 200 mg per day) during pregnancy has been connected to miscarriage and complications like: Pre-term birth Low birth weight Increased risk of long-term health issues for the child, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes So, how can downing cups of coffee while pregnant contribute to all of that? It has to do with caffeine’s ability to constrict blood vessels once it enters your system and the fetal circulation system. “Caffeine crosses the placenta and reaches the baby through the umbilical cord,” explains Dr. Dolin. “As fetal blood vessels constrict, that doesn’t allow for a healthy flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients. The developing embryo doesn’t get what it needs.” In addition, caffeine may amplify or contribute to some not-so-pleasant side effects of pregnancy, including: Nausea Difficulty sleeping More frequent urination Feelings of lightheadedness Heart palpitations Acid reflux Anxiety “A lot of different issues can come from consuming too much caffeine while you’re pregnant,” she says. “We know it can impact pregnancy. That’s why it’s so important to limit what you take in.” Coffee alternatives and swaps Breaking a coffee habit isn’t always easy, especially if you spend most of your waking hours with a hot cup o’ joe within reach. Here are a few ways to scratch that itch without a hefty dose of caffeine. Switch to decaf : A typical 12-ounce cup of decaffeinated coffee only contains about 5 to 10 mg of caffeine. “It’s a great choice if you want the ritual of holding a warm cup of coffee, plus the smell and taste that comes with it,” notes Dr. Dolin. Half-and-half : Mixing decaf with high-octane java can stretch your caffeine intake over multiple cups. “If you’re used to having two cups of coffee every morning, it might be a good solution,” she suggests. Herbal teas : Most herbal teas contain no caffeine. But the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends drinking herbal teas in moderation, given other potential concerns. Hot cocoa : The flavorful drink has roughly the same caffeine content as decaf coffee. But don’t go overboard on the liquid treat, given the sugar content. Hot water : It’s safe to say a steamy cup of H2O won’t match coffee on the flavor front, but the warmth may bring some comfort. Talk with your healthcare provider as you look for options, too. Some traditional coffee substitutes may not be ideal during pregnancy. (Chicory coffee, for instance, is not recommended for pregnant women given concerns about miscarriage.) “Your baby’s eating what you’re eating,” emphasizes Dr. Dolin. “So, it’s important to avoid those things that might cause problems.”
Markdown
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A little caffeine is OK during pregnancy, but it’s best to limit consumption of coffee and other caffeinated items ![Pregnant woman holding a cup of coffee,standing near window, with hand on her belly.](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/LargeFeatureImage/9cb50be7-cefb-438e-8931-b4fa10a66ade/pregnant-woman-coffee-1456170880) **Image content:** This image is available to view online. View image online (https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/9cb50be7-cefb-438e-8931-b4fa10a66ade/pregnant-woman-coffee-1456170880) Pregnant woman holding a cup of coffee,standing near window, with hand on her belly. It’s often said that the world runs on coffee. But if you’re pregnant, can you tap into that caffeine-packed fuel source to power through the day? Advertisement Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. [Policy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/advertising) We asked maternal-fetal medicine specialist [Cara Dolin, MD](https://providers.clevelandclinic.org/provider/cara-dolin/4270634), to brew up an answer. ## Can you drink coffee while pregnant? Let’s get right to the point: “YES, you can drink coffee while you’re pregnant — if it’s limited,” says Dr. Dolin. “Too much [caffeine](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/caffeine) can lead to some potentially adverse pregnancy outcomes.” ### How much coffee is safe during pregnancy? So, how much coffee is *too much* when you’re pregnant? “If you’re pregnant, we recommend limiting your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day,” stresses Dr. Dolin. “That’s about what you get in a regular 12-ounce cup of coffee.” But remember, caffeine isn’t just in coffee or other bean-based drinks like espresso. The stimulant may also appear in: - **Various types of tea**:[Black tea](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/black-tea-benefits) typically comes in highest among brewed teas, at about 71 mg of caffeine per 12 ounces, or a little less than half of what’s in coffee. [Green tea](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/green-tea-health-benefits) often comes in lower amounts, though totals may vary. (Matcha is higher, for example.) - **Soda**: A typical cola includes about 33 mg of caffeine in a 12-ounce can. - **Energy drinks**: Many [energy drinks](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-energy-drinks-bad-for-you) match or even exceed coffee when it comes to offering a jolt of caffeine. (Hence, the “energy” branding.) - **Supplements**: Products such as protein powders and pre-workout may include caffeine to give users an extra boost. - **Medications**: Over-the-counter pain relievers often include caffeine. Ditto for many cold and flu products. It’s always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications while pregnant. - **Chocolate**: Milk chocolate contains a bit of caffeine, with about 9 mg of caffeine in a 1.5-ounce bar. Dark chocolate delivers a heftier dose, with four times as much caffeine. Advertisement “It’s not just about coffee,” reiterates Dr. Dolin. “You really need to look at your total caffeine consumption throughout the day.” ### Potential side effects of too much coffee Excessive caffeine consumption (more than 200 mg per day) during pregnancy [has been connected](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10625456/) to [miscarriage](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage) and complications like: - [Pre-term birth](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21479-premature-birth) - Low birth weight - Increased risk of long-term health issues for the child, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes So, how can downing cups of coffee while pregnant contribute to all of that? It has to do with caffeine’s ability to constrict blood vessels once it enters your system and the fetal circulation system. “Caffeine crosses the [placenta](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22337-placenta) and reaches the baby through the umbilical cord,” explains Dr. Dolin. “As fetal blood vessels constrict, that doesn’t allow for a healthy flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients. The developing embryo doesn’t get what it needs.” In addition, caffeine may amplify or contribute to some not-so-pleasant side effects of pregnancy, including: - Nausea - Difficulty sleeping - More frequent urination - Feelings of lightheadedness - Heart palpitations - Acid reflux - Anxiety “A lot of different issues can come from consuming too much caffeine while you’re pregnant,” she says. “We know it can impact pregnancy. That’s why it’s so important to limit what you take in.” ### Coffee alternatives and swaps [Breaking a coffee habit](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-quit-caffeine) isn’t always easy, especially if you spend most of your waking hours with a hot cup o’ joe within reach. Here are a few ways to scratch that itch without a hefty dose of caffeine. - **Switch to decaf**: A typical 12-ounce cup of decaffeinated coffee only contains about 5 to 10 mg of caffeine. “It’s a great choice if you want the ritual of holding a warm cup of coffee, plus the smell and taste that comes with it,” notes Dr. Dolin. - **Half-and-half**:Mixing decaf with high-octane java can stretch your caffeine intake over multiple cups. “If you’re used to having two cups of coffee every morning, it might be a good solution,” she suggests. - **Herbal teas**: Most herbal teas contain no caffeine. But the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends drinking herbal teas in moderation, given other potential concerns. - **Hot cocoa**: The flavorful drink has roughly the same caffeine content as decaf coffee. But don’t go overboard on the liquid treat, given the sugar content. - **Hot water**:It’s safe to say a steamy cup of H2O won’t match coffee on the flavor front, but the warmth may bring some comfort. Talk with your healthcare provider as you look for options, too. Some [traditional coffee substitutes](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/coffee-alternatives) may not be ideal during pregnancy. (Chicory coffee, for instance, is not recommended for pregnant women given concerns about miscarriage.) Advertisement “Your baby’s eating what you’re eating,” emphasizes Dr. Dolin. “So, it’s important to avoid those things that might cause problems.” Advertisement [![Cleveland Clinic logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/logo-ccf.1e52a22b.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[![Cleveland Clinic icon](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/CCFLogo.000428c6.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/) [![Health Essentials logo](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/_next/static/media/HealthEssentials.b811bb06.svg?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/) ![Subscription icon](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/482db8cd-aa1e-45b5-a2a4-cf6aa5e5d2d4/Health-Essentials?w=256&q=75) ## Better health starts here Sign up for our Health Essentials emails for expert guidance on nutrition, fitness, sleep, skin care and more. [Example email](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026)[Sign up](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-sign-up) [Sign up](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-sign-up)[Example email](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/2ff943a2-abb1-4a1c-8ede-f8848703e789/HealthEssentials-SampleEmail-2026) Learn more about our [editorial process](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/editorial-policy). Health Library Pregnancy [Overview](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pregnancy#overview) Health Library Pregnancy [Overview](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/pregnancy#overview) Advertisement ## Related Articles [![Pregnant woman sitting up in bed drinking a mug of coffee](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/7d9c9ae3-d0d0-43cc-9cd3-003cba03cdd9/decaffeinated-drink-2182053161?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/caffeine-and-pregnancy-how-does-caffeine-affect-my-baby) March 23, 2026/[Pregnancy & Childbirth](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/pregnancy-childbirth) ### [Caffeine and Pregnancy: How Much Is Safe?](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/caffeine-and-pregnancy-how-does-caffeine-affect-my-baby) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/caffeine-and-pregnancy-how-does-caffeine-affect-my-baby Limit your caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams a day, including caffeinated food and drinks [![Pregnant woman looking at sushi options floating over a plate, with a hand holding chopsticks](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/debb8f9b-cf10-4435-afa6-78b5431e1363/pregnancy-sushi-2081127603?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-pregnant-women-eat-sushi) March 6, 2026/[Women’s Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/womens-health) ### [Is It Safe To Eat Sushi While You’re Pregnant?](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-pregnant-women-eat-sushi) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-pregnant-women-eat-sushi Sushi made with raw or undercooked fish should be avoided, but other types are OK [![Pregnant woman sitting on couch, scratching her arm](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/c5791389-553b-44a7-9949-7556ec3ead3b/pregnancy-rash-2177051609?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/pregnancy-rash) November 5, 2025/[Pregnancy & Childbirth](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/pregnancy-childbirth) ### [Pregnancy Rashes: Why They Happen and What To Do](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/pregnancy-rash) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/pregnancy-rash Most rashes aren’t dangerous — but it’s worth talking to your pregnancy provider about them [![Pregnant woman standing in kitchen, pouring medication into hand](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/b2e39bac-21f3-4e26-819b-86581005b84a/pregnant-medication-1765756739?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-you-take-tylenol-while-pregnant) October 6, 2025/[Pregnancy & Childbirth](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/pregnancy-childbirth) ### [Is It Safe To Take Tylenol if You’re Pregnant?](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-you-take-tylenol-while-pregnant) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-you-take-tylenol-while-pregnant The best available evidence indicates that, used correctly, acetaminophen is safe to take throughout a pregnancy [![Pregnant woman receiving a prenatal massage](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/a25cb9b3-b1b7-4fce-8e11-347715905675/prenatal-massage-155370311?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/prenatal-massage) September 15, 2025/[Pregnancy & Childbirth](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/pregnancy-childbirth) ### [Considering a Prenatal Massage? Here’s What To Know](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/prenatal-massage) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/prenatal-massage Prenatal massage, done properly, is a safe and effective way to lower stress and relieve pregnancy discomforts [![Pregnant woman, standing in kitchen eating, smiling down at her belly](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/63f081fc-92bb-409b-91c4-b67cfb688488/pregnant-woman-eating-2177446487?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-not-to-eat-when-youre-pregnant) July 1, 2025/[Pregnancy & Childbirth](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/pregnancy-childbirth) ### [Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-not-to-eat-when-youre-pregnant) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-not-to-eat-when-youre-pregnant Avoid high-mercury fish and processed meat, and go easy on salt and caffeine [![Happy man and pregnant woman lounging in bed together](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/7bb23a02-3eb7-4c31-9345-b84e5bc2564b/pregnant-couple-bed-565536427?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sex-during-pregnancy-your-questions-answered) June 27, 2025/[Pregnancy & Childbirth](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/pregnancy-childbirth) ### [Is It OK To Have Sex When You’re Pregnant?](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sex-during-pregnancy-your-questions-answered) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sex-during-pregnancy-your-questions-answered Unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise, it’s typically considered safe to have sex during pregnancy [![Pregnant woman questioning the hot tub behind her](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/88534941-498c-4314-abc5-91066c128355/pregnant-hot-tub-1283911201?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hot-tub-while-pregnant) May 2, 2025/[Pregnancy & Childbirth](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/pregnancy-childbirth) ### [Hot Tub Safety During Pregnancy: What To Know](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hot-tub-while-pregnant) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/hot-tub-while-pregnant Hot tubs and saunas raise your body temperature and can pose risks ## Trending Topics [![Person walking outdoors, looking at smartphone](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/c10f2c1c-3976-499f-b183-d6facbc668eb/california-sober-1133287692?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-cali-sober) [Mental Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/mental-health) ### [What Does It Mean To Be ‘California Sober’?](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-cali-sober) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-cali-sober This ‘harm reduction’ approach to sobriety involves subbing one substance for another — a method that isn’t backed by research [![Caregiver applying makeup to smiling teen](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/d46853f3-4bcf-483b-a969-21e217e1d467/mom-and-teen-makeup-fun-2253970391?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know) [Children’s Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/childrens-health) ### [Is It OK for Your Kid To Wear Makeup? 5 Things To Consider](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know) https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know Educate your child about body image, expectations and skin care first [![Person in long-sleeve swimwear, scratching at their itchy wrist](https://assets.clevelandclinic.org/transform/StoryPanel/f861debb-bad0-4b41-a55d-e23757918e2b/chlorine-reaction-pool-1521871387?w=3840&q=75)](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chlorine-rash) [Skin Care & Beauty](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/skin-care-beauty) ### [Is That a Chlorine Rash? 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It’s often said that the world runs on coffee. But if you’re pregnant, can you tap into that caffeine-packed fuel source to power through the day? We asked maternal-fetal medicine specialist [Cara Dolin, MD](https://providers.clevelandclinic.org/provider/cara-dolin/4270634), to brew up an answer. ## Can you drink coffee while pregnant? Let’s get right to the point: “YES, you can drink coffee while you’re pregnant — if it’s limited,” says Dr. Dolin. “Too much [caffeine](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/caffeine) can lead to some potentially adverse pregnancy outcomes.” ### How much coffee is safe during pregnancy? So, how much coffee is *too much* when you’re pregnant? “If you’re pregnant, we recommend limiting your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day,” stresses Dr. Dolin. “That’s about what you get in a regular 12-ounce cup of coffee.” But remember, caffeine isn’t just in coffee or other bean-based drinks like espresso. The stimulant may also appear in: - **Various types of tea**:[Black tea](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/black-tea-benefits) typically comes in highest among brewed teas, at about 71 mg of caffeine per 12 ounces, or a little less than half of what’s in coffee. [Green tea](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/green-tea-health-benefits) often comes in lower amounts, though totals may vary. (Matcha is higher, for example.) - **Soda**: A typical cola includes about 33 mg of caffeine in a 12-ounce can. - **Energy drinks**: Many [energy drinks](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-energy-drinks-bad-for-you) match or even exceed coffee when it comes to offering a jolt of caffeine. (Hence, the “energy” branding.) - **Supplements**: Products such as protein powders and pre-workout may include caffeine to give users an extra boost. - **Medications**: Over-the-counter pain relievers often include caffeine. Ditto for many cold and flu products. It’s always best to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medications while pregnant. - **Chocolate**: Milk chocolate contains a bit of caffeine, with about 9 mg of caffeine in a 1.5-ounce bar. Dark chocolate delivers a heftier dose, with four times as much caffeine. “It’s not just about coffee,” reiterates Dr. Dolin. “You really need to look at your total caffeine consumption throughout the day.” ### Potential side effects of too much coffee Excessive caffeine consumption (more than 200 mg per day) during pregnancy [has been connected](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10625456/) to [miscarriage](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage) and complications like: - [Pre-term birth](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21479-premature-birth) - Low birth weight - Increased risk of long-term health issues for the child, including obesity, heart disease and diabetes So, how can downing cups of coffee while pregnant contribute to all of that? It has to do with caffeine’s ability to constrict blood vessels once it enters your system and the fetal circulation system. “Caffeine crosses the [placenta](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22337-placenta) and reaches the baby through the umbilical cord,” explains Dr. Dolin. “As fetal blood vessels constrict, that doesn’t allow for a healthy flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients. The developing embryo doesn’t get what it needs.” In addition, caffeine may amplify or contribute to some not-so-pleasant side effects of pregnancy, including: - Nausea - Difficulty sleeping - More frequent urination - Feelings of lightheadedness - Heart palpitations - Acid reflux - Anxiety “A lot of different issues can come from consuming too much caffeine while you’re pregnant,” she says. “We know it can impact pregnancy. That’s why it’s so important to limit what you take in.” ### Coffee alternatives and swaps [Breaking a coffee habit](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-quit-caffeine) isn’t always easy, especially if you spend most of your waking hours with a hot cup o’ joe within reach. Here are a few ways to scratch that itch without a hefty dose of caffeine. - **Switch to decaf**: A typical 12-ounce cup of decaffeinated coffee only contains about 5 to 10 mg of caffeine. “It’s a great choice if you want the ritual of holding a warm cup of coffee, plus the smell and taste that comes with it,” notes Dr. Dolin. - **Half-and-half**:Mixing decaf with high-octane java can stretch your caffeine intake over multiple cups. “If you’re used to having two cups of coffee every morning, it might be a good solution,” she suggests. - **Herbal teas**: Most herbal teas contain no caffeine. But the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends drinking herbal teas in moderation, given other potential concerns. - **Hot cocoa**: The flavorful drink has roughly the same caffeine content as decaf coffee. But don’t go overboard on the liquid treat, given the sugar content. - **Hot water**:It’s safe to say a steamy cup of H2O won’t match coffee on the flavor front, but the warmth may bring some comfort. Talk with your healthcare provider as you look for options, too. Some [traditional coffee substitutes](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/coffee-alternatives) may not be ideal during pregnancy. (Chicory coffee, for instance, is not recommended for pregnant women given concerns about miscarriage.) “Your baby’s eating what you’re eating,” emphasizes Dr. Dolin. “So, it’s important to avoid those things that might cause problems.”
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