âšď¸ Skipped - page is already crawled
| Filter | Status | Condition | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| HTTP status | PASS | download_http_code = 200 | HTTP 200 |
| Age cutoff | PASS | download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH | 0.1 months ago |
| History drop | PASS | isNull(history_drop_reason) | No drop reason |
| Spam/ban | PASS | fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0 | ml_spam_score=0 |
| Canonical | PASS | meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed | Not set |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| URL | https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-pregnant-women-drink-coffee |
| Last Crawled | 2026-04-16 22:32:18 (1 day ago) |
| First Indexed | 2026-03-10 13:46:30 (1 month ago) |
| HTTP Status Code | 200 |
| Meta Title | Can Pregnant Women Drink Coffee? |
| Meta Description | You donât have to give up coffee while pregnant, but itâs best to limit caffeine to less than 200 milligrams per day, given potential adverse pregnancy outcomes. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Itâs often said that the world runs on coffee. But if youâre 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?
Letâs get right to the point: âYES, you can drink coffee while youâre pregnant â if itâs limited,â says Dr. Dolin. âToo much
caffeine
can lead to some potentially adverse pregnancy outcomes.â
How much coffee is safe during pregnancy?
So, how much coffee is
too much
when youâre pregnant?
âIf youâre pregnant, we recommend limiting your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day,â stresses Dr. Dolin. âThatâs about what you get in a regular 12-ounce cup of coffee.â
But remember, caffeine isnât 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 whatâs 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 âenergyâ 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. Itâs 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.
âItâs not just about coffee,â reiterates Dr. Dolin. âYou really need to look at your total caffeine consumption throughout the day.â
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 caffeineâs ability to constrict blood vessels once it enters your system and the fetal circulation system.
âCaffeine crosses the
placenta
and reaches the baby through the umbilical cord,â explains Dr. Dolin. âAs fetal blood vessels constrict, that doesnât allow for a healthy flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients. The developing embryo doesnât get what it needs.â
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
âA lot of different issues can come from consuming too much caffeine while youâre pregnant,â she says. âWe know it can impact pregnancy. Thatâs why itâs so important to limit what you take in.â
Coffee alternatives and swaps
Breaking a coffee habit
isnât always easy, especially if you spend most of your waking hours with a hot cup oâ 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. âItâs a great choice if you want the ritual of holding a warm cup of coffee, plus the smell and taste that comes with it,â notes Dr. Dolin.
Half-and-half
:
Mixing decaf with high-octane java can stretch your caffeine intake over multiple cups. âIf youâre used to having two cups of coffee every morning, it might be a good solution,â 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 donât go overboard on the liquid treat, given the sugar content.
Hot water
:
Itâs safe to say a steamy cup of H2O wonât 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.)
âYour babyâs eating what youâre eating,â emphasizes Dr. Dolin. âSo, itâs important to avoid those things that might cause problems.â |
| Markdown | Locations:
[Abu Dhabi](https://www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/)\|[Canada](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/canada)\|[Florida](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/florida)\|[London](https://clevelandcliniclondon.uk/)\|[Nevada](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/nevada)\|[Ohio](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)\|

- [Health Essentials](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/)
- [Health Library](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health)
- [Find a Provider](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/providers)
- [Make an Appointment](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/patients/information/access)
- [News](https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/)
- [Careers](https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org/)
- [Contact Us](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/contact-us)
[](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/)


Search
Advertisement
Advertisement
March 10, 2026/[Living Healthy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy)/[Womenâs Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/womens-health)
# Can You Drink Coffee While Pregnant?
A little caffeine is OK during pregnancy, but itâs best to limit consumption of coffee and other caffeinated items

**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.
Itâs often said that the world runs on coffee. But if youâre 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?
Letâs get right to the point: âYES, you can drink coffee while youâre pregnant â if itâs limited,â says Dr. Dolin. âToo much [caffeine](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/caffeine) can lead to some potentially adverse pregnancy outcomes.â
### How much coffee is safe during pregnancy?
So, how much coffee is *too much* when youâre pregnant?
âIf youâre pregnant, we recommend limiting your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day,â stresses Dr. Dolin. âThatâs about what you get in a regular 12-ounce cup of coffee.â
But remember, caffeine isnât 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 whatâs 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 âenergyâ 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. Itâs 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
âItâs not just about coffee,â reiterates Dr. Dolin. âYou really need to look at your total caffeine consumption throughout the day.â
### 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 caffeineâs ability to constrict blood vessels once it enters your system and the fetal circulation system.
âCaffeine crosses the [placenta](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22337-placenta) and reaches the baby through the umbilical cord,â explains Dr. Dolin. âAs fetal blood vessels constrict, that doesnât allow for a healthy flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients. The developing embryo doesnât get what it needs.â
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
âA lot of different issues can come from consuming too much caffeine while youâre pregnant,â she says. âWe know it can impact pregnancy. Thatâs why itâs so important to limit what you take in.â
### Coffee alternatives and swaps
[Breaking a coffee habit](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-quit-caffeine) isnât always easy, especially if you spend most of your waking hours with a hot cup oâ 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. âItâs a great choice if you want the ritual of holding a warm cup of coffee, plus the smell and taste that comes with it,â notes Dr. Dolin.
- **Half-and-half**:Mixing decaf with high-octane java can stretch your caffeine intake over multiple cups. âIf youâre used to having two cups of coffee every morning, it might be a good solution,â 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 donât go overboard on the liquid treat, given the sugar content.
- **Hot water**:Itâs safe to say a steamy cup of H2O wonât 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
âYour babyâs eating what youâre eating,â emphasizes Dr. Dolin. âSo, itâs important to avoid those things that might cause problems.â
Advertisement
[](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/)

## 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
[](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
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-pregnant-women-eat-sushi)
March 6, 2026/[Womenâs Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/womens-health)
### [Is It Safe To Eat Sushi While Youâre 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
[](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 arenât dangerous â but itâs worth talking to your pregnancy provider about them
[](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 Youâre 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
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/prenatal-massage)
September 15, 2025/[Pregnancy & Childbirth](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/pregnancy-childbirth)
### [Considering a Prenatal Massage? Hereâs 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
[](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
[](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 Youâre 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, itâs typically considered safe to have sex during pregnancy
[](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
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-cali-sober)
[Mental Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/mental-health)
### [What Does It Mean To Be âCalifornia Soberâ?](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-cali-sober)
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-cali-sober
This âharm reductionâ approach to sobriety involves subbing one substance for another â a method that isnât backed by research
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/does-your-child-want-to-wear-makeup-5-things-you-should-know)
[Childrenâs 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
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chlorine-rash)
[Skin Care & Beauty](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/skin-care-beauty)
### [Is That a Chlorine Rash? What Your Skin Is Telling You](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chlorine-rash)
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/chlorine-rash
A true chlorine allergy is extremely rare â itâs far more likely that you have a damaged skin barrier
## Health Categories To Explore
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/brain-nervous-system)[Brain & Nervous System](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/brain-nervous-system)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/childrens-health)[Childrenâs Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/childrens-health)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/exercise-fitness)[Exercise & Fitness](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/exercise-fitness)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/heart-health)[Heart Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/heart-health)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/mens-health)[Menâs Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/mens-health)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/mental-health)[Mental Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/mental-health)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/nutrition)[Nutrition](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/nutrition)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/orthopaedics)[Orthopaedics](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/orthopaedics)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/primary-care)[Primary Care](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/primary-care)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/skin-care-beauty)[Skin Care & Beauty](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/skin-care-beauty)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/wellness)[Wellness](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/wellness)
[](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/womens-health)[Womenâs Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/womens-health)
### Other Popular Categories
[Aging Well](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/aging-well)[Allergies](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/allergies)[Cancer Care & Prevention](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/cancer-care-prevention)[Chronic Pain](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/chronic-pain)[Cold, Flu & Respiratory Illnesses](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/cold-flu-respiratory-illnesses)[Diabetes & Endocrinology](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/diabetes-endocrinology)[Digestive](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/digestive-health)[Ear, Nose & Throat](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/ear-nose-throat)[Eye Care](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/eye-care)[Infectious Disease](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/infectious-disease)[Lung](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/lung-health)[Oral Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/oral-health)[Parenting](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/parenting-category)[Pregnancy & Childbirth](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/pregnancy-childbirth)[Recipes](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/recipes)[Rheumatology & Immunology](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/rheumatology-immunology)[Senior Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/senior-health)[Sex & Relationships](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/sex-relationships)[Sleep](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/living-healthy/sleep)[Urinary & Kidney Health](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/urinary-kidney-health)[Weight Loss](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/diet-food-fitness/weight-loss)
Ad
Rendered: Thu Apr 16 2026 13:37:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
#### Cleveland Clinic
[Home](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/)[About Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about)[Careers at Cleveland Clinic](https://jobs.clevelandclinic.org/)[Giving](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/giving)[Community Outreach](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/community/government-relations)[Research & Innovations](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/research)[Health Library](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health)[Free Health eNewsletters](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health-essentials-newsletter?utm_medium=email&utm_source=jotform&utm_campaign=he&utm_content=signuppage)[Resources for Medical Professionals](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/professionals)[Media Relations](https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/)
#### Site Information & Policies
[Send Us Feedback](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/webmail)[About this Website](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website)[Advertising Policy](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/advertising/)[Social Media Policy](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/social-media)[Copyright, Reprints & Licensing](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/reprints-licensing)[Website Terms of Use](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/terms-of-use)[Website Privacy Policy](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/privacy-security)[Notice of Privacy Practices](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/privacy-practices)[Non-Discrimination and Availability](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/about/website/non-discrimination-notice)
#### Resources
[Mobile Apps](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/mobile-apps)[Podcasts](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/podcasts/health-essentials)
9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 \| [800\.223.2273](tel:8002232273) \| Š 2026 Cleveland Clinic. All Rights Reserved. |
| Readable Markdown | Itâs often said that the world runs on coffee. But if youâre 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?
Letâs get right to the point: âYES, you can drink coffee while youâre pregnant â if itâs limited,â says Dr. Dolin. âToo much [caffeine](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/caffeine) can lead to some potentially adverse pregnancy outcomes.â
### How much coffee is safe during pregnancy?
So, how much coffee is *too much* when youâre pregnant?
âIf youâre pregnant, we recommend limiting your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine per day,â stresses Dr. Dolin. âThatâs about what you get in a regular 12-ounce cup of coffee.â
But remember, caffeine isnât 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 whatâs 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 âenergyâ 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. Itâs 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.
âItâs not just about coffee,â reiterates Dr. Dolin. âYou really need to look at your total caffeine consumption throughout the day.â
### 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 caffeineâs ability to constrict blood vessels once it enters your system and the fetal circulation system.
âCaffeine crosses the [placenta](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22337-placenta) and reaches the baby through the umbilical cord,â explains Dr. Dolin. âAs fetal blood vessels constrict, that doesnât allow for a healthy flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients. The developing embryo doesnât get what it needs.â
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
âA lot of different issues can come from consuming too much caffeine while youâre pregnant,â she says. âWe know it can impact pregnancy. Thatâs why itâs so important to limit what you take in.â
### Coffee alternatives and swaps
[Breaking a coffee habit](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-quit-caffeine) isnât always easy, especially if you spend most of your waking hours with a hot cup oâ 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. âItâs a great choice if you want the ritual of holding a warm cup of coffee, plus the smell and taste that comes with it,â notes Dr. Dolin.
- **Half-and-half**:Mixing decaf with high-octane java can stretch your caffeine intake over multiple cups. âIf youâre used to having two cups of coffee every morning, it might be a good solution,â 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 donât go overboard on the liquid treat, given the sugar content.
- **Hot water**:Itâs safe to say a steamy cup of H2O wonât 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.)
âYour babyâs eating what youâre eating,â emphasizes Dr. Dolin. âSo, itâs important to avoid those things that might cause problems.â |
| Shard | 143 (laksa) |
| Root Hash | 9889140825964526943 |
| Unparsed URL | org,clevelandclinic!health,/can-pregnant-women-drink-coffee s443 |