You do not need to give up coffee or tea completely during pregnancy, but it is important to keep your caffeine below a safe limit. Too much caffeine has been linked to a higher chance of miscarriage and stillbirth.
How much caffeine is safe?
The NHS advises having no more than 200 mg of caffeine a day during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) gives the same limit of less than 200 mg a day.
How much caffeine is in common drinks and foods?
| Food or drink | Approximate caffeine |
|---|---|
| Cup of instant coffee | 100 mg |
| Cup of tea (black or green) | 75 mg |
| 250 ml can of energy drink | 80 mg |
| Can of cola | 40 mg |
| 50 g bar of plain dark chocolate | less than 25 mg |
| 50 g bar of plain milk chocolate | less than 10 mg |
Filter coffee and coffee from coffee shops can contain much more than instant coffee, so check the size and strength. Two cups of tea and a can of cola, for example, add up to about 190 mg.
Where else is caffeine found?
Caffeine is also in some cold and flu remedies, painkillers, guarana and fitness supplements. Check labels, and ask a pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.
Herbal teas
There is not much research on herbal teas in pregnancy. It is safest to have no more than 4 cups a day and to avoid teas that contain liquorice root.
Tips to cut down
- Switch some cups to decaffeinated coffee or tea.
- Choose smaller cups and weaker brews.
- Drink water, milk or fruit-infused water between hot drinks.
- Cut down gradually to avoid headaches.
Find out which foods to avoid in our guide to foods to avoid during pregnancy.