Caffeine in pregnancy: general information
This page gives general information, not personal advice. Talk to your doctor before deciding anything about caffeine in pregnancy.
What official bodies say
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that habitual caffeine intake of up to 200 mg a day in pregnant and breastfeeding women does not raise safety concerns for the unborn child. EFSA considers the unborn child the most vulnerable group where caffeine is concerned.
Caffeine is cleared more slowly in pregnancy
The enzyme that breaks caffeine down works less in pregnancy, so the half-life grows: to about 9–11 hours, and longer late in pregnancy. The same cup stays in the body for longer.
What 200 mg looks like
As a rough picture:
| Drink | About |
|---|---|
| Filter coffee (≈ 110 mg a mug) | ≈ 2 mugs |
| Black tea (≈ 55 mg a mug) | ≈ 3–4 mugs |
| Cola (≈ 33 mg a can) | ≈ 6 cans |
| Espresso (≈ 65 mg a shot) | ≈ 3 shots |
Values vary with brewing and brand; this table is not a target.
In Caffeine Tracker
Caffeine Tracker has no separate pregnancy calculation and shows no personal limit. Your log may still help when you talk to your doctor about what you drink.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor about caffeine.
Sources: EFSA – caffeine · EFSA – caffeine opinion (slides) · National Academies – caffeine workshop
See what's still in you now →General information with sources, not medical advice.