Is caffeine consumption safe during pregnancy?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 11, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Caffeine consumption is safe during pregnancy in moderate amounts, with a recommended limit of 200 mg per day.

Key Considerations

  • The European Food Safety Authority advises that pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to 200 mg/d 1.
  • The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommend that pregnant women consume no more than 200 mg caffeine/d 1.
  • A systematic review found that consumption of ≤300 mg caffeine/d in healthy pregnant women was generally not associated with adverse reproductive and developmental effects 1.

Important Details

  • Caffeine intake should be limited to avoid potential adverse effects on the fetus, but moderate consumption is considered safe.
  • Pregnant women should be aware of the caffeine content in various beverages, including coffee, tea, and energy drinks, to stay within the recommended limit.
  • It is essential to consider the overall diet and account for nutrients and calories from dairy, added sugars, and additions when consuming coffee and tea 1.

From the Research

Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy

  • Caffeine consumption during pregnancy is a topic of interest, with studies suggesting that high doses of caffeine intake may increase the risk of miscarriage 2.
  • A study published in 2021 found that second-trimester caffeinated beverage intake within current recommendations (less than 200 mg per day) was associated with lower gestational diabetes risk, but not preeclampsia or gestational hypertension 3.
  • Another study published in 2023 found that caffeine intake during pregnancy has notable effects on human fetal development, including increased fetal breathing and heart rates, but can lead to reduced growth and lower birth weight 4.
  • A review of the literature and clinical studies published in 2022 highlighted the importance of considering the safety of coffee consumption in pregnant women, as a large percentage of women continue to consume coffee during pregnancy, often exceeding the recommended daily dose of caffeine 5.
  • The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology published a study in 2008, which found that an increasing dose of daily caffeine intake during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage, compared with no caffeine intake 2.
  • A 2009 article in the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics highlighted the implications of caffeine intake in pregnancy and reviewed the latest evidence-based information available on this subject, offering recommendations for obstetrician-gynecologists providing peripartum care to pregnant women 6.

Key Findings

  • High doses of caffeine intake during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage 2.
  • Moderate caffeine intake (less than 200 mg per day) may be associated with lower gestational diabetes risk 3.
  • Caffeine intake during pregnancy can affect fetal development, including increased fetal breathing and heart rates, and reduced growth and lower birth weight 4.
  • Pregnant women should be aware of the potential risks of excessive caffeine intake and consider moderating their daily caffeine intake 5, 6.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.