Caffeine During Pregnancy - What You Need to Know
Pregnancy brings on a lot of changes—some exciting, some overwhelming, and many that affect your daily routine. One of the biggest adjustments for many expecting parents is rethinking their relationship with caffeine. Whether you're a regular coffee drinker or just enjoy the occasional soda or tea, it's important to understand how caffeine can affect both your body and your developing baby.
Many parents-to-be are surprised by how many everyday foods, drinks, and even medications contain caffeine. Knowing where it shows up and how it might affect both you and your baby can make it easier to manage your intake and feel good about your choices.
Key Takeaways
Most experts recommend keeping caffeine intake under 200 mg per day during pregnancy.
Caffeine crosses the placenta and can affect your baby’s development.
Common foods, drinks, and medications may contain caffeine—always check labels.
It’s okay to enjoy caffeine in moderation, but be aware of how much you’re consuming.
Effect of Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy
Caffeine is a stimulant that affects your central nervous system. When you're not pregnant, your body metabolizes it fairly quickly. However, during pregnancy, your body processes caffeine more slowly—especially in the later stages. This slower breakdown means that caffeine stays in your system longer and has a more prolonged effect.
Caffeine also crosses the placenta, which means your baby is exposed to it. But because your baby’s liver isn’t fully developed, they can’t metabolize caffeine the same way you can. This is why moderation is key when managing caffeine pregnancy habits.
Your Body
During pregnancy, your body experiences many metabolic changes, including how it handles caffeine. As pregnancy progresses, your liver's ability to metabolize caffeine can decrease significantly. In fact, by the third trimester, it may take your body up to three times longer to process the same amount of caffeine as before pregnancy.
The effects of caffeine on your body can include increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, and disrupted sleep—all of which may already be concerns during pregnancy. Caffeine can also act as a diuretic, increasing the need to urinate, which can contribute to dehydration if you're not careful.
Your Baby
Caffeine passes directly through the placenta to your baby, but your baby cannot break it down effectively. This means the stimulant can stay in their system longer. High levels of caffeine during pregnancy have been linked to lower birth weights and, in some studies, an increased risk of miscarriage or preterm birth. While the evidence isn't entirely conclusive, it’s enough that most health professionals advise limiting caffeine.
Why Is Caffeine Bad for Pregnancy?
So, why is caffeine bad for pregnancy? The primary concern is that caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. These changes can add strain to your body during a time when it's already working hard to support your baby.
As mentioned before, caffeine also reaches your baby through the placenta and since your baby can’t metabolize caffeine effectively, it may linger in their system longer. This has been linked to potential complications. While moderate caffeine during pregnancy is generally considered safe, high levels should be avoided.
How Much Caffeine Is Safe During Pregnancy?
When it comes to how much caffeine during pregnancy is safe, the consensus is to stay under 200 milligrams per day. This recommendation is supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other major health organizations.
This amount is roughly equal to one 12-ounce cup of coffee. But remember, caffeine levels vary widely depending on the source. Brew strength, portion size, and brand all play a role. Pay attention to labels or ask your barista for caffeine content when you're unsure.
Foods and Drinks That Contain Caffeine
Caffeine isn't just in coffee. It’s found in a wide variety of foods and beverages. Here’s a general list of common sources:
Brewed coffee
Espresso-based drinks (e.g., lattes, cappuccinos)
Black and green tea
Soda
Energy drinks
Dark chocolate
Milk chocolate
Coffee-flavored ice cream or yogurt
Certain protein or nutrition bars
Medicines That Contain Caffeine
Caffeine is also found in some over-the-counter and prescription medications. It's often added to help improve the effectiveness of pain relievers or to combat drowsiness. Here are common examples:
Excedrin (migraine and tension headache relief)
Anacin
Midol Complete
Bayer Back & Body
NoDoz
Vivarin
Some weight-loss pills
Certain cold medications
Caffeine citrate (sometimes used medically for infants)
Menstrual relief medications
Always read labels and talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure whether a medication is safe during pregnancy.
Caffeine When Breastfeeding
Caffeine can still affect your baby after birth. It passes into breast milk, although typically in small amounts. Most experts consider moderate caffeine intake—up to 300 mg per day—safe while breastfeeding. However, newborns, especially premature babies, may be more sensitive to caffeine. If you notice that your baby is unusually fussy or has trouble sleeping, you may want to cut back and see if it helps.
Bottom Line
Navigating caffeine pregnancy concerns doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite morning beverage. Staying under 200 mg a day is a generally safe guideline that allows you to still enjoy your routine while protecting your baby’s health.
To feel more confident about your choices, check out Birthly’s live, online classes led by certified professionals. These are a great way to get real-time answers to your questions about diet, caffeine during pregnancy, and more.
Caffeine and Pregnancy FAQ
When to stop drinking caffeine while pregnant?
You don’t have to quit completely, but it’s best to reduce your intake as early as possible—ideally in the first trimester when fetal development is most sensitive. Reducing caffeine during pregnancy early on helps support healthy growth.
Why is nutrition important during pregnancy?
Good nutrition supports both your health and your baby’s development, especially when considering other factors like caffeine pregnancy concerns.
Is coffee bad in the 3rd trimester?
Your body metabolizes caffeine more slowly later in pregnancy, so caffeine stays in your system longer. It’s a good idea to be especially cautious during the third trimester, particularly when monitoring how much caffeine during pregnancy you’re consuming.
Sources
https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/caffeine-pregnancy