Can You Drink Coffee While Pregnant? The 200 mg Limit Explained
Reviewed by Safi Allah Khan
Medically reviewed by: Safi Allah Khan · Written by the Momi team · Updated 20 October 2026
Quick answer: Can you drink coffee while pregnant? Yes, in moderation. The NHS, ACOG and EFSA all use the same limit: under 200 mg of caffeine a day from all sources. That's about two cups of instant coffee, or less if you drink filter or coffee-shop coffee. Tea, cola, energy drinks and chocolate count too.
You don't have to give up coffee. You just need to know how much caffeine you're getting, which can be surprising once you add up tea, cola and chocolate.
What the guidelines say
| Organization | Advice |
|---|---|
| NHS (UK) | Don't have more than 200 mg of caffeine a day |
| ACOG (US) | Moderate intake under 200 mg a day doesn't appear to be a major factor in miscarriage or preterm birth |
| EFSA (EU) | Up to 200 mg a day from all sources, spread through the day, doesn't raise safety concerns for the fetus |
| FDA (US) | If you're pregnant, ask your provider whether you need to limit caffeine (400 mg is the general adult figure, not a pregnancy figure) |
Why it matters: the NHS says too much caffeine has been linked to a higher chance of miscarriage and stillbirth, and ACOG says the link between caffeine and growth restriction is still undetermined. So the advice is a sensible ceiling, not a reason to worry about every cup.
How much caffeine is in coffee, tea and more?
These are the NHS estimates:
| Food or drink | Approximate caffeine |
|---|---|
| Cup of instant coffee | 100 mg |
| Filter or coffee-shop coffee | Often more than instant |
| Cup of tea (black or green) | 75 mg |
| Can of cola | 40 mg |
| 250 ml can of energy drink | 80 mg |
| 50 g bar of plain dark chocolate | Less than 25 mg |
| 50 g bar of plain milk chocolate | Less than 10 mg |
| Cup of decaf coffee (FDA, 8 oz) | 2–15 mg |
Caffeine is also in some cold and flu remedies, guarana, and some fitness or health supplements. Check labels, and ask a pharmacist before taking any medicine.
What 200 mg looks like in a day
Using the NHS estimates, each of these days stays around or under 200 mg:
| Example day | Total |
|---|---|
| 2 cups of instant coffee | about 200 mg |
| 1 cup of instant coffee + 1 cup of tea | about 175 mg |
| 2 cups of tea + 1 can of cola | about 190 mg |
| 1 cup of instant coffee + 1 can of cola + a 50 g bar of dark chocolate | under 165 mg |
| 1 cup of tea + 2 cups of decaf + a 50 g bar of milk chocolate | under 115 mg |
A single large coffee-shop drink can be well over 100 mg, so check the caffeine figure on the shop's website or menu if you have one.
Tips for cutting down
- Switch to half-caf or decaf for some cups.
- Go smaller in coffee shops and skip extra shots.
- Brew tea for less time if you like it weaker.
- Swap the afternoon cup for water, milk or a caffeine-free drink. Less caffeine later in the day can also help with pregnancy insomnia.
- Avoid energy drinks: they're high in caffeine and often in sugar too.
- Cut down gradually if you drink a lot, to avoid headaches.
Does the limit change by trimester?
No. The NHS, ACOG and EFSA give the same 200 mg figure for the whole pregnancy, from the first weeks to the third trimester. If you're trying to conceive, it's a good habit to start early, because you may not know you're pregnant for the first few weeks. The FDA also suggests talking to your provider about caffeine if you're breastfeeding.
Coffee, nausea and heartburn
Many people go off coffee in early pregnancy. If the smell triggers morning sickness, that's common and not a problem. Coffee can also make heartburn worse for some people later in pregnancy, so cutting down may help.
Herbal teas and other drinks
- Herbal teas like peppermint and chamomile don't usually contain caffeine. The NHS advises no more than 4 cups a day, and avoiding teas containing liquorice root.
- Alcohol: the NHS says it's safest not to drink alcohol at all in pregnancy.
- Water is the best everyday drink, especially when it's hot or you're flying while pregnant.
Does caffeine affect baby movements?
Some people notice their baby moves after a sweet or cold drink, but there's no need to use caffeine to get your baby moving. If your baby's movements slow down or change, contact your maternity unit straight away rather than trying to make them move. See how to track fetal movement.
How Momi helps
Momi's weekly guide includes simple lifestyle tips for your week, and the diary is an easy place to notice patterns, such as whether cutting your afternoon coffee helps you sleep. You can save questions for your midwife in visits.
Download Momi free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Related: first trimester symptoms · pregnancy to-do list week by week · pregnancy week by week · due date calculator
Sources
- NHS, Foods to avoid in pregnancy (caffeine and drinks sections)
- ACOG, Committee Opinion 462: Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy
- EFSA, Caffeine
- FDA, Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine Is Too Much?
Medical disclaimer: Momi and this website provide general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor or midwife; in an emergency call your local emergency number.
FAQ
How many cups of coffee can I have while pregnant?
The guidance is about caffeine, not cups. Stay under 200 mg a day. The NHS estimates about 100 mg in a cup of instant coffee, so that's roughly two cups if you have nothing else with caffeine. Filter and coffee-shop coffee can contain more, so one large shop coffee may use most of your limit.
Is decaf coffee safe during pregnancy?
Decaf is a good way to cut down. The FDA notes that decaf isn't caffeine-free: decaf coffee typically has 2 to 15 mg in an 8-ounce cup. That's a small amount, but count it if you drink a lot.
What happens if I had more than 200 mg of caffeine one day?
Try not to worry about a single day. ACOG says moderate intake doesn't appear to be a major factor in miscarriage, and the advice is about your usual daily intake. Get back under 200 mg from the next day, and talk to your midwife or doctor if you're worried.
Does tea count towards the caffeine limit?
Yes. The NHS estimates about 75 mg in a cup of black or green tea. Herbal teas like peppermint and chamomile usually have no caffeine, but the NHS advises no more than 4 cups of herbal tea a day and avoiding teas with liquorice root.
Why is caffeine limited in pregnancy?
The NHS says too much caffeine has been linked to a higher chance of miscarriage and stillbirth. ACOG says moderate intake under 200 mg a day doesn't appear to be a major factor in miscarriage or preterm birth, and EFSA says up to 200 mg a day doesn't raise safety concerns for the fetus.
Related guides
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