Caffeine During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: What You Need to Know

Highlights

• Caffeine is a drug that comes from the leaves, nuts, or berries of plants.
• It is commonly found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some energy drinks.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, having no more than 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day is considered safe.
• Having too much caffeine during pregnancy may increase the risk of pregnancy complications.

In This Article

• What Is Caffeine?
• Caffeine in Foods and Drinks
• Medications That Contain Caffeine
• Recommended Limit During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
• Risks of Excessive Caffeine
• Alternatives to Caffeine
• Caffeine Chart
• Tools and Assistance

What Is Caffeine?

Caffeine is a drug that comes from the leaves, nuts, and berries of certain plants. It works as a stimulant, speeding up the brain and activating the nervous system.

Caffeine in Foods and Drinks

Caffeine can be found in a range of foods and drinks.

It is commonly found in:

• coffee
• tea
• chocolate
• cola
• energy drinks

Some highly concentrated caffeine powders and syrups are not considered safe for consumption and have been banned in certain countries. These products are typically marketed as sports supplements. Food standards in many regions require clear labelling of products that contain caffeine. This helps inform people about items that may not be suitable for young children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Products containing caffeine must list caffeine as an ingredient on the label.

Medications That Contain Caffeine

Some prescription and over-the-counter medications contain caffeine. Most commonly, medicines for coughs and colds, headaches, and some slimming products include caffeine.

It’s best to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication or supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Recommended Limit During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

The recommended maximum amount of caffeine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is 200 mg per day in total.

Risks of Excessive Caffeine

Too much caffeine during pregnancy may increase the risk of complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight, or having a baby who is small for gestational age.

Some people become more sensitive to caffeine during pregnancy and may feel jittery or anxious even after small amounts.

Caffeine can also interfere with sleep, contribute to pregnancy-related insomnia, worsen morning sickness, and increase the need to urinate more often.

Some people naturally reduce their caffeine intake during pregnancy because they find they dislike its smell or taste.

Alternatives to Caffeine

If you regularly drink coffee or tea, you may experience withdrawal when stopping (e.g., headaches, irritability, tiredness, feeling on edge). These symptoms are temporary and usually resolve within a week.

You can replace tea and coffee with:

• plain water with lemon or lime (rinse your mouth afterward to protect tooth enamel)
• herbal teas that are caffeine-free
• fruit juice or diluted fruit juice
• vegetable juice
• a glass of milk
• unsweetened soft drinks

If cutting back is difficult, speak with a healthcare provider for guidance.

Caffeine Chart

For those pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to limit caffeine intake to no more than 200 mg each day.

Always check product labels for exact caffeine amounts.

Tools and Assistance

• Use a caffeine tracking app to monitor your daily intake.
• Create a drink substitution plan with your care provider to help you stay below the limit.
• Print or save a caffeine reference chart on your fridge or phone.
• Join support communities or talk to your maternity care team if you need help making changes.