Caffeine Intake Guidelines During Pregnancy

Evidence-Based Recommendations

The European Food Safety Authority recommends that pregnant women strictly limit caffeine intake to ≤200 mg per day, approximately 1-2 cups of coffee, as supported by multiple international guidelines 1
The established safe threshold is ≤200-300 mg/day of caffeine during pregnancy, with most guidelines converging on 200 mg/day as the conservative upper limit, due to caffeine freely crossing the placenta and being metabolized more slowly during pregnancy 1
Coffee contains 50-300 mg per 8 oz serving, depending on brewing method, so 200 mg/day typically equals 1-2 cups of regular coffee 1

Women with uncontrolled hypertension should avoid caffeine entirely until blood pressure is adequately controlled, as recommended by the American Heart Association 2, 1
Caffeine sources extend beyond coffee to include tea, energy drinks, soft drinks, and chocolate, all of which must be counted toward the daily total 1

Limit total daily caffeine intake to 200 mg/day maximum, counting all sources including coffee, tea, chocolate, and soft drinks, as recommended by the European Food Safety Authority 1
Choose water as the primary beverage, with fruit juices as better alternatives to caffeinated drinks when variety is desired, as suggested by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 3
Track caffeine content carefully, considering switching to decaffeinated coffee or tea to stay well below the threshold 1