{"id":10064,"date":"2021-02-08T07:06:31","date_gmt":"2021-02-08T12:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10064\/caffeine-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2025-06-11T12:17:31","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T16:17:31","slug":"caffeine-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10064\/caffeine-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Caffeine during pregnancy: What you need to know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Since a 9th century Ethiopian goat herder named Kaldi stumbled upon a fruit whose broth gave him lots of energy and terrible breath, people have been using coffee and its caffeine to wake them up in the morning, and keep them focused throughout the day. We\u2019ve since discovered caffeine\u2019s naturally occurring presence in tea, chocolate, and Red Bull (Ok, this one is not so natural), and people have been quick to jump to all sorts of different sources for caffeine\u2019s energy. But is it safe to consume caffeine during pregnancy? Here’s what you need to know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are there downsides to caffeine during pregnancy?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even though caffeine naturally gives you a bunch of energy, some drinks containing caffeine also contain herbal supplements, high amounts of sugar, or other ingredients that aren\u2019t desirable during pregnancy. Also, caffeine is a diuretic, which means it\u2019ll increase the frequency with which you need to pee, which is usually already elevated during pregnancy. This can lead to dehydration if you don\u2019t drink enough water to replenish yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caffeine is most often used as a stimulant to help get you up in the morning, however drinking caffeine later in the day can make getting precious sleep more difficult. Like other stimulants, caffeine temporarily raises both heart rate and blood pressure, which may impact you more during pregnancy. Both increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure can be risky for some people or lead to complications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can caffeine hurt Baby<\/span>?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While babies and children shouldn\u2019t drink caffeine, fetuses in utero don\u2019t receive the same amount of caffeine as you do drinking it directly. Research suggests that small amounts of caffeine are likely safe for developing babies and pregnancies. Rates of stillbirth, miscarriage, pre-term birth and\/or low birthweight do not appear to be impacted by small amounts (under 200 mg) of daily caffeine use in pregnancy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s the verdict?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Drinking a small amount of caffeine each day (under 200 mg, or about 1-2 small cups of coffee) is likely safe for you and your pregnancy. People who want to completely eliminate any risk posed by caffeine can eliminate it completely if they choose. Always be sure to check the amount of caffeine in any coffee, tea, soda, chocolate or supplements, because the amounts can vary quite a bit. And, of course, check in with your healthcare provider for more guidance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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