How much coffee can I drink during pregnancy?
The EFSA and WHO recommend a maximum of 200 mg of caffeine per day—about two cups of filter coffee or four espressos. Count caffeine from tea, cola, chocolate, and energy drinks. When in doubt, consult your doctor or midwife.
How much coffee can I drink during pregnancy?
The EFSA and WHO recommend a maximum of 200 mg of caffeine per day—about two cups of filter coffee or four espressos. Count caffeine from tea, cola, chocolate, and energy drinks. When in doubt, consult your doctor or midwife.
Why that is
Caffeine crosses the placental barrier and reaches the unborn child. The fetus cannot metabolize caffeine yet—its enzyme system isn’t mature enough. That’s why stricter limits apply during pregnancy.
What the guidelines say:
- EFSA (2015): Maximum 200 mg of caffeine per day for pregnant women.
- WHO: Also max. 200 mg/day.
- Some newer studies (e.g., the Reykjavik study 2020) recommend even less or completely cutting it out—but this is not the current medical consensus.
200 mg — what does that mean exactly?
| Beverage | Caffeine | Amount up to 200 mg |
|---|---|---|
| Filter coffee (200 ml) | 80–120 mg | 1–2 cups |
| Espresso (single) | 50–70 mg | 3–4 shots |
| Black tea (200 ml) | 30–50 mg | 4–6 cups |
| Cola (330 ml) | 30–40 mg | 5–6 cans |
| Energy drink (250 ml) | 80 mg | Not recommended |
| Dark chocolate (50 g) | 25–35 mg | Count it in |
Why this matters:
- Caffeine metabolism slows down: The half-life increases from 4–6 to 9–15 hours—caffeine circulates in the body much longer.
- Potential risks of high consumption: Studies show a link between high caffeine consumption (over 300 mg/day) and lower birth weight. The link to miscarriages is less clear, but caution is advised.
Practical tips:
- Pay attention to the total amount—not just coffee, but all sources of caffeine.
- Choose a single espresso instead of a large cup of filter coffee (less caffeine per serving).
- Consider decaffeinated coffee as an alternative.
- Avoid energy drinks completely (not just because of caffeine, but also taurine and sugar).
Important: This FAQ does not replace medical advice. Individual recommendations depend on personal health circumstances.
In practice at Green Wall Coffee
At Sophienstraße 27, I recommend expecting mothers have a single espresso in the morning—that’s about 60 mg of caffeine and leaves room for a tea in the afternoon. We also have decaf espresso, which tastes really good with our roast.
Related questions
- Can I drink coffee while breastfeeding?
- How many cups of coffee a day are safe?
- How long does caffeine stay in the body?
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