Can I eat caffeine while pregnant?

Moderate

ACOG: up to 200 mg/day is safe (about one 12-oz cup of coffee). Include tea, soda, chocolate in the total.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Example, OB-GYN, MD Last reviewed: January 15, 2025Editorial process

What's safe

One 12-oz cup of brewed coffee (≈ 100–200 mg caffeine)
Two 8-oz cups of black tea (≈ 80–100 mg total)
One 12-oz can of caffeinated soda (≈ 30–55 mg)
Moderate dark chocolate (≈ 5–20 mg per square)

What to avoid

Multi-cup latte drinks (Starbucks grande = 150+ mg on its own)
Energy drinks (150–300+ mg in a single can)
Pre-workout supplements (can exceed 300 mg per scoop)
Combining coffee + tea + soda in the same day — total easily > 200 mg

Sources & citations

Every verdict on this page is grounded in an authoritative source. If you spot outdated guidance, email [email protected].

Moderate Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy (Committee Opinion 462)
ACOG
Healthy Eating During Pregnancy (FAQ)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Pregnancy nutrition: Foods to avoid during pregnancy
Mayo Clinic

Frequently asked questions

Does decaf count?

Decaf coffee still has 2–15 mg of caffeine per cup, so it's well within the limit. You can drink it freely.

Why 200 mg specifically?

ACOG's Committee Opinion 462 (reaffirmed 2020) found that caffeine intake under 200 mg/day does not increase miscarriage or preterm birth risk. Above that the evidence becomes mixed.

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More foods to check

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This page is informational only and is not medical advice. Always consult your OB-GYN, midwife, or registered dietitian about your specific pregnancy nutrition questions — particularly if you have gestational diabetes, food allergies, or other complications.