How much caffeine is too much in pregnancy?
After all of the research I’ve done so far, it’s truly coming down to a personal preference.
For my first pregnancy, I chose to give up caffeine entirely.
For my second pregnancy, I resumed drinking a little coffee as a non-drug remedy for headaches. I don’t feel like there’s any negative consequence for having done so, so far.
But what’s recommended? Every provider recommends differently, too.
A more natural-minded OB/GYN who I respect — Dr. Bill Chun — posted this on his Doc & Doula Facebook group and I thought it was worth the repost!
He writes:
ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) recommends limiting caffeine consumption up to 200 mg/day in pregnancy.
A few examples:
- Brewed regular coffee – 8 oz / 95 – 165 mg
- Brewed decaf coffee – 8 oz / 2 – 5 mg
- Dunkin Donuts Hot Coffee – 14 oz (medium) / 210 mg
- Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee – 16 oz (small) / 198 mg
- Dunkin Donuts Latte/Cappuccino – 14 oz (medium) / 166 mg
- Dunkin Donuts Hot Chocolate – 14 oz (medium) / 13 mg
- Green tea – 6 oz (small) / 40 mg
- Black tea – 6 oz (small) / 45 mg
Bottom line? Don’t need to stay away from caffeine entirely during pregnancy.
Have you consumed caffeine in pregnancy?
I’d love to hear your experience in the comments below.
