The recommended amount of coffee or caffeine intake during pregnancy is generally less than 200 milligrams per day. This is roughly equivalent to one 12-ounce cup of coffee
. Key points include:
- Consuming moderate caffeine (under 200 mg daily) is not shown to increase risks of miscarriage or preterm birth
- Some guidelines suggest keeping caffeine intake below 200 mg to avoid risks such as low birth weight or pregnancy complications
- The amount of caffeine in coffee varies by type and preparation, but about 1–2 cups of espresso or 2–3 cups of instant coffee typically stay within the safe limit
- Higher caffeine intake (above 300 mg daily) may be linked to increased risks, so it is advised to avoid exceeding this amount
- Caffeine is also found in tea, chocolate, soft drinks, and some medications, so total daily caffeine should be considered
In summary, pregnant women are advised to limit caffeine consumption to less than 200 mg per day, which is about one standard cup of coffee, to minimize potential risks to the baby
