Q: How much coffee is reasonable during pregnancy?
With early pregnancy fatigue, the thought of surviving the day without coffee can be daunting. The good news is, you don’t have to give it up entirely.
During pregnancy, coffee is safe to consume in moderation. Just make sure to watch how much caffeine is in your cup. The recommended daily intake of caffeine should not exceed 200 milligrams (mg) per day in pregnancy. This is equivalent to a 12-ounce cup of regular coffee or about three shots of espresso. Tea contains significantly less caffeine than coffee (8 ounces of black tea has 50 milligrams of caffeine, and 8 ounces of green tea has 30 milligrams of caffeine). Energy drinks and sodas also contain varying amounts of caffeine.
If you are pregnant and having trouble sleeping, consider whether you are consuming caffeine late in the day. One important thing to remember is that caffeine is found in substances other than coffee. Unfortunately, chocolate contains caffeine, so it may not be a wise evening treat if you want to sleep!
Tilly Field believes that every pregnant person deserves to bring their baby into this world on their terms. As a nurse midwife, Tilly focuses on facilitating a safe, nurturing birth experience for families and their newborns.
