According to U.S. and global regulators and health authorities—including the American College of Obstetricians Gynecologists, World Health Organization and European Food Information Council (and as noted in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans)—some caffeine intake is safe during pregnancy, generally up to 2–3 cups (8 ounces each), or up to 300mg of caffeine.
An 8-ounce cup of caffeinated coffee has approximately 80–100 mg of caffeine, while an 8-ounce cup of decaf coffee has significantly less—approximately 2–15 mg.
However, the decision of whether and how much caffeine to consume during pregnancy should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, taking your personal health into consideration.
Coffee and caffeine as part of a healthy diet
It’s important to note that guidelines on caffeine intake may vary for people with certain medical conditions—and that every person is different. To learn what’s right for your health, you should:
- Check health recommendations from recognized authorities
- Pay attention to how your body responds to caffeine
- Consult your healthcare provider
While caffeine is found naturally in coffee, it can be found in other foods and beverages as well. Be sure to consider all potential sources as you determine what’s best for you.
Decades of independent evidence show that drinking coffee is associated with significant health benefits. There’s a lot of research out there, so to help get you started, we conducted a review and identified four areas where research has associated coffee with positive health outcomes.
- Brain and mental health: Drinking coffee boosts energy and mood, keeps you alert, and is even linked to reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- Chronic diseases: Drinking coffee is associated with reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, liver disease, type 2 diabetes, and multiple cancers.
- Longevity: Because drinking coffee is linked to reduced risk of so many chronic diseases, it can help you live longer.
- Energy and endurance: Drinking coffee can help improve your physical performance and endurance.
If you’d like to take a deeper dive into the science behind coffee and health, browse our research library.
All information presented is general and not intended as a substitute for individualized healthcare or advice. Please consult your healthcare provider about your personal health.
