Is caffeine safe in pregnancy?

It is generally considered that up to 200mg/day of caffeine is safe in pregnancy. Some guidelines allow for up to 300mg per day. Higher doses of caffeine are potentially associated with poor reproductive outcomes though the overall quality of evidence is poor. 

Rough estimates of caffeine content for certain drinks:

  • Instant coffee – 80-120 mg per 250 ml
  • Drip or percolated coffee – 150-240 mg per 250 ml 
  • Espresso coffees such as espresso or latte – 105-110 mg per 250 ml
  • Decaffeinated coffee 2-6 mg per 250 ml 
  • Black tea 65-105 mg per 250 ml
  • Cola drinks – 40-49 mg per 375 ml 
  • Red Bull energy drink 80 mg per 250 ml
  • Dark chocolate – 40-50 mg per 55 g serve
  • Caffeine tablets – such as No-Doz – 100 mg per tablet.

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