Coffee 101: What to Know About Coffee and Pregnancy
Is it safe to drink coffee during pregnancy? Here’s what you need to know.
Is it Safe to Drink Coffee While Pregnant?
For many of us, coffee is part of the daily routine, and we love its flavor and aroma. (You can read more about instant coffee and your health here.) If you’re expecting, it’s natural to wonder how your daily cup fits in. As with all things, moderation is key, and that’s especially true during pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) says that moderate caffeine consumption during pregnancy, meaning less than 200 milligrams per day, does not appear to be a major contributing factor in miscarriage or preterm birth. ACOG also notes that research on higher caffeine intake is not conclusive. Your doctor can help you decide what amount is right for you.
So, what exactly does 200 mg of caffeine look like in coffee? Well, it depends on the coffee brew and the way of preparation. You can find the full breakdown in our previous articles, but generally speaking...
According to Mayo Clinic, an 8-oz cup of brewed coffee has about 96 mg of caffeine, while an 8-oz cup of brewed decaf has about 1 mg. Actual amounts vary by coffee and brew. Yes, decaffeinated coffees actually also have some level of caffeine in them.
If you prefer cold brew, keep in mind that its caffeine content varies a lot by recipe and cup size. If you’re keeping track of your caffeine intake during pregnancy, check the label or ask how it’s made.
Instant coffee tends to contain less caffeine than a typical cup of brewed coffee. Mayo Clinic lists about 62 mg of caffeine for an 8-oz cup of instant coffee, though it varies by brand. Waka Coffee’s instant coffee, for example, contains about 70 mg.
In addition to brew, different methods of preparation, like drip, French press or espresso, also affect the caffeine content within your drink.
Also important to note that you can find caffeine not only in coffee, so you need to make sure to count the entire daily caffeine intake. Caffeine can be found in tea, chocolate, some breakfast cereal, medications and more. Your doctor can help you figure out a daily total that works for you.
What Does Coffee Do to My Body?
Caffeine is a stimulant. When we drink coffee, the caffeine is absorbed into our bloodstream and blocks adenosine, a compound that helps signal when we're tired. That’s why a cup of coffee can leave us feeling less tired and more alert.
Caffeine During Pregnancy
If you’ve ever noticed caffeine’s negative side effects, pay attention to how coffee sits with you during your pregnancy. Pregnancy brings plenty of changes, and your doctor or midwife is the best person to talk to about your caffeine intake, your diet and anything else on your mind.
Unique Coffee Alternatives
If you still want to have that coffee taste during your pregnancy, you can consider the following items:
1. Frontier Co-op Chicory Root Roasted Granules
Being grown mainly in northwestern Europe, Chicory is a plant that is widely used as a substitute for coffee due to its similar notes and flavor profiles. It is also caffeine-free!
2. Kiss me Organic Organic Rooibos Tea Bags
Pronounced like “roy-boss”, this herb is grown in South Africa. While it is not exactly a “tea,” when this plant is dried, it can be brewed into a reddish-brown herbal drink. What makes this herb a popular pick is that, you guessed it, it is also caffeine-free!
3. Waka Coffee Quality Decaffeinated Instant Coffee
Want the same aroma and taste as coffee? We get it. Decaffeinated Coffee, or ‘decaf’ for short, is a great alternative to your regular cup of coffee. However, take note that decaf still contains a small amount of caffeine.
4. FGO Organic Green Tea Bags
Green tea is lower in caffeine than coffee, but it isn’t caffeine-free: Mayo Clinic lists about 29 mg of caffeine for an 8-oz cup of brewed green tea, so count it toward your daily total.
5. Taylors of Harrogate Afternoon Darjeeling
Coming from the Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India, this black tea features light to medium fruity and floral notes. Since this is a black tea, it does contain caffeine: Mayo Clinic lists about 48 mg for an 8-oz cup of brewed black tea, though amounts vary by tea.
If you found this article super interesting, we just wanted to say... Congratulations! :) Like with anything else, understanding your body is key. If you have questions, ask your doctor, and drink coffee responsibly!
Try our best instant coffee and teas here.
This article is for general information only and isn't medical or nutritional advice. If you have questions about caffeine, your diet or a health condition, talk to your doctor.
