Foods to avoid during pregnancy
Caffeine in pregnancy and breastfeeding – your questions answered
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be a little daunting. It’s normal as a new parent to have questions about your pregnancy, including nutrition and safety. One of the most common queries is around caffeine and drinking coffee during pregnancy – is this okay, how much can you drink, and what are the risks?
In this guide, find out everything you need to know about caffeine, including how much coffee is safe during pregnancy.
Can you drink coffee during pregnancy?
Yes, you can. Coffee drinks during pregnancy are safe, and you don't have to give up your beloved morning brew during pregnancy. Instead, this is all about how much you can drink. Learning more about caffeine limits for pregnant women is a must to keep you and your baby safe throughout all of your trimesters.
How much caffeine can you have when pregnant?
According to the NHS, up to 200mg of caffeine (up to two cups of instant coffee) per day is safe during pregnancy.1 This is the equivalent of up to two cups of instant coffee. If you consume caffeine beyond these limits, you could increase the risk of complications during your pregnancy.
For example, exceeding the caffeine limit while pregnant has been linked to a rise in miscarriages and fetal growth restriction, putting your baby at risk.2 It can also affect mothers, leading to increased heart rate and anxiety, neither of which is good for you nor your baby.
For these reasons, it’s best to limit the amount of your coffee you’re drinking to that 200mg maximum.
Caffeine in pregnancy beyond coffee
The NHS provides these figures as guidance:
It’s not only coffee that contains caffeine, however, but also black and green tea, energy drinks, certain soft drinks and dark chocolate. Each of these needs to be factored into your overall caffeine intake to ensure you aren’t exceeding the recommended maximum.
Energy drinks are also among the foods and drinks to avoid during pregnancy. These contain a lot of caffeine, along with unhealthy additives and lots of sugar, none of which are recommended during pregnancy. Of course, there's nothing wrong with a little dark chocolate here and there as an energy boost - just be careful of how much you consume!
Can you drink coffee when breastfeeding?
Caffeine passes into breast milk and is difficult for the baby's body to break down (just like alcohol, which is among the drinks and foods to avoid while breastfeeding). This is why, in answer to ‘Should you drink coffee while breastfeeding?’ the answer is all about moderation. Just like when pregnant, it’s advisable that you don’t exceed 200mg of caffeine a day.3
Breastfeeding while drinking coffee can lead to restlessness, abdominal pain and flatulence in your baby. To avoid complications, stick to one or two cups of standard instant coffee a day. Drink your coffee directly after breastfeeding so that most of the caffeine can be absorbed by the next meal.
Alternatively, you can conveniently express breast milk using the Philips Avent breast pump range before drinking your coffee. This reduces the chance of caffeine in breast milk and the associated risks. With 8 stimulation levels and 16 different expression options, you can personalise your breast pump to suit you, too, and create a more natural feeling experience.
Feed expressed milk to your baby with a Philips Avent Natural baby bottle. The soft, breast-shaped teat mimics the feel of a breast, making the switch between breast and bottle as smooth as possible for easier feeding.
While coffee & breastfeeding haven’t always been possible for new mums, the Philips Avent pump and bottle ensure you can drink a cup or two without worrying about your baby.
Drinking coffee during pregnancy: what about decaf?
If you’re a real coffee lover, decaffeinated coffee may be an alternative for you during pregnancy and breastfeeding. This reduces the health risks associated with caffeine and stops you from missing out on your morning cup of coffee (though without the energy kick).
It’s important to note, though, that you can’t drink limitless amounts of decaf coffee. Many decaf options actually contain caffeine, which, though in small amounts, adds up throughout the day. For instance, decaf coffees bought from cafes contain between 0 and 13.9mg of caffeine on average, while one outlet’s decaf option was found to contain up to 15mg of caffeine.4 It’s vital that, even with decaf, you watch your consumption to keep your baby safe.
It’s worth noting that you should only choose decaffeinated coffee that has been decaffeinated without chemical processes. If the package says naturally decaffeinated or produced without chemical processes, then you can safely go for it, as it should be free of chemical residues.
Looking for other ways to deal with the caffeine limit? Pregnancy-friendly alternatives include decaffeinated tea and herbal tea. Bear in mind the NHS advises drinking no more than four cups of herbal tea a day while pregnant, and avoiding teas containing liquorice root.
So, can you drink coffee when breastfeeding or pregnant? The simple answer is yes, a hot cup of coffee is okay here and there, but you must remember the 200mg maximum to keep your baby happy and healthy. To make your transition easier, look into the Philips Avent Breast Pump. Designed specifically to be easy to use, it’ll help make feeding times a little more flexible for you and your newborn.
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