Pregnancy and intake guidance

Why Pregnancy Matters for Caffeine

• Caffeine crosses the placenta freely.
• The fetus and placenta lack the enzymes to metabolize caffeine effectively.
• As pregnancy progresses, maternal caffeine metabolism slows:
• Half-life extends from ~5 hours to 8–12 hours in 2nd trimester.
• Up to 15–20 hours in 3rd trimester.

Risks of Excessive Intake

• Miscarriage and Low Birth Weight: Some studies link high caffeine intake (>300 mg/day) with increased risk.
• Preterm Birth: Evidence mixed but possible risk at higher intakes.
• Fetal Development: Potential subtle effects on growth and sleep cycles.

Current Guidelines

• WHO & European Food Safety Authority (EFSA): Limit to ≤200 mg/day caffeine during pregnancy (~2 small cups of brewed coffee).
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Considers ≤200 mg/day safe.
• Practical Reference:
• Espresso (30 ml): ~60–80 mg.
• Filter coffee (240 ml): ~90–120 mg.
• Cold brew (varies widely): can exceed 200 mg per serving.

Practical Guidance

• Opt for smaller servings or half-caf blends.
• Consider decaf (usually ~2–5 mg/cup).
• Be mindful of other sources: tea, chocolate, sodas, energy drinks.
• Spread intake across the day to reduce peak caffeine levels.

Summary

Pregnant individuals should limit caffeine intake to ≤200 mg/day to reduce risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and developmental concerns. Choosing smaller cups, decaf, or monitoring hidden sources of caffeine supports safe coffee enjoyment during pregnancy.

• Tags:
• Cold Brew
• Food Safety
• Brewed Coffee
• Filter Coffee
• Small Cups