There's a lot of confusion around caffeine restrictions in pregnancy. Lots of people have been asking me if I can still drink coffee and the short answer is: Yes. The American College of Obestricians and Gynecologists, The March of Dimes, The American Pregnancy Association and the UK's National Health Service all agree that pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to 200 milligrams per day. For perspective, a 1-ounce shot of espresso contains about 65mg (2-ounces = about 130 mg) and an 8-ounce cup of brewed coffee can contain anywhere from 95-200mg. Personally, I drink espresso based drinks and instead of abstaining from coffee or switching to decaf, I limit myself to 1-2 lattes/cappuccinos/flat whites per day or 1-2 espresso shots and I take some days off too. To play it safe: Always ask how many espresso shots are in your drink before you order, as it differs by cafe and by size of beverage, and consult with your doctor or midwife. Also, don't forget that tea, colas, cocoa/chocolate and energy drinks all contribute to your daily caffeine intake. To learn more about the caffeine content of many popular beverages, check out the Caffeine Chart from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.
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