Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it safe to drink coffee during pregnancy?
A. Yes. Scientific studies have shown that moderate coffee consumption whilst trying to conceive, during pregnancy and whilst breast feeding is perfectly safe.

Q. How much coffee is safe to drink during pregnancy?
A. The majority of scientific studies suggest that caffeine intake of 300 mg or less per day (approximately 3 regular sized cups of coffee) is safe. Most women are drinking less coffee during pregnancy due to nausea or aversion to coffee.
The UK Food Standards Agency recommends 200 mg of caffeine or two cups of coffee per day for women whilst trying to conceive and during pregnancy and lactation. Similar advice is provided by the US based charity, March of Dimes. ; It remains to be seen whether this precautionary point of view will be endorsed by scientific bodies around the world.

Q. I've heard that drinking coffee during pregnancy can cause a miscarriage?
A. Research does not indicate that moderate caffeine or coffee consumption increases the risk of miscarriage. Scientific research has shown that an increased level of a hormone which exists in a normal pregnancy is associated with coffee aversion and lower levels of hormone were not. As a result caffeine/ coffee are commonly – misunderstood to be associated with miscarriage.

Q. What about the effects of drinking coffee on fetal development and birth weight. Is my baby at risk if I drink coffee?
A. The vast majority of scientific research has found that maternal consumption of coffee and caffeine, in moderation, is not associated with increased risk of congenital malformations, or birth defects in foetuses. Research also has not found a relationship between moderate coffee intake and impaired foetal growth.