How much caffeine is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Caffeine is about the amount, not a yes-or-no. The NHS and MotherToBaby suggest limiting caffeine to 200 mg a day or less during pregnancy — roughly two mugs of instant coffee. While breastfeeding, MotherToBaby suggests up to 300 mg a day. Caffeine also hides in tea, cola, energy drinks, chocolate and some medicines.
Also listed on labels as: caffeine, coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, guarana.
Caffeine by stage
Trying to conceive
Depends on how it's used while trying to conceiveLow to moderate caffeine has not been shown to reduce fertility. Some studies suggest more than 300 mg a day might make it harder to get pregnant, but this is not proven. [2]
Pregnant
Depends on how it's used during pregnancyLimit caffeine to 200 mg a day or less. As a guide, the NHS estimates about 100 mg in a mug of instant coffee, 75 mg in a mug of tea, 40 mg in a can of cola and 80 mg in a 250 ml energy drink. [1][2]
Breastfeeding
Depends on how it's used while breastfeedingA limit of 300 mg a day or less has been suggested while breastfeeding. Only a small fraction reaches breast milk, but contact your baby's healthcare provider if you notice agitation, irritability, trouble sleeping, a rapid heart rate or tremor. [2]
Postpartum
No concern found postpartumFor most adults, the FDA cites 400 mg a day as an amount not generally associated with negative effects. If you are breastfeeding, use the breastfeeding limit instead. [3]
Where caffeine hides
Coffee is the obvious one, but caffeine also appears in tea (including green and matcha), cola, energy drinks, chocolate, some pre-workout and “focus” products, and ingredients like guarana and yerba mate on food labels.
Why “depends” is the honest answer
No single cup is a problem; the daily total is what the guidance limits. That is why Momclear shows caffeine as “Depends on how it’s used” rather than a simple yes or no.
Practical tips
- Coffee-shop and filter coffee can be well over 100 mg a cup.
- Look for guarana, yerba mate and green tea extract on labels — they add caffeine.
- Some cold and headache medicines contain caffeine; ask your pharmacist.
Caffeine: common questions
How much caffeine can I have while pregnant?
The NHS and MotherToBaby suggest 200 mg a day or less — about two mugs of instant coffee, or two and a half mugs of tea. Filter and coffee-shop coffee can contain more.
How much caffeine can I have while breastfeeding?
MotherToBaby suggests limiting caffeine to 300 mg a day or less while breastfeeding, and watching for signs like irritability or poor sleep in your baby.
Does decaf count?
Decaf contains a small amount of caffeine. It counts toward your total, but much less than regular coffee.
Sources
- NHS. Foods to avoid in pregnancy. Reviewed June 2026.
- MotherToBaby. Caffeine (fact sheet). November 2025.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Spilling the Beans: How Much Caffeine is Too Much?. August 2024.
Momclear provides educational information based on recognised ingredients. It does not diagnose, treat, or replace advice from a doctor, midwife, or pharmacist. A "no concern" result is not a guarantee of safety — always check with a healthcare professional if you are unsure.