PRECONCEPTION HEALTH

CAFFEINE

Key things to know

  • Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, energy drinks, cola, chocolate, and some painkillers.
  • High caffeine intake may affect fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage.
  • Limiting caffeine to less than 200mg per day can help reduce these risks.

While the impact of caffeine on preconception health and pregnancy isn’t fully understood, some studies suggest that high caffeine intake may affect fertility and increase the risk of miscarriage.

The caffeine content varies depending on the product: a cup of coffee typically contains around 85 mg, but it can range from 40 mg to 175 mg.

To reduce potential risks, it is recommended that women trying for a baby limit caffeine to 200 mg per day – about 1–2 cups of coffee or 4–8 cups of tea. Always check the nutrition label for caffeine content, especially in soft drinks and energy drinks.

Before the baby bump refers to the time before pregnancy, when you might be thinking about having a baby or starting to try. This period is also called preconception.

Myth busting

Work as a team

Cutting down as a team

Reducing caffeine is often easier to do as a couple, especially since coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks can be part of social routines.

If your daily caffeine intake is over 200 mg, try cutting down gradually:
• Reduce 1 drink per day
• Choose a smaller size of your usual drink
• Switch to decaf or caffeine-free alternatives

Water is the best drink for men and women. Building healthy water habits before the baby bump can help prevent pregnancy-related issues such as constipation, urinary tract infections, and swelling.

Fact sheets

Checklist for women

Download : Checklist for women

Checklist for men

Download : Checklist for men

Facts

Caffeine-containing drinks can provide calcium

Milky coffees and teas are an important source of calcium for many people. If you reduce these drinks, you may also lower your daily calcium intake. When cutting back, try to include other calcium-rich foods such as cow’s milk, yoghurt, or cheese. If using plant-based milk alternatives like soy or oat milk, check the label to ensure they contain at least 100 mg of calcium per 100 mL.

Caffeine is a stimulant

Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, increasing heart rate and blood pressure. It also acts as a diuretic, causing your kidneys to make more urine. Because it’s a stimulant, caffeine can be addictive, and stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms if you regularly consume it.

Caffeine absorption changes in pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body breaks down caffeine differently. This can increase sensitivity to caffeine and may worsen symptoms like nausea or vomiting. Reducing caffeine before the baby bump can help prevent these symptoms altogether.

Wait! There’s more (benefits)

Save money

Buying coffee, matcha, or other caffeinated drinks out of home can cost more than $6 per day, adding up to over $2,000 a year. Cutting back on daily café drinks can help you save significantly.

Reduce stress

Caffeine is a stimulant and can trigger symptoms like heart palpitations and nervousness. Reducing your intake can help you feel calmer and less anxious.

Improve sleep

Because caffeine keeps you alert, consuming it late in the day can affect how quickly you fall asleep and the quality of your rest. Avoiding caffeine for at least 6 hours before bedtime can improve both sleep quality and duration.

References

  1. Buck Louis, G. M., et al. (2016). Lifestyle and pregnancy loss in a contemporary cohort of women recruited before conception: The LIFE Study. Fertility and Sterility, 106(1), 180-188. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.03.009
  2. James, JE. Maternal caffeine consumption and pregnancy outcomes: a narrative review with implications for advice to mothers and mothers-to-be. BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine 2020: bmjebm-2020-111432.
  3. Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more. Mayo Clinic (Feb 05 2025). – https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372. Accessed October, 2025
  4. Spilling the beans: How much caffeine is too much. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much. Accessed October, 2025