Can You Drink Decaf Coffee While Pregnant?

Yes. Generally, decaf coffee is fine to drink during pregnancy when consumed in moderation.  

Healthcare providers recommend no more than 200mg of caffeine per day while pregnant. A typical cup of decaf coffee contains around 2-7mg of caffeine, so you can enjoy a few cups without exceeding the limit - as long as you account for caffeine from other foods and drinks. 

Learn more about the dos and don’ts of drinking decaf coffee while you’re pregnant below. 

Is Decaf Coffee Ok To Drink While Pregnant?

When consumed in moderation, decaf coffee is safe to have while pregnant. As it contains much less caffeine than your average café au lait, you don’t have to worry about it causing any issues to you or your new addition. 

Caffeine is found in many everyday products, including chocolate, fizzy drinks,  and some herbal teas. If you used to drink caffeine daily, then it can be hard to stop or cut down completely. 

A cup of decaf coffee contains less than 5% of the daily recommended caffeine percentage for a pregnant person in the UK. This makes it a great alternative for those wanting a taste of coffee without exceeding guidelines. 

Remember to always check the mg of caffeine so you don’t go over the recommended amount.

Risks of Caffeine During Pregnancy

High caffeine intake when pregnant can:

• Increase your blood pressure and heart rate

• Worsen indigestion and nausea related to pregnancy

• Cause insomnia and sleep disturbances

Exceeding caffeine guidelines is linked to: 

• Low birth weight 

• Increased risk of miscarriage 

• Sleep disruption 

• Digestive discomfort

To reduce any risks, keep your caffeine intake to a minimum (less than 200mg a day). 

During pregnancy, caffeine breaks down more slowly, which can cross the placenta and enter your baby’s bloodstream. Unlike adults, a developing baby cannot metabolise caffeine effectively, which is why limiting intake is important. 

How Much Decaf Coffee Can I Drink When Pregnant?

In the UK, it’s advised that you drink no more than 200mg of caffeine per day while pregnant to reduce associated risks. 

Caffeine can be found in many things.  While decaf contains much less, it still contributes to your intake. This chart shows approximate caffeine content in different foods and drinks to help you track your intake:

What Are the Benefits of Drinking Decaf Coffee?

While it’s best to stay away from caffeine as much as possible while pregnant, decaf is a much safer option if you can’t resist the taste. 

Here are some of the benefits of choosing decaf coffee while pregnant:

1: Reduced Caffeine Intake

Choosing decaf coffee instead of regular coffee can help lower your overall caffeine intake. This reduces the likelihood of exceeding recommended caffeine limits during pregnancy and may help minimise the risks linked to high caffeine consumption.

2: Decaf Coffee Can Satisfy Your Coffee Cravings

Decaf coffee can provide a similar taste and experience without the high caffeine content, making it easier to cut back. 

3: Decaf Coffee Has a Minimal Impact on Fetal Development

Research suggests that drinking decaf coffee in moderation is unlikely to have any negative effects on fetal growth or cause pregnancy complications - provided that your intake stays within the recommended limits. 

If you’re unsure, double-check with your midwife or GP for personalised advice and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

By now, you should have a better understanding of whether you can drink decaf coffee whilst pregnant, the potential benefits, and how much caffeine is considered safe to have per day.

Here are some key takeaways for you to remember:

• You can drink decaf coffee while pregnant as long as you don’t exceed 200mg of caffeine per day
• Make sure to keep an eye on your caffeine intake daily and discuss with a health professional if you’re unsure
• Caffeine is in more than just coffee, so make sure any fizzy drinks, herbal teas, and chocolate bars are included in your daily intake 

Decaf Coffee at Crosby Coffee

Here at Crosby Coffee, we offer a wide range of coffee beans, workshops, and machines. Since 2014, we have worked hard to develop successful relationships with cafes, hotels, restaurants, and offices that serve our high-quality coffee.

We roast our beans weekly to ensure our customers get fresh coffee quickly no matter where in the world they are.

Our expert team is equipped with excellent knowledge to support and guide you to ensure your coffee tastes as good as it does here in Crosby.

We offer a wide range of coffee including decaf coffee, such as decaf Colombia Planadas and decaf Guatemala.

Do you want to enjoy a cup of coffee without worrying about the caffeine content? Try our decaf coffee blends today!