Caffeine Limits During Pregnancy

Last Updated: February 2024 | 5 Minute Read

During pregnancy, caffeine clearance slows dramatically. By the third trimester, the half-life of caffeine can extend from a baseline of 5 hours up to 15 hours. Furthermore, caffeine freely crosses the placenta to the fetus, which lacks the enzymes necessary to metabolize it.

Current Clinical Guidelines

Major health organizations (including ACOG and WHO) recommend limiting caffeine intake to less than 200mg per day during pregnancy.

The Accumulation Problem

Because the half-life extends to 15 hours in late pregnancy, consecutive daily doses can lead to systemic accumulation. A 200mg dose taken daily will not fully clear before the next dose, resulting in steadily increasing baseline levels.

We strongly advise against using our extended-release products during pregnancy. For calculating clearance times with an adjusted 15-hour half-life, modify the parameters in our Half-Life Calculator.