Coffee is generally considered okay in pregnancy in moderation, but the amount matters. Major health authorities advise limiting total caffeine to about 200mg a day, which is roughly one to two cups of coffee. This guidance is informed by ACOG, the NHS, and other authorities.
Coffee is one of the main sources of caffeine, a stimulant that crosses the placenta to your baby. A standard mug of brewed coffee has roughly 100 to 140mg of caffeine, though espresso, instant, and shop-bought drinks vary a lot. The NHS notes caffeine is also in tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate, so coffee is only part of your daily total.
ACOG states that moderate caffeine intake, under 200mg a day, does not appear to be a major contributing factor in miscarriage or preterm birth. However, ACOG also notes that the evidence on higher amounts is mixed and cannot be fully ruled out. The NHS advises staying under 200mg a day because higher intake has been linked in some studies to low birth weight and, less consistently, to miscarriage. Because the research is not settled, the sensible read is moderation rather than a green light.
Add up caffeine from all sources, not just coffee, since tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate all count toward the 200mg limit. The NHS suggests decaffeinated coffee and tea, water, or fruit juice as ways to cut back without giving up the ritual. If you feel jittery, notice a racing heart, or have trouble sleeping, that is a sign to reduce your intake and worth mentioning to your provider.