Can I drink energy drinks during pregnancy?
Avoid Best avoided
It's best to avoid energy drinks in pregnancy. They contain caffeine, often a lot, plus other stimulants and large amounts of sugar. A 250 ml can typically has about 80 mg of caffeine, and larger cans much more.
Is energy drinks safe in pregnancy?
Energy drinks combine caffeine with other ingredients such as taurine, guarana (which adds more caffeine) and ginseng, which haven't been tested for safety in pregnancy. Many cans are 500 ml, giving 160 mg of caffeine or more in one drink, close to the 200 mg daily limit. They are also very high in sugar.
Benefits
- None that you can't get more safely elsewhere
Risks to know about
- High caffeine, which is linked with low birth weight and miscarriage
- Untested ingredients such as guarana and ginseng
- High sugar content
How to drink it safely
- Choose water, milk, coconut water or a small coffee within your caffeine limit
- If you're exhausted, rest, eat regularly and ask for an iron test
- Check labels on 'sports' drinks too, as some contain caffeine
Questions about energy drinks in pregnancy
Is one energy drink harmful in pregnancy?
One small can occasionally is unlikely to cause harm if you stay under 200 mg of caffeine that day, but it's best avoided.
Are sugar-free energy drinks safe?
No. They still contain caffeine and other stimulants.
What can I drink for energy in pregnancy?
Water and regular snacks help most. Tiredness can be a sign of anaemia, so mention it to your doctor.
General information, not medical advice. If you have a condition such as gestational diabetes or an allergy, ask your doctor or midwife what's right for you.