☕ Beverages - Pregnancy Safety

Contains anthraquinones and latex compounds that may stimulate uterine contractions and cause electrolyte imbalance. Avoid during pregnancy.

Traditionally made with raw eggs and alcohol, posing both salmonella risk and fetal alcohol exposure; not safe during pregnancy unless modified.

Typically contain 80-300mg caffeine per can (often exceeding the 200mg daily limit), plus guarana, taurine, and other stimulants whose safety in pregnancy is unproven.

The NHS advises pregnant women to avoid ginseng as its effects during pregnancy are not well established; animal studies suggest potential developmental concerns.

May lower blood pressure and has been associated with stimulating uterine contractions, potentially triggering preterm labor; not recommended during pregnancy.

Contains glycyrrhizin, which is linked to preterm delivery, lower birth weight, and cognitive/behavioral problems in children; high consumption associated with 2.5x increased risk of preterm birth.

Unpasteurized cider can harbor dangerous bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium that pose serious risks during pregnancy.

Insufficient safety data for pregnancy; may have sedative effects and has not been studied adequately in pregnant women. Most sources recommend avoidance.

Pasteurized versions safe in small amounts (1-2 tablespoons diluted); unpasteurized may contain harmful bacteria.

Contains approximately 40-70mg caffeine per cup; safe within the 200mg daily caffeine limit but can reduce iron absorption if consumed with meals.

Contains caffeine from the tea base (20-80mg per serving) and is typically high in sugar; tapioca pearls themselves are safe as they are cooked.

Contains caffeine from black tea base (40-70mg per cup); count toward 200mg daily limit. Spices are safe in culinary amounts.

Large amounts (more than 1-2 cups daily) may stimulate uterine contractions; a study linked regular third-trimester consumption with higher risk of preterm delivery and lower birth weight.

Limit caffeine to 200mg per day (~1-2 cups of coffee); higher intake linked to increased miscarriage and low birth weight risk.

Acts as a mild diuretic; insufficient safety data for pregnancy, though small amounts are generally considered low risk.

Artificial sweeteners are generally considered safe in moderation, but some studies link regular consumption to preterm delivery. Limit intake.

Insufficient safety data during pregnancy; the NHS advises avoiding echinacea tea as its effects on pregnancy are unclear.

Commercial eggnog is made with pasteurized eggs and is safe, but many varieties contain alcohol; always check the label for alcohol content.

Contains 63mg caffeine per shot; count toward 200mg daily limit. 1-2 shots per day within limit.

Unpasteurized fresh juices may contain harmful bacteria including E. coli, Salmonella, and Cryptosporidium; the FDA warns pregnant women to avoid unpasteurized juices.

Contains caffeine (25-50mg per cup) which should be limited to 200mg daily during pregnancy; also contains compounds that may reduce folate absorption.

Contains caffeine (30-50mg per glass for black tea based); count toward 200mg daily limit. Watch added sugar.

Unpasteurized kombucha may contain harmful bacteria and can have up to 0.5% alcohol from fermentation; also contains caffeine from the tea base.

Single-shot latte has ~63mg caffeine; double-shot ~126mg. Count toward 200mg daily limit. Milk is pasteurized.

Contains higher caffeine than regular green tea (approximately 70mg per serving) because the whole leaf is consumed; must be counted toward the 200mg daily caffeine limit.

May stimulate uterine contractions; some practitioners recommend it in later pregnancy for its iron content but advise avoiding it in the first trimester.

Contains moderate caffeine (30-50mg per cup); must be counted toward the 200mg daily pregnancy caffeine limit.

Generally considered safe and helpful for nausea, but excessive use may have emmenagogue (uterine-stimulating) effects; best avoided in the first trimester in large quantities.

Safety depends on ingredients; some protein powders contain herbs, heavy metals, or artificial sweeteners not tested for pregnancy safety; raw egg-based shakes pose salmonella risk.

Traditionally used to tone the uterus and may stimulate contractions; most practitioners recommend avoiding until the third trimester.

Contains quinine, which can cross the placenta; high amounts may be harmful to the fetus, and quinine has been linked to birth defects in animal studies.

Contains lower caffeine than black or green tea (15-30mg per cup) but still counts toward the 200mg daily limit during pregnancy.

Commercially produced almond milk is pasteurized and safe during pregnancy; a good alternative for those with lactose intolerance, though lower in protein than dairy milk.

Commercially canned or carton coconut milk is safe during pregnancy; provides healthy fats and is a good dairy alternative.

Safe and hydrating during pregnancy; rich in electrolytes and potassium, which can help with muscle cramps and hydration.

Contains very little caffeine (2-15mg per cup); safe in moderation during pregnancy.

Safe for hydration during pregnancy; can help with electrolyte balance especially if experiencing morning sickness. High in sugar.

One of the most studied herbal remedies in pregnancy; shown to reduce nausea and vomiting with no adverse effects when consumed in moderation (up to 1g dried ginger per day).

Traditional rice-based horchata is caffeine-free and safe during pregnancy; however, it can be high in sugar.

Safe during pregnancy; contains small amounts of caffeine (approximately 5-15mg per cup) which is well within the 200mg daily limit.

Pasteurized kefir is safe and provides beneficial probiotics, calcium, and protein; the fermentation process makes it easier to digest than regular milk.

Generally considered safe during pregnancy in moderate amounts; has calming properties and may help with anxiety and sleep.

Commercially produced oat milk is pasteurized and safe during pregnancy; often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.

Naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants; considered one of the safest herbal teas during pregnancy with no known contraindications.

Pasteurized soy milk is safe during pregnancy in moderate amounts (1-2 servings daily); contains phytoestrogens but moderate consumption has not been shown to cause harm.

Plain sparkling water (carbonated water) is safe during pregnancy; the carbonation does not affect the baby and may help with nausea.