Can I Drink Energy Drinks When Pregnant?
Energy drinks are a firm no during pregnancy. The NHS advises avoiding energy drinks completely throughout pregnancy, mainly because of their very high caffeine content, but also because of other stimulant ingredients whose safety in pregnancy has not been established.
Why Energy Drinks Are Not Safe in Pregnancy
The primary concern is **caffeine**. Energy drinks typically contain significantly more caffeine per serving than a standard cup of coffee, and many people drink more than one can in a sitting. The NHS recommends that pregnant women limit their total daily caffeine intake to no more than 200mg from all sources combined — coffee, tea, cola, chocolate, and any other caffeine-containing food or drink.A single large energy drink can contain enough caffeine to take you right up to or beyond that 200mg daily limit on its own, leaving no room for any other caffeine-containing food or drink for the rest of the day. Consistently exceeding the recommended caffeine limit in pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of low birth weight and, in some studies, pregnancy loss. These are well-established reasons to be cautious.
Beyond caffeine, energy drinks often contain other ingredients that are not recommended in pregnancy:
- Taurine — an amino acid added in large quantities to energy drinks. The safety of high supplemental doses during pregnancy is not well studied, and the NHS recommends avoiding it.
- Ginseng and guarana — herbal stimulants sometimes added to energy drinks. There is insufficient evidence of safety in pregnancy, and some herbals can affect uterine tone.
- Very high sugar content — many mainstream energy drinks contain large amounts of sugar, contributing to rapid blood sugar spikes. Excessive sugar intake in pregnancy is linked to unwanted weight gain and increases the risk of gestational diabetes.
- Sugar-free versions — these still contain high caffeine and other stimulant ingredients, so they are not a safe alternative.
NHS Guidance on Energy Drinks
The NHS specifically names energy drinks as something to avoid in pregnancy, separating them from general caffeine guidance because of their combination of high caffeine and other unverified stimulant ingredients. This guidance applies from the moment you discover you are pregnant and continues throughout all three trimesters.It is also worth knowing that energy drink labelling in the UK often warns that the product is "not suitable for pregnant women" — if you see this on packaging, take it seriously.
What to Drink Instead
Staying energised without energy drinks is very achievable. Here are some pregnancy-safe alternatives:- Water — the best hydration choice, and staying well hydrated helps reduce pregnancy fatigue
- Milk — provides calcium and protein alongside fluid
- Fruit juice — a small glass (150ml) counts towards your five a day; limit to one glass due to natural sugar content
- Weak tea or coffee — fine in moderate amounts as long as your total daily caffeine stays well under 200mg
- Herbal teas — many are safe (peppermint, ginger, rooibos), though some herbs should be avoided; ask your midwife if unsure
- Sparkling water with fruit — a refreshing alternative if you miss the fizz
- Rest and sleep — the most effective antidote to pregnancy fatigue, which is driven largely by hormonal changes and increased blood volume rather than caffeine deficiency
If you are struggling with severe fatigue that is making daily life difficult, mention it at your next midwife appointment. They can check for anaemia or other treatable causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
### What if I drank an energy drink before I knew I was pregnant?Don't panic. One or two energy drinks early in pregnancy — before you knew — are very unlikely to have caused harm. Now that you know you are pregnant, switch to pregnancy-safe drinks and keep your total daily caffeine well under 200mg. Mention it to your midwife at your booking appointment if you are worried.
Are sugar-free energy drinks safe in pregnancy?
No. Sugar-free versions still contain the same high levels of caffeine and other stimulant ingredients such as taurine and guarana. Removing the sugar does not make an energy drink safe during pregnancy. Avoid all varieties, including zero-sugar and "light" options.
How much caffeine can I have per day when pregnant?
The NHS recommends a maximum of 200mg of caffeine per day from all sources combined. This includes coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, and any other caffeine-containing food or drink. One mug of instant coffee contains roughly 100mg, a mug of tea around 75mg, and a can of cola around 40mg — so your daily limit adds up quickly.
Always speak to your midwife or GP if you have questions about your diet or drinks during pregnancy — they are there to support you.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Last reviewed: June 2026
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