If you’re pregnant and craving coffee, you’re not alone, mama. For many of us, that morning cup feels less like a treat and more like survival fuel — especially when pregnancy fatigue hits. But then comes the question: Is coffee safe in pregnancy? And what about with gestational diabetes (GD)?
Let’s break it down together.
The good news? According to most major medical guidelines — including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) — up to 200mg of caffeine per day is considered safe in pregnancy. That’s about one 12-ounce cup of brewed coffee.
A few important things to know:
Caffeine crosses the placenta. Your baby processes caffeine much more slowly than you do, which is why moderation is important.
Coffee isn’t the only source. Tea, chocolate, sodas, energy drinks, and even some medications contain caffeine — it all adds up.
Everyone’s tolerance is different. Some pregnant women feel jittery or nauseous with even a small amount, while others feel fine.
If you love coffee but want to cut back:
Try half-caf or decaf.
Experiment with cold brew — it’s often smoother and lower in acidity.
Drink slowly, and avoid coffee on an empty stomach.
Now let’s talk about the gestational diabetes side of things — because coffee isn’t just about caffeine, it’s also about how it impacts blood sugar.
Here’s what we know:
Coffee can temporarily increase insulin resistance. This means your body might not handle carbs as well right after drinking coffee. Some GD mamas notice their readings run higher on mornings they have coffee.
Responses vary. For some, coffee doesn’t affect blood sugar at all. For others, it causes unexpected spikes — especially when paired with milk or sugar.
What’s in your cup matters. Sometimes it’s not the coffee, but the add-ons that drive up blood sugar.
Better choices:
Unsweetened almond milk
Unsweetened coconut milk
Heavy cream or half-and-half (higher fat, very low carb)
Trickier options:
Oat milk (often high carb, even unsweetened)
Dairy milk (especially in the morning, when it can spike more easily)
Flavored creamers (usually packed with hidden sugars)
Always check nutrition labels — some “barista” plant milks have 10–15g carbs per cup! You can read more about best milk options for gestational diabetes in our Milk & GD blog post and about choosing the best coffee creamer for gestational diabetes in our Coffee Creamer & GD blog post.
Safer swaps:
Stevia, monk fruit, or allulose (natural, blood-sugar-friendly)
Sugar-free syrups (just watch for sugar alcohols, which can upset the stomach)
Best to avoid:
Regular syrups (vanilla, caramel, pumpkin spice, etc.) — these can pack 15–30g sugar in just a few pumps
Agave or honey (still sugar and often spike-inducing)
Cinnamon
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Nutmeg or pumpkin spice (without sugar)
Vanilla extract (just a drop)
If you love seasonal drinks (think pumpkin spice or holiday lattes), we have a full post on how to enjoy them with GD here: Holiday Coffees for Gestational Diabetes: Tips & Recipes.
Don’t drink it on an empty stomach — pair with a protein + fat-rich breakfast.
Try drinking your coffee after breakfast instead of before.
Start simple: black coffee or with a splash of cream, then experiment with safe flavor add-ons.
Test your blood sugar on coffee days vs. non-coffee days to see your own response.
Balance each cup with water — hydration helps.
Not every mama feels good drinking coffee with GD, and that’s okay. A few alternatives you can try:
Decaf coffee (small caffeine, but often tolerated better).
Chicory coffee — naturally caffeine-free, similar roasted flavor. Stick to moderate amounts and avoid chicory supplements during pregnancy.
Herbal teas — just make sure they’re pregnancy-safe (peppermint and rooibos are usually safe, but always double-check).
Coffee doesn’t have to be “off-limits” during pregnancy or with gestational diabetes. It’s all about moderation, testing, and finding what works for your body.
If you love your morning cup, chances are you can still enjoy it — maybe with a few tweaks. And if coffee just doesn’t sit well for you right now? That’s okay too. This season is temporary, and your comfort (and energy) matter just as much as the numbers.
You’re doing an amazing job, mama — coffee or no coffee. 💛
1. How much coffee is safe during pregnancy?
Most guidelines suggest up to 200mg of caffeine per day — roughly one 12-oz cup of brewed coffee. Staying within this limit is considered safe for most mamas.
2. Can coffee spike blood sugar with gestational diabetes?
Sometimes, yes — coffee itself can temporarily increase insulin resistance. But often, spikes happen because of add-ons like sugary syrups, flavored creamers, or too much milk. The best approach is testing your own response to see how your body reacts.
3. Is decaf coffee safe in pregnancy?
Yes! Decaf still has a small amount of caffeine but is generally safe. It can also be easier on blood sugar for some women.
4. What’s the best milk for coffee if I have GD?
Low-carb options like unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened coconut milk, or heavy cream are usually easier on blood sugar. Traditional dairy milk, oat, or flavored milk can sometimes cause spikes, especially in the morning.
5. Can I have flavored lattes or mochas with GD?
Generally yes — but choose sugar-free syrups or natural flavorings like cinnamon, cocoa powder, or vanilla extract. Regular syrups and pre-made drinks often contain hidden sugar that can affect glucose levels. Opt for low-carb options like unsweetened almond milk, unsweetened coconut milk, or heavy cream instead of traditional dairy milk or oat milk.
6. Can I have iced coffee or cold brew?
Generally yes — just watch sweeteners, flavored syrups, and milk choices. Cold brew can sometimes be smoother and easier to tolerate.
7. What about creamers or non-dairy creamers?
Always check labels. Many “fat-free” or flavored creamers have added sugar. Stick to unsweetened versions or add a small splash of heavy cream.
8. Is timing important for coffee during GD?
Yes — some mamas find blood sugar spikes are more noticeable if coffee is consumed before breakfast. Pairing your coffee with protein or healthy fat can help buffer blood sugar.
9. Can coffee affect insulin or medication?
Caffeine can temporarily affect insulin sensitivity. If you’re on insulin or other medication, monitor your glucose closely and adjust as needed under your provider’s guidance.
10. Are there other tips for enjoying coffee safely?
Keep portion sizes moderate.
Avoid sugar bombs like sweetened syrups and sweetened whipped cream.
Test your glucose response after trying new drinks.
Remember — coffee isn’t the enemy; it’s all about balance and mindful add-ons.
Get a Free 20-Day Shopping List
