Pregnant women should limit their caffeine intake to the equivalent of four cups of instant coffee a day.

Consuming more caffeine than this -- about 300 milligrams (mg) per day -- could increase their risk of having a miscarriage or a low birth weight baby. To help women keep track of their intake here are caffeine intakes for individual items:
  • Average cup of instant coffee - 75 mg
  • Average mug of coffee - 100 mg
  • Average cup of brewed coffee - 100 mg
  • Average cup of tea - 50 mg
  • Regular cola drink - up to 40 mg
  • Regular energy drink - up to 80 mg
  • Normal bar of chocolate - up to 50 mg

The new advice is based on a review of scientific literature by the UK Committee on Toxicity of Chemicals in Food, Consumer Products and the Environment, a group of independent experts.Reuters London, October 10, 2001