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Can you have a coffee frappe while pregnant?

Quick Answer

Pregnant women are advised to limit their caffeine intake to less than 200 mg per day. A small coffee frappe from Starbucks contains around 75 mg of caffeine. As long as the frappe is small (12 oz or less) and you limit other caffeinated foods and beverages during the day, an occasional coffee frappe is unlikely to cause harm. However, daily coffee frappes or larger sizes are not recommended during pregnancy.

Caffeine During Pregnancy

Caffeine is a stimulant that readily crosses the placenta and reaches the developing baby. Research shows that consuming more than 200 mg of caffeine per day during pregnancy can increase the risks of:

  • Miscarriage
  • Low birth weight
  • Preterm delivery

However, moderate caffeine intake below 200 mg daily is generally considered safe. Many experts recommend limiting to 150-200 mg to be on the safe side.

The recommended daily caffeine limits during pregnancy are:

  • 200 mg per day from all sources
  • No more than 1-2 caffeinated beverages (coffee, tea, soda)

Consuming large amounts of caffeine (over 300-400 mg) may also cause side effects like increased heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, and headaches.

Caffeine Content of Coffee Frappes

The caffeine content of coffee frappes can vary substantially based on factors like:

  • Coffee shop or brand
  • Size of the drink
  • Type of coffee and preparation method
  • Whether it contains espresso shots
  • Addition of extra coffee flavor shots

Here are some typical caffeine amounts:

Coffee Shop Drink Size Caffeine (mg)
Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino 12 oz (Tall) 75
Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino with extra espresso shot 12 oz (Tall) 115
Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino 16 oz (Grande) 100
Starbucks Caffe Mocha Frappuccino 16 oz (Grande) 105
McDonald’s Mocha Frappe 16 oz (Medium) 142
McDonald’s Mocha Frappe 21 oz (Large) 152
Caribou Coffee Campfire Mocha Cooler 16 oz 115

As you can see, coffee frappes can contain 75-150 mg of caffeine on average. Larger sizes or extra shots of espresso can boost the total caffeine content to 200 mg or more.

Are Coffee Frappes Safe During Pregnancy?

The occasional small coffee frappe is unlikely to cause problems during pregnancy if your total daily caffeine intake stays under 200 mg. However, daily coffee frappes or larger sizes are not recommended because they make it too easy to go over the limit.

Here are some tips if you want to enjoy a coffee frappe during pregnancy:

  • Stick to tall or small sizes (12 oz or less)
  • Skip any extra espresso shots or coffee flavor pumps
  • Order a half-caffeine version if available
  • Limit yourself to no more than one per day
  • Avoid other caffeinated foods and beverages the rest of the day

The healthiest way to consume coffee during pregnancy is to brew a small cup of regular coffee and drink it black or with minimal cream/sugar. Avoid energy drinks, sodas, teas, and other sources that can quickly add up to too much caffeine.

Other Important Tips for Coffee & Pregnancy

In addition to watching your caffeine quantities, keep these other tips in mind:

  • Consume coffee in moderation, even if decaf
  • Choose wisely at coffee shops – beware of large portions and sneaky caffeine additions
  • Always opt for pasteurized milk/creamers
  • Limit coffee to mornings so it doesn’t interfere with sleep
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  • Listen to your body and cut back if you experience side effects

Healthier Frappe Alternatives During Pregnancy

If you are a frequent frappe drinker or just want to err on the safe side, consider these lower-caffeine alternatives:

  • Decaf coffee frappe
  • Herbal tea-based frappes (chai, rooibos, ginger peach, etc)
  • Green tea frappes
  • Frappes made with juice, milk, and fruit
  • Smoothies with yogurt, fruit, and juice/milk
  • Non-coffee options like the Strawberry Creme or Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino at Starbucks

The Bottom Line

An occasional small coffee-based frappe is unlikely to harm your pregnancy if you otherwise watch your caffeine intake. But daily frappes, extra large sizes, or adding boosts of espresso or coffee flavor are not recommended. To be safe, pregnant women should cap caffeine from all sources at 200 mg per day and minimize daily coffee intake. If you regularly crave frappes, try some of the lower-caffeine alternatives instead. As always, discuss your caffeine consumption with your prenatal provider.