Is Cola safe during pregnancy?

Drinks

Limit (caffeine); ICMR-NIN says avoid fizzy drinks

The NHS counts cola's caffeine (about 40 mg a can) towards the 200 mg daily limit; ICMR-NIN advises avoiding carbonated drinks in pregnancy.[1,2,3]

What official sources say

NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy

  • Estimated amount of caffeine in common foods and drinks: A can of cola contains an estimated 40 mg of caffeine.[1]
  • Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, caffeine tablets, chocolate, guarana and some health or fitness supplements.[1]

ICMR-NIN: Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024

  • Among its don'ts for pregnancy: avoid carbonated drinks. (p. 17)[2]

NHS: Have a healthy diet in pregnancy

  • Foods that are high in fat, sugar, or both, include: Fizzy drinks are counted among foods and drinks high in fat, sugar or both.[3]

Nutrition per 100 g (USDA)

Energy42 kcal
Protein0 g
Fibre0 g
Sugars9.94 g
Iron0.02 mg
Calcium1 mg
Folate (DFE)0 µg
Folate, total0 µg
Vitamin A (RAE)0 µg
Vitamin C0 mg
Vitamin D0 µg
Vitamin B120 µg
Choline0.3 mg
DHA (omega-3)0 g
EPA (omega-3)0 g
Caffeine9 mg
Sodium3 mg

USDA FoodData Central: Beverages, carbonated, cola, regular (FDC ID 174852), per 100 g. Public domain. Values describe that USDA record; composition varies with variety and preparation.

Sources

  1. NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy · nhs.uk. Paraphrased. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (OGL v3.0). Not endorsed by the NHS.
  2. ICMR-NIN: Dietary Guidelines for Indians 2024 · nin.res.in. Printed page 17. Paraphrased and cited by printed page; the text is not reproduced.
  3. NHS: Have a healthy diet in pregnancy · nhs.uk. Paraphrased. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (OGL v3.0). Not endorsed by the NHS.

Sources checked 26 September 2026.

Quotes are checked word for word against each source page, and paraphrases against the original text. Official bodies are named as sources only: none of them reviewed or endorses this page.

Educational information, not medical advice. Your own doctor or midwife may advise differently for you — follow their advice.