Why Coffee Saved My Pregnancy (Literally)

When I found out I was pregnant, I immediately stopped doing a lot of things—eating sushi, taking long hot baths, sipping wine, taking my Adderall...

At the same time, I also cut out caffeine. I had read that it could constrict blood vessels and possibly limit blood flow to the baby, and I didn’t want to take any chances. I was trying to do everything “right.”

What followed, however, was something I did not expect: debilitating, day-long migraines that left me bedridden, light-sensitive, and completely drained. This lasted my entire first trimester.

I made multiple tearful trips to my OB’s office, desperate for relief. Eventually, she sat me down and explained something that made everything click: what I was experiencing were likely pregnancy-induced migraines, triggered by hormonal changes and blood vessel expansion.

Here's the science behind it:

• Adderall, as a stimulant, causes blood vessel constriction (vasoconstriction). When I stopped taking it, my blood vessels—which had been regularly narrowed—suddenly dilated.

• Pregnancy itself also causes vasodilation, due to hormonal shifts and increased blood volume.

• So when I eliminated both Adderall and caffeine (which is also a mild vasoconstrictor), my body experienced a double dose of blood vessel expansion—which likely contributed to the intense migraines.

My OB recommended something surprising: try a small amount of caffeine. She explained that up to 200mg of caffeine per day is considered safe during pregnancy, and that it might help by gently constricting my blood vessels and reducing the headache pressure.

I gave it a try.

And it changed everything.

Within a few days, the migraines were no longer debilitating. Some days they disappeared entirely. I could open my eyes. I could move. I could care for myself again and I felt a little bit more like the me I knew and loved.

The caffeine didn’t just help with headaches—it also gave me a small boost in mental clarity and focus, something I really needed after losing the structure and energy that Adderall sometimes provides.

I continued to drink between 100 and 200mg of caffeine a day—usually in the form of a cup of coffee or a strong black or green tea—and it truly made a world of difference.

By week 14, most of my first trimester symptoms had faded. The nausea had eased, the fatigue had lifted, and my migraines were under control. I continued drinking my morning coffee throughout my second trimester—not just to avoid headaches, but because it helped me stay clear, calm, and productive.

And the result? I had a healthy pregnancy. And my baby is thriving.

I’m not sharing this to tell anyone else what they should do—but to offer another side of the story. One where moderation, medical advice, and listening to your body can all work together. If you’re struggling with migraines or brain fog during early pregnancy, talk to your doctor. Advocate for yourself. Ask the hard questions. Because sometimes the solution might be as simple as a warm cup of coffee.

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According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):

"Moderate caffeine consumption (less than 200 mg per day) does not appear to be a major contributing factor in miscarriage or preterm birth."

 — ACOG Committee Opinion No. 462

You can read their guidance here: 🔗 ACOG on Moderate Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy