Chicory and Pregnancy: Is It Safe?

Question
After having experiencing 2 miscarriages, I am pregnant again
(just over 8 weeks) and am trying to do everything in my power
te retain it this time! I usually drink about 5 cups of coffee a day,
but seeing as I heard that coffee may be harmful, I have been
drinking soluble chicory instead for the last couple of weeks
(since we discovered the pregnancy). I read somewhere that this
was harmless, but have since read some articles on the internet
to the contrary.  I've now decided to stop drinking chicory, but
hope that my last two weeks of chicory-indulgence haven't done
any harm.
Please could you advise me on this. I would also really love to
know what I CAN safely enjoy as a coffee substitute. I know
some herbal teas are allowed, and then again some aren't...
Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer
You can safely continue to drink coffee (with caffeine) during pregnancy, but only up to 3 cups per day. Caffeine intake of greater than 500mg per day doubles the risk of spontaneous abortions (miscarriges) and excess coffee exposure may increase the risk of stillbirth (greater than 4-7 cups/day). There are no randomized clinical studies evaluting the efficacy and safety of herbal preparations in pregnancy and we do not recommend its use during pregnancy because there is no control of the strengtrh or purity of the herbal preparations.  Remember that caffeine is contained in coffee, chocolate, and tea. You can still have all of these, but in moderation.