Caffeine in Pregnancy
Numerous studies have examined the effects of caffeine intake on pregnancy . Most studies found that moderate caffeine intake does not increase the chance of having a miscarriage or a baby with birth defects; some studies did find a relationship between caffeine intake and miscarriages. However, most of those studies were judged to be inadequate because they did not consider other lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking and alcohol intake that could contribute to miscarriages.
Two studies were published in 2008. One study compared women who drank no caffeine to women who drank more than 12 ounces of caffeine per day (200 mg). Those women who drank 200 mg or more caffeine per day were twice as likely to have a miscarriage.
The second study looked at women who drank modest amount sof coffee (200-350 mg per day) and found that those women had no increased risk of miscarriage.
The March of Dimes is currently recommending that pregnant women limit their intake of caffeine to no more than 200 mg per day (about 12 oz. of coffee).
Pregnant women should also be aware that caffeine comes from many sources, not just coffee, and should keep track of their total intake. To check the caffeine content of various foods and beverages, click here.
Caffeine can enter breast milk, and high amounts can cause the baby to become wakeful and agitated. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that nursing women limit caffeine intake, but states that no harm is likely to occur in an nursing child whose mother drinks one cup of coffee a day.
References:
Weng, X. et al. Maternal Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy and the Risk of Miscarriage: A Prospective Cohort Study. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2008 Mar; Vol. 198 (3), pp. 279.e1-8. Date of Electronic Publication: 2008 Jan 25.
Savitz, D.A., et al. Caffeine and Miscarriage Risk. Epidemiology, volume 19, number 1, January 2008, pp. 55-62.
For information about obstetrics/gynecology services at WPAHS:
Last Updated: February 26, 2009
