Caffeine During Pregnancy? Is it Ok?

A cup of coffee a day during pregnancy probably won’t increase a woman’s risk of miscarriage or premature birth, according to The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Until recently, studies have had conflicting findings about the effect of moderate caffeine consumption on pregnancy complications.

The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Committee on Obstetric Practice said that 200 mg of caffeine a day, about the amount in a 12-ounce cup of coffee, doesn’t significantly contribute to miscarriages or premature births. That definition of “moderate caffeine consumption” would also include drinking about four 8-ounce cups of tea or more than five 12-ounce cans of soda a day, or eating six or seven dark chocolate bars.

The group considered two recent studies, each of which followed more than 1,000 pregnant women. Both studies found no increased rate of miscarriage for women who consumed low, or moderate levels of caffeine at different points in their pregnancy. However, one study did find a higher risk of miscarriage in women who consumed more than 200 mg of caffeine per day.

The committee’s opinion should further assure women that small amounts of caffeine during pregnancy will not cause harm.

J. Kyle Mathews, MD

Plano OBGyn Associates

Tags: Caffeine, Caffeine During Pregnancy, chocolate, dark chocolate, different, kyle mathews, miscarriage, Obstetrics Gynecology, Pregnancy, pregnancy complications, premature births, woman, women | Category: News & Education, Obstetrics |