Med News Today

Pregnancy, Caffeine Do Not Mix Well

A new study indicates caffeine may increase the risk of miscarriage, so researchers suggest pregnant women decrease their intake or do away with it altogether.

The new study, published Monday in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, finds that pregnant women who consume 200 milligrams or more of caffeine a day —- the amount in 10 ounces of coffee or 25 ounces of tea —- may double their risk of miscarriage.

Pregnant women should try to give up caffeine for at least the first three or four months, said the lead author of the study, Dr. De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist at the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, Calif.

"If ... they really can't do it, think of cutting to one cup or switching to decaf," Li said.

Professional groups such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine have not taken official positions on caffeine.

On Friday, the March of Dimes Web site said most experts agreed the amount of caffeine found in 8 to 16 ounces of coffee a day was safe. It noted that some studies had linked higher amounts to miscarriage and low birth weight, but stated: "However, there is no solid proof that caffeine causes these problems. Until more is known, women should limit their caffeine intake during pregnancy."

Now, having reviewed the new study, the March of Dimes plans to change its message to advise women who are pregnant or trying to conceive to limit their daily caffeine intake to 200 milligrams or less, said Janis Biermann, its senior vice president of education and health promotion.

posted by nattietodd @ 6:02 AM