Caffeine Linked To Miscarriages

miscarriage caffeine A study released Monday provides convincing evidence that caffeine consumption by pregnant women can significantly increase the risk of miscarriage. The study, which was conducted in California, was published on the web site of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The study included data gathered from more than 1,000 pregnant women.

Previous research had suggested an increased risk, but scientists were unsure whether those findings were affected by the fact that women having morning sickness might be less likely to drink caffeinated drinks, such as coffee. “The relationship between caffeine intake and miscarriage was controversial,” said study leader Dr. De-Kun Li, a reproductive and perinatal epidemiologist from Kaiser Permante in Oakland, CA. “The question is whether the association is really due to caffeine itself or something else.”

In Dr. Li’s study, women who consumed 200 milligrams of caffeine or more a day were about twice as likely to miscarry That’s about the amount of caffeine in two five-ounce cups of coffee five 12-ounce cans of soda or six five-ounce cups of tea.

Based on the findings, Dr. Li recommended that women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant minimize caffeine intake. “If they have to drink caffeine-containing beverages, they should reduce the amount to one cup a day at the most.”

Researchers in the study suggest that avoiding caffeine altogether is the better choice. Pregnant women should consider switching to decaffeinated beverages. As one researcher put it: “Learn to perk up instead with natural energy boosters like a brisk walk, yoga stretches.”

Filed under: Caffeine, Children's Health, Pregnancy