Pregnancy

New Study Finds Moderate Coffee Intake During Pregnancy Poses No Risks to Baby

Concerns about caffeine consumption during pregnancy have long been debated among expecting mothers. However, a recent study conducted in Denmark may bring some relief to those who enjoy a cup of coffee while pregnant.

coffee

Previous research suggested that high caffeine intake could increase the risk of premature birth and having a small baby. However, the British Medical Journal study found no significant differences between women who consumed moderate amounts of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.

In the UK, pregnant women are advised to limit their coffee intake to 300mg per day. This equates to about three cups of instant coffee, six cups of tea, or eight 40mg cans of cola or chocolate bars. According to the Food Standards Agency, having a bar of plain chocolate, three cups of tea, a can of cola, and a cup of instant coffee in a day would meet this limit.

The study monitored 1,207 healthy pregnant women who had a high caffeine intake of more than three cups of coffee a day. Half of the women were given regular coffee, while the other half were given decaffeinated coffee. The researchers evaluated the risks of premature birth and having a small baby in each group.

The results showed that there was no significant difference in the length of pregnancy or birth weight between the two groups. Women who consumed decaffeinated coffee had a caffeine intake that was 182g lower than those who drank caffeinated coffee. Among those who consumed caffeinated coffee, 4.2% of babies were born prematurely and 4.5% were small for their gestational age. In the group that consumed decaffeinated coffee, 5.2% of babies were born prematurely and 4.7% were underweight. However, the researchers noted that decreasing caffeine intake during the later stages of pregnancy had no overall effect on birth weight and length of pregnancy.

While this study provides some reassurance, it is important to note that any potential effects of caffeine consumption in the first half of pregnancy were not observed in this study. Therefore, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional about caffeine consumption during pregnancy.

Here is an example of how much caffeine is in your favourite beverages:

8-ounce Beverage milligrams
Coffee, Drip 115-175
Coffee, Brewed 80-135
Coffee, Espresso (2 ounces) 100
Coffee, Instant 65-100
Tea, iced 47
Tea, brewed, imported brands (avg.) 60
Tea, brewed, U.S. brands (avg.) 40
Tea, instant 30
Tea, green 15
Hot cocoa 14
Coffee, Decaf, brewed 3-4
Coffee, Decaf, instant 2-3
12-ounce beverage milligrams
Red Bull (8.2 oz) 80.0
Jolt 71.2
Pepsi One 55.5
Mountain Dew 55.0
Mountain Dew Code Red 55.0
Diet Mountain Dew 55.0
Kick Citrus 54.0
Mellow Yellow 52.8
Surge 51.0
Tab 46.8

SOURCE:BBC, WILSTAR

About the author

Lisa Arneill

Founder of Growing Your Baby and World Traveled Family. Canadian mom of 2 boys, photo addict, lover of bulldogs, and museumgoer. Always looking for our next vacation spot!

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