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Caffeine and Pregnancy

Caffeine--a stimulant found in colas, coffee, tea, soft candies, chocolate, cocoa, and over-the-counter and prescription drugs--has been a controversial topic in pregnancy nutrition for more than a decade. The concerns mounted after a 1980 study by FDA found that caffeine, when fed to pregnant rats, caused birth defects and delayed skeletal development in their offspring. At that time, although the real risks for humans were unknown, the FDA advised pregnant women to eliminate caffeine from their diets.

Since then, more studies have been done to determine the effects of caffeine on the fetus. A study of women in Costa Rica, where coffee consumption is high, showed a significantly lower birth weight for infants and a lower concentration of iron in mothers who were coffee drinkers. This report indicated that maternal coffee intake may also contribute to maternal and infant anemia.

Consumed in large quantities, caffeine can cause irritability, nervousness and insomnia. In addition to crossing the placenta and affecting the fetus, it is also a diuretic (encourages fluid loss), dehydrating the mother's body of valuable water. After the baby is born, caffeine can also be transmitted through breast milk. As mentioned, caffeine is an ingredient in some over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs. Before taking any drugs, a pregnant woman should consult her health care provider.