Caffeine and Pregnancy – Recommended Caffeine Intake Level & Why

By Christine Redmond Why is caffeine intake during pregnancy a concern, and what is the recommended level of caffeine consumption to reduce risk for lower birth weight of baby? For many years, researchers were unsure of the effects of caffeine intake during pregnancy. However, studies have now confirmed higher caffeine intake in pregnant women is associated with a increased risk for lower birth weight. As a result, guidelines on the recommended level of caffeine intake for pregnant women were lowered to help reduce this risk. Caffeine - Sources and Function Caffeine is found in tea, coffee, cola soft drinks, cocoa and chocolate. Caffeine can also be found in some over-the-counter drugs, including cold and flu remedies and allergy medications. Because caffeine is a stimulant, it increases heart rate and metabolism, and can cause insomnia, nervousness, and headache. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic, which means that it is a substance that causes the body to lose water and other fluids, by stimulating the formation of urine by the kidneys; water and fluids are essential to maintain a healthy pregnancy Caffeine and Pregnancy – Why is Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy a Concern? Many studies have shown that caffeine can cross the placenta and go into the fetus. Therefore, considering the nature of caffeine, the possible effects of this stimulant on the unborn child has been of concern for many years. While several studies have suggested that caffeine intake during pregnancy might affect baby birth weight, results may have been skewed by other factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, which can also affect birth weight. Considering that a low birth weight is associated with an increased risk for health problems, including diabetes and heart disease, researchers have undertaken more carefully designed studies in order to clarify the effects of caffeine intake during pregnancy and any risk this may have for the baby. Caffeine and Pregnancy – Study Confirms Increased Risk for Lower Birth Weight of Baby In November 2008, the British Medical Journal published an observational study that confirmed increased caffeine intake during pregnancy is linked to an increased risk for lower birth weight. The British study recruited over 2500 women and surveyed them about their dietary habits between week eight to 12 of pregnancy. This required the women to not only report caffeine intake, but also any consumption of alcohol and smoking. Caffeine, alcohol and smoking intake was also monitored via saliva samples during each check-up within this timeframe. Results were therefore able to be adjusted for any effect alcohol or smoking intake may have had on fetal length or birth weight. Overall, the study showed that the higher the level of caffeine intake during pregnancy the higher the risk of lower birth weight for the baby, with risk level reported as follows: * pregnant women who had an caffeine intake between100-199 mg/day had a 20% greater risk of having a baby with a relatively lower birth weight compared to women whose caffeine intake during pregnancy was less than 100mg/day * for pregnant women whose caffeine intake was between 200-299mg/day, the risk of having a baby with a relatively lower birth weight increased to 40%, and * for pregnant women whose caffeine intake was over 300mg/day, the risk of having a baby with a relatively lower birth weight increased to 50% Study Results in Change to Recommended Level of Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy The Care Study Group reported that this is the first study which has investigated the effects of caffeine consumption during pregnancy that “reflects a true picture of total caffeine consumption during pregnancy” due to the method employed to evaluate caffeine consumption. As such, the authors suggested that based on the findings of the study, “sensible advice to pregnant women would be to reduce caffeine intake before conception and during pregnancy.” As a result, the British Food Standards Agency adjusted their guidelines regarding the recommended level of caffeine intake during pregnancy. Prior to the study, the recommended maximum level was 300mg/day; however, following the new evidence that confirms higher caffeine consumption is associated with an increased risk for lower birth weight, the recommended maximum intake of caffeine intake is now 200mg/day - equivalent to around two cups of coffee, or four cups of tea. Sources: Babycenter Australia, ‘Caffeine and Pregnancy – What’s Safe?’, Updated November 2008, Accessed 02 June 2010

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