Caffeine during pregnancy linked to fetal growth restriction

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal on December 6, 2008 states that throughout pregnancy, average caffeine consumption of 200 mg or greater is associated with an increased risk of fetal growth restriction. Consumption of less than 200 mg caffeine may also have a similar effect.

(Plain, brewed 8 ounces of coffee has 95 mg caffeine. Starbucks Coffee Grande, 16 ounces has 330 mg caffeine)

The CARE study included 2,635 women with low-risk pregnancies, enrolled between 8 and 12 weeks of pregnancy at two UK maternity units. A validated assessment, accounting for all sources of caffeine, was used to assess caffeine intake from 4 weeks before conception throughout pregnancy.

Women with higher levels of caffeine consumption during pregnancy had higher rates of fetal growth restriction. Smoking approximately doubled the risk of fetal growth restriction.



Read abstract of article here.
BMJ 2008;337:a2332