Caffeine and pregnancy

Caffeine has been suggested as a risk factor for miscarriage, but different studies have thrown up conflicting results. What should you believe?

Our expert Claire Friars, midwife for Tommy's the baby charity, say, 'Midwives have been saying for a long time that pregnant women should limit caffeine intake, but you'd have a real job to cut it out altogether, as it's in coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks.

'The Food Standards Agency guideline is to stick to a maximum 300mg of caffeine a day, which is the equivalent of four mugs of instant coffee - three smaller cups if it's brewed filter coffee.'

A US study suggested women who drank 200mg or more of caffeine a day - that's two cups of coffee or five cans of cola - had twice the risk of miscarriage than those who consumed no caffeine.

However, in the UK the FSA is conducting its own research and says it will review its guidelines if appropriate.

 

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