The Link Between Caffeine and Miscarriage

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

29 Jan 2008 08:05 PM

By now you have probably heard that caffeine should be avoided, or at least greatly reduced during pregnancy. A new study gives one more good reason to eliminate caffeine from your diet if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future.

A study published in the current issue of the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology shows a link between caffeine and miscarriage. Earlier studies alluded to this, but what is interesting in this study is the amount of caffeine that is said to increase the risk of miscarriage.

According to this study conducted at Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco, women consuming the amount of caffeine in two 5 ounce cups of coffee each day were twice as likely to miscarry as women who completely eliminated caffeine from their diets. The study controlled for factors such as smoking and maternal age, which not all past studies have done.

Other studies have shown different results. A study conducted at Mount Sinai School of Medicine examined women drinking caffeine in lower doses, compared to the rate of miscarriage. This study found that women drinking up to two cups of coffee each day did not have an increased risk of miscarriage.

These conflicting results leave women and their doctors mystified about the amount of caffeine that can safely be consumed without risk to the baby. Further study is needed in this area to determine why the studies showed such different results and which is the correct information for pregnant women.

In the meantime, it is best to err on the side of caution. Whenever possible, eliminate caffeine from your diet. If you consumed large quantities of coffee prior to conception, you may have to wean slowly to reduce the withdrawal symptoms, such as headache, irritability and fatigue. Reduce your consumption to one cup each day before eliminating caffeine completely.

Related Articles:

Weaning off Caffeine

Is Caffeine Safe?

Healthy Snacking for Pregnant Women

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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