Research on the effects of caffeine consumption by pregnant women has produced some provocative findings. Caffeine decreases the absorption of iron and may reduce blood flow through the placenta, and studies have shown that the fetus is unable to detoxify caffeine. Studies using laboratory animals have shown that the risk of spontaneous abortion increases in the first trimester and early in the second trimester with heave caffeine consumption (>500 mg per day). About five cups of coffee per day contain this amount of caffeine. In addition, as caffeine intake increases, so does the risk of delivering a low-birth-weight infant. Heavy caffeine use during pregnancy may also lead to caffeine withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Finally, high caffeine intake often occurs in women who also smoke. In this case, it is the smoking that is the greater contributor to low birth weight.
Although more research is needed, it is advisable to limit caffeine intake. Drinking no more that three cups of coffee and no more that four cups of caffeinated soft drinks per day during pregnancy, or when pregnancy is possible, is advocated. Limiting intake from tea, over-the counter medicines containing caffeine, and chocolate is also important.
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