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The recently released results of a new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology show that there is a correlation between the amount of caffeine a pregnant woman consumes and miscarriage.
Most doctors warn pregnant women to cut back on their caffeine intake, but this study is saying that pregnant women should avoid caffeine in any form (coffee, tea, soft drinks, etc) because pregnant women who consume caffeine (even in small amounts) are at a higher risk of miscarriage than those who do not. This study involved more than 1,000 pregnant women and showed that those who drink two are more cups of coffee a day are twice as likely to miscarry as those who avoid caffeine all together. They think that the caffeine that a pregnant woman consumes affect development of the cells of the baby and can constrict the blood vessels in the placenta, causing the blood flow to the baby to decrease which can cause miscarriage.
“What’s different about this study is that it shows that, that a fairly low level of caffeine may be associated with miscarriage and that’s important,” said Dr. Tracy Flanagan of Kaiser Permanente.
Previously Dr. Flanagan would tell her pregnant patients to limit their caffeine intake but now she is telling them to cut it out entirely for the duration of their pregnancy. If you are pregnant and need the energy boost that you used to get from that cup of Joe in the morning, doctors advise you to try exercising, taking a brisk walk, or eating a healthy snack as an alternative.
If you are just really craving the taste of coffee or a soda, switch to decaf coffee or caffeine free Coke.
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Sources:
WTAE TV
CBS Chicago
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