CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy Could Put Baby at Risk for Low Birth Weight

save article
profile picture of Kylie McConville
Updated February 28, 2017
Hero Image
Image: Veer / The Bump

The latest research suggests that drinking caffeinated drinks during pregnancy will raise your risk of giving birth to baby with a lower birth weight.

Though caffeine has been linked to having adverse effects on pregnant women, a limit has been set on what pregnant would should consume, if they can’t do without a caffeine kick. But, there have been a fair share of conflicting reports from differing health organization as to what pregnant women can safely consume. The World Health Organization recommended a limit of 300 milligrams of caffeine a day (which is about three 8-oz. cups of regularly brewed coffee), while the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommended 200 milligrams per day in 2010. The 200 milligram limit, they stated, would not increase the risk of miscarriage or preterm birth.

But this latest study, which was published in the BMC Medicine journal, found that a child lost between three-quarters of an ounce to a full ounce in birth weight for every 100 milligrams of average daily caffeine intake from all sources by the mother. Researchers collected data on nearly 60,000 pregnancies over a 10-year period. And while they did find an association between caffeine and low birth weight, a correlation with caffeine consumption and the risk of preterm birth could not be found.

The study author, Dr. Verena Sengpiel of the Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden, said that the findings were not definitive because the study was observational — so that correlation (in this case) does not equal cause. What Sengpiel is able to suggest, though, is that women should put their caffeine consumption “on pause” while pregnant, or at least stay below two cups of coffee per day.

Did you drink caffeine during your pregnancy?

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

various types of dairy products
Popular Super Bowl Snacks Linked to Listeria Outbreak
By Wyndi Kappes
charcuterie meats in plastic container
Charcuterie Meats Carried at Sam's Club Linked to Salmonella Outbreak
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman drinking red raspberry leaf tea
Can Red Raspberry Leaf Tea Help You Through Pregnancy and Labor?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
close up of cut cantaloupe fruit
CDC Urges People to Avoid Cantaloupe as Salmonella Outbreak Grows
By Wyndi Kappes
peaches and plums at the market
Peaches, Plums, Nectarines Recalled Due to Listeria Contamination Risk
By Wyndi Kappes
woman cutting soft cheese on cheese board
The Ultimate Guide to Soft Cheeses in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman eating a burger and fries at restaurant
What to Do if You Experience Food Poisoning While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
kiwifruit
Why the FDA Is Telling Pregnant Women to Avoid Kiwifruit
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman pouring a cup of coffee in the morning at home
Caffeine During Pregnancy: the Real Deal
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
cooked salmon fish dinner plate
Is Seafood Safe During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
close up of pregnant woman holding a grocery shopping basket in grocery store
Top Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Listeriosis During Pregnancy
Listeriosis During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
non-alcoholic beer wine spirits pregnancy-hero
Best Non-Alcoholic and Alcohol-Free Drinks for Pregnancy and Beyond
By Christin Perry
ADVERTISEMENT
Best Mocktails
16 Tasty Mocktails to Spice Up Your Holidays
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
balls of raw chocolate chip cookie dough on cookie sheet
Avoiding This Pregnancy Craving Could Save You From Food Poisoning
By Wyndi Kappes
red and black twizzler licorice
Add This Candy to the List of Foods to Avoid While Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman eating fried food craving
How Your Pregnancy Junk Food Cravings Affect Baby
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Is Sushi Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
Is Sushi Safe to Eat During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
turkey deli meat sandwich
Why the CDC Is Telling Pregnant People to Avoid Deli Meat and Cheese
By Wyndi Kappes
close up of a cappuccino in a green mug
Could Your Daily Coffee During Pregnancy Make Your Kids Shorter?
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List