Caffeine Linked to Underweight Babies

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

05 Nov 2008 05:13 PM

Here is one more reason to avoid caffeine, especially if you are pregnant. A new study published in the British Medical Journal found that even a little caffeine during pregnancy can put your baby at risk for being born with a low birth weight. In fact, the study examined the consumption of caffeine from multiple sources, including tea, cola, chocolate and even prescription drugs.

Even a little use of caffeine is linked to slower fetal growth. Underweight babies are subject to a number of problems, including some that occur later in life, such as heart conditions, high blood pressure and diabetes.

One interesting thing about these findings is that they show the same impact on fetal growth while consuming caffeine as if the women were consuming alcohol. That raises some serious concerns.

The study took a look at pregnant women who were between eight and 12 weeks pregnant.

You might remember a study that was published back in January that linked drinking just two cups of coffee a day by pregnant women with a twice increase in miscarriage compared to pregnant women who avoided caffeine altogether.

The researchers of this latest study recommend that women avoid caffeine both before conception and during pregnancy.

What do you think of this study?

During each pregnancy I mostly avoided caffeine. I consumed none during my first trimester, but then I loosened the reins a bit during the rest of my pregnancy to allow for small amounts of chocolate. This was years before any news showed any impact of caffeine during pregnancy. My children were average sized newborns and ranged from 7 pounds, 2 ounces to 7 pounds, 5 ounces. I do know friends who continued drinking regular coffee throughout pregnancy, giving birth to average-sized newborns.

What was your experience? Did you consume any caffeine during pregnancy and do you think it had an impact on your baby's birth weight?

Click here for more articles by Mary Ann Romans.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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ruthann8 (6378) 06 Nov 2008 07:18 AM

I skipped the coffee and soda. But chocolate was my weakness. I did occasionally have caffeinated soda. My baby was 8lbs 10oz. My thoughts on the study, would depend on a lot of things. How statistically significant were the results, how did they collect the data, are there other studies that agree/disagree with the results?

Kara (21325) 06 Nov 2008 07:26 AM

Interesting...I know that they can't get a accurate weight through ultrasound but they said my baby is twice as heavy as most babies at 16 weeks gestation. I don't drink caffeine but I do eat dark chocolate & milk chocolate everyday.

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 06 Nov 2008 10:55 AM

I was warned that my first born was already 8 and a half pounds at 32 weeks. He was born at 38 weeks and was 7 pounds, 2 ounces. :)

drnewmom (307) 07 Nov 2008 06:29 AM

I drank my regular (about 10oz) cup of coffee every day and ate the occasional milk chocolate. I did deliver very early (at 26 1/2 weeks), but he was large for that age--2 lbs. 12 ozs. I often wonder how large of a baby he would've been had he gone to term. "They" never found out why he came so early, but I was severely depressed for 3-4 months of my pregnancy (linked to premies). btw he is home now and doing very well and my moods are now stable:).

Mhackney (156) 07 Nov 2008 07:08 AM

I don't know if my drinking a cup of coffee a day has really impacted my children's birth weight. I was a small baby and my oldest was "average" when she was born. My second was only a few oz. lighter than my daughter. But I do find it interesting all the studies being done on caffeine and on drinking coffee.

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 07 Nov 2008 11:41 AM

I hope the studies don't lead to moms of large babies drinking caffeine! Jittery moms are the last thing that is needed LOL.