why does the fda advise pregnant women to abstain from caffeine? course hero

by Cecelia Kilback 9 min read

As a stimulant, caffeine tends to increase your blood pressure and heart rate. Both of these effects should generally be avoided during pregnancy. Caffeine also tends to increase the frequency of urination, thus causing a decrease in body fluid levels and resulting in possible dehydration.

Statement: Caffeine causes birth defects in humans
Facts: Numerous studies on animals have shown that caffeine can cause birth defects, premature labor, preterm delivery, reduced fertility, and increase the risk of low-birth-weight offspring and other reproductive problems.

Full Answer

Is caffeine safe during pregnancy?

 · By Victor Cohn. September 4, 1980. The Food and Drug Administration is preparing to warn pregnant women that they should stop or "minimize" drinking of coffee, tea and colas because the caffeine ...

How much caffeine is in chocolate during pregnancy?

 · MUST WATCH. (CNN) There is no safe level of caffeine for a developing fetus, so women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should abstain from coffee and other caffeine-containing products ...

What can the FDA do for me and my Baby?

Caffeine and Pregnancy, FDA Recommendations 1981. SHARE; Share on Facebook; Share on Twitter; Share on LinkedIn; Share with Email; PRINT; View resource ... Government Accountability; Nutrition Action provides honest, unbiased, science-based advice on nutrition and health. Read the Current Issue. subscribe. 1250 I Street NW Suite 902 Washington ...

Are low doses of caffeine harmful to your health?

Lots of women need to take medicines while they are pregnant. Learn how you can sign-up for a pregnancy registry to share your experience with medicines. Some women need to take medicines during ...

What does caffeine do to a pregnant woman?

Consuming large amounts of caffeine during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage or low birthweight, so it's best to limit your intake of caffeine. Caffeine is a chemical found in many foods and drinks, including coffee, tea and cola.

Should I avoid caffeine completely during pregnancy?

How much caffeine is safe during pregnancy? Current guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and other experts say that it's safe for pregnant women to consume up to 200 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day (the equivalent of one 12-ounce cup of coffee).

Why is caffeine discouraged in pregnancy?

The researchers noted that caffeine is believed to cause blood vessels in the uterus and placenta to constrict, which could reduce the blood supply to the fetus and inhibit growth.

Can caffeine cause birth defects?

Large amounts of caffeine have not been shown to cause an increased chance for birth defects over the background risk. Could drinking caffeinated beverages cause other complications in pregnancy or after birth? Most studies find no clear evidence that caffeine exposure increases the risk of problems with baby's growth.

Can caffeine cause miscarriages?

As it turns out, moderate amounts of caffeine are just fine for you and your unborn baby.

How does caffeine affect baby in third trimester?

Our results suggest that a high caffeine intake in the third trimester may be a risk factor for fetal growth retardation, in particular if the fetus is a boy.

Is it OK to drink a little coffee while pregnant?

Yes... in moderation. The World Health Organisation and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists both advise pregnant women to limit caffeine consumption to 200-300mg a day. A woman's ability to metabolise caffeine slows during pregnancy.

Can too much caffeine during pregnancy cause autism?

Maternal nutrition during gestation has been investigated for its role in child neurodevelopment. However, little is known about the potential impact of gestational caffeine exposure on child autistic behaviors.

Is caffeine OK in 2nd trimester?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that pregnant women limit their caffeine consumption to less than 200 mg (about two, six-ounce cups) per day.

Can you drink coffee in the first trimester?

High amounts of caffeine during pregnancy has been linked to problems with a baby's growth and development. To help you cut back on caffeine: First, limit coffee to one or two cups a day.

Does caffeine cause miscarriage?

The review looked at 37 observational studies on the link between caffeine and pregnancy outcomes and found "maternal caffeine consumption is reliably associated with miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight and/or small for gestational age, childhood acute leukaemia and childhood overweight and obesity."

How much caffeine is in a 16 oz cup of coffee?

For example, a 16-ounce cup of Starbucks Blonde Roast coffee contains 360 milligrams of caffeine; the same size in light roast at Panera is 307 milligrams; and a 14-ounce medium cup of regular Dunkin' coffee has 210 milligrams. Decaf coffee contains between 9 and 14 milligrams of caffeine and is therefore a better choice, experts say.

How much caffeine is in a bar of Hershey's chocolate?

A bar of Hershey's dark chocolate contains 20 milligrams, but some candies add extra caffeine for energy boost: a bar of Snickers Charge has 60 milligrams. And here is another factor to consider: The body removes caffeine much more slowly from the mother's blood during pregnancy, according to the World Health Organization.

How much caffeine is in a 12-ounce can of Coca Cola?

That can also make it difficult for a pregnant woman to realize just how much caffeine she might be consuming. For example, Coca-Cola contains 34 milligrams of caffeine in each 12-ounce can, while Diet Coke contains 46 milligrams. A bottle of Honey Green Tea from the Honest Company contains 94 milligrams.

Food Safety

Pregnancy makes it harder for your body to fight off illness caused by food. Some foods are not safe for you and your baby. Check out these food safety tips.

Breast Pumps and Breastfeeding

The FDA has general tips on how to safely use a breast pump and store breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider for other breastfeeding tips.

Other Helpful Tips for New Moms

There is a lot you need to know about the medicines and other products you use for your baby. FDA has free videos and brochures to help you talk to your healthcare provider about what is best for you and your baby.