As a pregnant woman, you may analyze each thing you eat and drink and how it may effect your growing baby. You may hear conflicting information about the role of caffeine causing early miscarriage. While you want to do what is healthiest for your pregnancy, base your choices on evidence and studies, rather than potentially erroneous news reports. Know how caffeine influences your risk of miscarriage.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant found in a variety of foods and drinks, including colas, coffee, tea, chocolate and certain over-the-counter medications. Caffeine is the number one mood-altering drug used worldwide,and between 80 and 90 percent of North Americans regularly consume caffeine, according to Johns Hopkins. The average daily dose of caffeine for adult Americans is 280 mg, which is the amount found in 17 oz. of coffee or 84 oz. of cola.
Miscarriage
Miscarriage refers to a pregnancy loss before 20 weeks gestation, According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 15 percent of recognized pregnancies will end in miscarriage. Many more pregnancies likely end in miscarriage before the woman suspects she is pregnant. Many miscarriages occur for reasons that are unknown. If you have had a miscarriage, you should know that the vast number of miscarriages occur for reasons outside of the mother's control.
Caffeine Use
As with other substances, the effect of caffeine on your pregnancy may be related to the amount you consume. According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, moderate caffeine use by a pregnant woman does not appear to increase miscarriage risk. Moderate caffeine consumption is defined as 200 mg or less daily, or 12 oz of coffee. Women who regularly consume greater than 200 mg of caffeine daily may have an increased miscarriage risk, however.
Caffeine Doses
If you drink coffee, tea or soda regularly, track your daily caffeine intake. Six oz. of brewed coffee contains 100 mg of caffeine. Tea and soda typically contain less caffeine than coffee. Six oz. brewed tea contains 40 mg of caffeine, as does a 12 oz. serving of cola. Check the labels of the products you buy, as caffeinated water, coffee ice cream and over-the-counter analgesics contain significant amounts of caffeine. Talk to your health care provider about caffeine use.
References
- The Cochrane Collaboration; Effects of Restricted Caffeine Intake by Mother on Fetal, Neonatal and Pregnancy Outcome; S Jahanfar, et al; January 5, 2010
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center; Information about Caffeine Dependence; Use and Common Sources of Caffeine; July 9, 2003
- National Institutes of Health: Research on Miscarriage and Stillbirth
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; No Link Between Moderate Caffeine Consumption and Miscarriage; July 21, 2010
- American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Maternal Caffeine Consumption During Pregnancy and the Risk of Miscarriage: A Prospective Cohort Study; X Weng, et al; January 28, 2008
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