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  7. Pregnancy and coffee consumption

Doctor Ivone Lobo

OBGYN 
Subspecialist in Maternal-Fetal Medicine Head of Maternity 
HPA Gambelas

Pregnancy and coffee consumption

HPA Magazine 12


One of the myths of pregnancy is that the pregnant woman should not drink coffee. It is widely accepted that the effect of coffee on reproductive health is linked to caffeine rather than to coffee itself.
Various types of beverages and food which contain caffeine; coffee, black tea, energy drinks, soft drinks and chocolate. Caffeine can be found in unimaginable products such as in some cosmetic creams used in pregnancy.

Caffeine consumption during pregnancy is often debated among healthcare professionals regarding risks to the fetus. Caffeine is rapidly absorbed, passes freely through the placenta, and is poorly metabolized by the fetus. The consumption of caffeine caused the circulating levels of maternal catecholamines to increase. Questions have therefore been raised concerning the relationship between caffeine exposure and pregnancy complications such as miscarriages, reduced fetal growth, and preterm delivery, among others.
As caffeine crosses the placenta and increases levels of maternal catecholamines, it was assumed that it could induce vasoconstriction and fetal hypoxia. However, it has been shown that caffeine does not cause a decrease in uterine flow or oxygen to the fetus.
However, a dose-dependent relationship was observed between excessive caffeine intake and adverse effects during pregnancy. It is therefore advisable to limit the consumption of drinks containing caffeine during this period.
There is no evidence However that moderate consumption of caffeine during pregnancy has negative implications for the cognitive and behavioral development of the fetus. Health organizations have referred that consuming up to 200 mg of caffeine per day is safe.
Therefore, pregnant woman can drink coffee, provided she does so in moderation, taking into account the amount of caffeine present in food / drink.

Quantity of caffeine present in various sources

 Recommended maximum daily dose 200mg for pregnant woman