Coffee during pregnancy and risk of abortion

Posted on February 25, 2009
Filed Under Gynelogical |

The consumption of coffee and caffeine has been linked with several adverse outcomes during pregnancy such as abortion, birth defects and fetal growth retardation. Some countries have proposed to reduce the consumption of coffee during pregnancy and preventive action.

In summary

This study concludes that one should not take more than 3 cups of coffee daily during pregnancy

The aim of this study: Coffee and fetal death: a cohort study with prospective data was to assess the association between coffee consumption during pregnancy and the risk of late fetal death (spontaneous abortions and babies born dead). The study was conducted in Denmark where about 90,000 pregnant women were interviewed regarding their daily consumption of coffee. 1100 fetal deaths were detected.

The researchers found an increased risk of fetal death in relation to coffee consumption during pregnancy and the risk increases as did the number of cups of coffee a day taken. The association was reflected in all age groups and occurred especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Women who took between 1.5 and 3 cups of coffee daily had a 3% increase in fetal risk against which they took from 4 to 7 cups a day increased the risk of which 33% of pregnant women already taking more than 8 cups a day whose risk amounted to 59%.

The authors end their work by recommending the precautionary principle, noting that because coffee is a drink not essential; do not recommend taking more than 3 cups of coffee daily during pregnancy is not an intrusion in people’s lives.

Pregnant: now do not even let a few cups of coffee!

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