Babies, Parenting, Child Health, Infant Nutrition

Child Development - A Look at Caffeine Consumption and Miscarriage Risk

01.29.2008 | 11:01:46 pm | Posted by mummums

By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kid’s Nutrition Specialist

infant development, parenting Expecting mothers tend to pay extra special attention to what they are eating drinking throughout their pregnancies. This month, 2 very opposing studies were released in regards to an expecting mother’s caffeine consumption and risk of miscarriage. While one study claims moderate caffeine intake does increase the risk of pregnancy complications, the other states just the opposite.

The most recent study was provided by Kaiser Permanente, a California based health insurance company. The research was conducted by surveying over 1,000 expecting mothers about their caffeine consumption and dividing the responses into 2 groups; those who changed their drinking habits and those who did not. All of the women were followed until the 20^th week of pregnancy. The results revealed that drinking 200 milligrams or more, about the equivalent of one cup of coffee, doubled miscarriage risk. Tea, chocolate, and soda pop had the same effect as coffee.

In a different study by Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, released just a few short weeks ago, researchers discovered that moderate amounts of caffeine do not increase a woman’s risk of miscarriage. Mount Sinai researchers also feel the results of the study echo the results of previous studies of this nature. The study followed over 2,000 women who also indicated their caffeine intake prior to becoming pregnant. The majority of the women studied consumed about 350 milligrams of caffeine or other caffeinated beverages, and most of the women’s caffeine drinking dropped to about 200 milligrams within a few week of pregnancy. Researchers found no increased risk of miscarriage throughout this study, possibly due to the moderate caffeine intake.

Although these studies may leave expecting mothers feeling a bit confused, it is important to note a few key points. Other than caffeine intake, no other nutritional data was collected in either study. There may be many other extenuating factors, such as nutrient intake and overall health and well being of the individuals, which were not accounted for. Some experts say it is simply not worth the risk of consuming caffeine, while others believe moderate amounts are not harmful. Much more research is needed before a definitive answer can be found.

Pregnancy is a time in a woman’s life where proper nutrition is imperative. It is important to seek the help of a physician, dietitian, or nutritionist not only to discuss your questions or concerns, but also to ensure you are getting adequate nutrients.

Resources:

Epidemiology, January 2008

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2007.10.803).

Am J Obstet Gynecol. Published online January 21, 2008

Gardella JR, Hill JA III (2000). Environmental toxins associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. Seminars in Reproductive Medicine, 18(4): 407–424.

Permalink

Email this article

Printer-friendly version

Early Child Development - Toy Makers Move On While Mattel Still in the Hot Seat after Toy Recalls
— in MumMums blog posted 42 weeks ago
By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition Specialist It seems 2007 will go down in history as the year of toy recalls. Parents were forced to enter new territory while shopping for toys on their children's holiday wish list by making sure thos

Child Development – Arizona Department of Public Health Offices Adapt To Motherhood
— in MumMums blog posted 42 weeks ago
By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition Specialist The Arizona Department of Public Health offered a bring your baby to work campaign- however it was not simply for a one day view of what mommy does while at work, it was meant to be everyday

Child Health – Keeping Kids Healthy This Winter
— in MumMums blog posted 41 weeks ago
By Colleen Hurley, RD, Certified Kids Nutrition Specialist Chilly weather is here for a while, and so are coughs and colds. After the recent FDA warning advising parents not to give over the counter medications to children under 2 years of age, many

About this Blog:

The Baby Mum-Mum blog discusses everything to do with babies and parenting with a focus on child health and child development. Baby Mum-Mum is a healthy, easy to digest baby rice snack that is enjoyed by babies and mothers around the world for its portability, gluten free ingredients and great taste. Baby Mum-Mum is a division of Want-Want Holdings, a manufacturer of healthy snack foods, beverages and related products since 1962.

Syndicate this Blog: