Pregnant women who drink more than two cups of coffee a day could double the risk of miscarriage according to recent research published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The finding has led to calls for expectant mothers to limit or even stop drinking coffee, tea, caffeinated drinks or hot chocolate to be on the safe side. Consultant obstetrician Pat O'Brien, spokesman for the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said: "On the basis of this study, I think I'll be advising women to avoid caffeine during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, especially those with a history of miscarriage."
Caffeine might harm the unborn baby because it stays in the system longer in pregnant women and passes easily to the growing baby, who cannot readily metabolise it.
|
