Seasoned obstetricians and gynaecologists have cautioned pregnant women against high coffee intake, warning that excessive caffeine consumption during pregnancy may increase the risk of miscarriage, hypertension and poor foetal growth.
The specialists, who spoke exclusively with PUNCH HealthWise, said although individuals respond differently to caffeine, high intake during pregnancy could make the woman restless and jittery, depriving her of the much needed rest.
According to the World Health Organisation, caffeine is a stimulant that crosses the placenta and, in high amounts, may affect the developing baby.
The global health body added that excessive intake may affect the baby’s development, especially when it disrupts the mother’s normal body balance and sleep pattern.
Similarly, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service advises pregnant women to limit caffeine intake to 200 milligrams daily, linking excessive consumption to miscarriage and low birth weight, and noting that some tea, chocolate and carbonated drinks also contain caffeine.
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