Restricting caffeine intake during pregnancy
Caffeine is a stimulant found in tea, coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, kola nuts, energy drinks and some over-the-counter medications. Coffee is one of the most common sources of high caffeine intake. During pregnancy, caffeine clearance from the mother’s blood slows down significantly. Results from some observational studies suggest that excess intake of caffeine may be associated with growth restriction, reduced birth weight, preterm birth or stillbirth.
WHO recommendations
For pregnant women with high daily caffeine intake (more than 300 mg per day), lowering daily caffeine intake during pregnancy is recommended to reduce the risk of pregnancy loss and low birth weight neonates.
WHO documents
GRC-approved guidelines
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WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience
Publication date: 2016
Evidence
Systematic reviews used to develop the guidelines
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Effects of restricted caffeine intake by mother on fetal, neonatal and pregnancy outcomes
Jahanfar S, Jaafar SH.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD006965. -
Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy is associated with risk of low birth weight: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis
Chen LW, Wu Y, Neelakantan N, Chong MF, Pan A, van Dam RM.
BMC Med. 2014;12:174. -
Maternal caffeine consumption during pregnancy and risk of low birth weight: a dose-response meta-analysis of observational studies
Rhee J, Kim R, Kim Y, Tam M, Lai Y, Keum N, et al.
PLoS ONE. 2015;10(7): e0132334. -
Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and risk of pregnancy loss: a categorical and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies
Chen LW, Wu Y, Neelakantan N, Chong MF, Pan A, van Dam RM.
Public Health Nutr. 2016;19(7):1233-44. -
A meta-analysis of risk of pregnancy loss and caffeine and coffee consumption during pregnancy
Li J, Zhao H, Song JM, Zhang J, Tang YL, Xin CM.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2015;130(2):116-22.
