Is moderate caffeine consumption safe?
Major studies over the last decade have found no association between birth defects and consumption. Even offspring of the heaviest coffee drinkers were not found to be at higher risk of birth defects. Evidence from other human studies also supports the conclusion that moderate consumption of caffeine by pregnant women does not predispose the mother to spontaneous abortion or preterm delivery. While many studies show no relationship between birth weight and caffeine consumption, some studies suggest that drinking more than two or three cups of coffee daily (approximately eight cups of tea or nine cans of caffeinated soft drinks) increases the chances of low-birth weight. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that, “There is insufficient evidence to conclude that caffeine adversely affects the reproduction in humans.” As with all foods, pregnant women should apply the principle of moderation to caffeine consumption and discuss it with their personal physician. A reasonable guidelin
