The thing about medical opinion is that it’s always changing as new evidence comes to light. With that in mind, it looks like that very thing is about to happen in the office of the local doctor. Gyn specialists from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists have performed a study that has resulted in some interesting findings. It looks as though some moderate caffeine is not harmful for a pregnant woman, neither increasing the chances of miscarriage or premature birth.
For many years, studies were somewhat inconclusive about the link between caffeine and certain problems in a pregnancy. Some studies seemed to show caffeine was harmful, while others could not duplicate these findings. Now, a college review board has looked at all the evidence and come to the conclusion that caffeine—when consumed in moderation—has no effects on a pregnancy or on the impending baby. Since everyone has a different view of the word, “moderate”, it may be helpful to get some more concrete numbers. Thankfully, that is just what the college committee provided. It was their opinion that approximately 200 milligrams of caffeine per day would not make any significant difference in the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. That would be equivalent to a 12 ounce cup of coffee or around 5 12-ounce cans of soda.
The committee maintained that the evidence was unclear as to whether or not exceeding that amount of caffeine would have any adverse effects.
In looking at the evidence, the group research two different studies, both of which were performed recently. One study was performed by the Mount Sinai Medical Center in NYC. This one found that there was no increased rate in miscarriages for women who consumed low, or even high amounts of caffeine at various points during their pregnancy. The other study was performed by a researcher at Kaiser Permanente. This study found that there could be some risk to consuming more than 200 mg of caffeine per day, but none at levels lower than that.
Much of the concern about caffeine and pregnancy came from the knowledge that caffeine was able to transfer across the placental wall. This knowledge led many medical professionals to worry that it could be a factor in both premature birth and miscarriage. Approximately 16% of pregnancies in the U.S. end in miscarriage. It should prove satisfying to pregnant coffee lovers everywhere as they go to see their doctor. Gyn specialists have given them the green light to go ahead and enjoy their java.
When looking for a doctor, gyn specialists ok the consumption of coffee for pregnant women. For more information visit http://www.doctorreviewsonline.com/
