Caffeine during pregnancy does not have a direct impact on the fetus’ growth however it might have other side effects. Meanwhile, doctors have added that it seems to disprove that ‘caffeine intake can lead to low birth weight and perhaps preterm delivery, but it’s only one study’ and have advised to reduce the ‘consumption of stimulants during pregnancy and have as healthy a lifestyle as possible.’ Previous studies have also shown that caffeine consumption raises the possibility of a stillborn baby or babies who die in the first year of life. These women may also be more likely to suffer a miscarriage. Thus, a study was conducted on more than 1000 women who consumed at least three cups of coffee per day and were less than 20 weeks pregnant. Participants were divided into two groups, one receiving caffeinated instant coffee and the other receiving decaffeinated instant coffee. Among women drinking caffeinated coffee, 4.2% of infants were born prematurely, and 4.5% were small for gestational age, against 5.2% premature births and 4.7% underweight in the decaffeinated group. Hence, the doctor asserted, ‘We have no reason to believe that coffee is a necessary food item for pregnant women. I think it’s wise that they should be a little cautious, but, in any case, if a pregnant woman gave birth to a low birth weight baby, it’s highly unlikely that this was the case.’
