ACOG: Moderate Caffeine Consumption Does Not Cause Miscarriage, Preterm Birth

Moderate caffeine consumption (<200 mg/day) — about a cup of brewed coffee daily — does not appear to increase a woman's risk for miscarriage or preterm birth, according to a statement from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

A review of recent studies on caffeine consumption and pregnancy outcomes revealed the following:

• Miscarriage: One prospective study showed no increase in miscarriage risk at all levels of caffeine consumption, while another found a doubling of risk for women who consumed more than 200 mg daily.

• Preterm birth: Two studies found no association between caffeine intake and preterm birth (average intake in one study, 182 mg/day).

• Intrauterine growth restriction: Findings were equivocal; the committee concluded that the relationship between caffeine consumption and IUGR is "undetermined."