Many expectant women give up caffeine
due to fears that it will harm their growing baby.
New research out of the Netherlands
may allay one of their caffeine concerns.
The aim of the study was to compare
prenatal caffeine intake of the Moms
against their children's behavior at age 5.
More than 8-thousand pregnant women
filled out a questionnaire about
the types and amounts of
coffee, tea and cola they consumed
during one specific week.
Researchers then calculated their
average caffeine intake per day.
Years later,
most participated in the follow-up,
filling out a behavioral screening survey
about their child.
The results:
Prenatal caffeine intake was not associated
with a higher risk for
hyperactivity,
attention problems,
emotional issues,
bad conduct,
or peer relationship challenges.
While this study found no link
between caffeine and behavior problems,
there are other studies that suggest
too much of this stimulant
may increase the risk of miscarriage.
The March of Dimes recommends that
women who are pregnant
or trying to become pregnant
consume no more than 200 milligrams (mg)
of caffeine per day.
I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV,
with the news that doctors are reading:
health news for healthier living.