Coffee and pregnancy – a good mix?
Pregnant women are, understandably, very concerned to make sure that the food and drink they consume will not adversely affect their unborn children.
And times have changed – once upon a time, it was not unfamiliar to see a pregnant woman smoking, but of course that is absolutely frowned upon these days because of the effect this has on the foetus.
One of the questionable consumables is caffeine – is it safe for expectant mothers to drink coffee when they are with child?
Scientists from Holland have recently carried out a research project which has hit the news headlines.
Why?
Because the study suggests that there is no link between behavioural disorders in youngsters and caffeine consumption.
That said, some doctors recommend that expectant women stop their caffeine consumption, or reduce their intake of coffee.
There are also suggestions that those who drink too much coffee have an increased risk of miscarrying.
Of course, it is worth exercising caution when considering what to consume as a pregnant woman, but it is also interesting that scientists have varying views on the subject of caffeine and risks.
The recent study involved some 8,200 participating women, who were questioned at approximately the fourth month of their pregnancy, to remember whether they had consume caffeinated drinks in the previous week.
When the babies of these women reached 5 or 6 years of age, the researchers followed up and asked further questions of their teachers and mothers.
Over 3,400 children were available for questioning.
Once certain other variables had been taken into account (such as levels of education, anxiety levels before pregnancy etc), the scientists concluded that there was no link between behavioural problems in the children and the consumption of caffeine by mothers during pregnancy.
Of course, more research needs to be done but the findings to date are certainly thought-provoking.