Numerous studies have been conducted on the effects of caffeine on children, but researchers have claimed that caffeine is safe for the fetus.
USA: Following the advice of medical professionals, mothers can safely consume coffee during pregnancy. However, a recent study in JAMA proves that caffeine consumption during pregnancy can impact child growth.
Though certain amounts of caffeine intake can be fine for pregnancy and not cause any side effects, larger amounts have caffeine may have an impact on certain aspects of pregnancy.
According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, less than 200 mg of caffeine during pregnancy is considered safe.
However, this new historical cohort study shows evidence that caffeine during pregnancy may affect a child’s height. The study was conducted with the height measurements of children between 1959 -1965. This was correlated with the levels of paraxanthine, a metabolite of caffeine in the body. The blood levels of paraxanthine in pregnant women during their first trimester and the heights of children, measured up to the age of 8, deduced the results of this study.
The analysis indicated a positive correlation, that caffeine consumption, during pregnancy was associated with children being shorter later in life.