Caffeine and pregnancy - whats the sitch?

Caffeine is a stimulant found in tea, coffee, soft drinks, chocolate, kola nuts, energy drinks and some over-the-counter medications. Coffee is one of the most common sources of high caffeine intake. During pregnancy, caffeine clearance from the mother’s blood slows down significantly.

The recommended limit in Australia is a maximum of 200mg caffeine per day (approximately two cups of coffee).

Results from some observational studies suggest that excess intake of caffeine over this limit may be associated with growth restriction, reduced birth weight, preterm birth or stillbirth.

However, some studies suggested moderate caffeine consumption (less than 200 mg per day) does not appear to be a major contributing factor in miscarriage or preterm birth. The relationship of caffeine to growth restriction remains undetermined.