It’s a controversial topic that has been widely debated for years: is it safe for women to consume caffeine during pregnancy?
The NHS currently advises that pregnant women should consume no more than 200mg of caffeine per day – the equivalent of two mugs of instant coffee.
But a new study warns that drinking coffee may affect your child’s ability to crawl or walk at the age of one, even if consumed in moderation.
Researchers from Hokkaido University in Japan claim that children born to mothers who consume just three cups of coffee per day have a 1.11-fold increased risk of motor developmental delays at 12 months old.
How much caffeine?
The NHS advises that pregnant women should have no more than 200mg of caffeine per day. There is:
While some lifestyle habits including smoking and drinking alcohol during pregnancy are widely known to influence the development of the baby, there’s yet to be a consensus on the effects of consuming caffeine.
‘You should limit your caffeine intake when you are trying for a baby and whilst pregnant,’ the NHS advises.
‘A high caffeine intake has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and a low birth weight.’ In the study, the researchers set out to assess whether maternal caffeine consumption influences developmental outcomes in children.
The team analysed data from 87,106 mothers in a nationwide study in Japan.Data included the mothers’ caffeine consumption during pregnancy, as well as the child’s motor skills at six and 12 months of age.
The analysis revealed that children born to mothers who consumed more than 300mg of caffeine per day had a lower risk of developmental delays at six months.
However, by 12 months, they had a 1.11-fold increased risk of motor developmental delays.