Coffee during pregnancy: a reproductive hazard?
Article Abstract:
A review is presented on the health effects of drinking coffee in pregnant women. Coffee is important both as a trade commodity and as a component of many people's diet. In the US, an average of slightly more than three cups is consumed daily by coffee drinkers. However, the putative health hazards of the beverage have recently been publicized, and pregnant women now often refrain from consuming caffeine (the beverage's major active ingredient) until delivery. Laboratory experiments with animals have implicated caffeine as a teratogen (substance that causes birth defects). With the exception of two less well-controlled studies, evidence from several countries (some in which coffee consumption is far greater than in the US) does not support the results from animal experiments; coffee does not appear to be a teratogen. Several reports do suggest, though, that coffee drinking during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight infants, particularly for woman already at risk. Three studies have found an association between coffee drinking and miscarriage, and another three have found no such association; many of the reports suffered from methodological flaws. Associations between coffee consumption and delayed fertility (requiring longer periods of time to become pregnant) may exist, but have not been conclusively demonstrated. The evidence is presented. The recommendation is made, based on all data reviewed, that pregnant women drink no more than two cups of percolated coffee daily (containing, on average, 100 milligrams of caffeine). The possibility that adverse health effects are due to other ingredients in coffee besides caffeine remains to be explored. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1991
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Correlates of intake of folic acid-containing supplements among pregnant women
Article Abstract:
A study is carried out to describe the timing and correlates of folic acid supplement intake among pregnant women. The study identifies correlates of folic acid supplement intake, which can contribute to the design of interventions to improve intake during early pregnancies.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2006
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A survey of dietary supplement use during pregnancy at an academic medical center
Article Abstract:
Some pregnant women use dietary supplements and herbs during pregnancy, usually to treat nausea and vomiting. In a survey of 150 women, 20 admitted using dietary supplements and herbs during the pregnancy.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2001
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