Why is caffeine harmful to pregnant women?

Count the number of cups of coffee you drink each day if you're pregnant. The latest new Norwegian study suggests that pregnant women who drink a lot of coffee and other caffeinated drinks may be more likely to have overweight babies.

According to "Reuters", the researchers examined data on caffeine intake from nearly 51 mothers and how much their children gained during childhood.

The study revealed that compared to women who consumed less than 50 milligrams of caffeine (less than half a cup of coffee) per day during pregnancy, those whose average caffeine intake was between 50 and 199 milligrams (from about half a cup to two large cups of coffee) per day were more They are 15% more likely to have excessively overweight babies by the first year.

The rate of children's weight gain increased as the rate of women's consumption of caffeine increased.
Among women who consumed between 200 and 299 milligrams of caffeine per day during pregnancy, children were 22 percent more likely to be overweight.

Among women who consumed at least 300 milligrams of caffeine per day, children were 45 percent more likely to be overweight.

"Increased maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy is associated with excessive growth during childhood and up to obesity at a later stage," said lead researcher Eleni Papadopoulou of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

"The findings support current recommendations to limit caffeine intake during pregnancy to less than 200 milligrams per day," she added.

"It's important for pregnant women to realize that caffeine doesn't just come from coffee, but sodas (such as colas and energy drinks) can contribute significant amounts of caffeine," Papadopoulou said.

Previous studies have shown that caffeine passes quickly through the placenta and has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage and reduced fetal growth.

Papadopoulou stated that some animal studies also suggest that caffeine consumption may contribute to excessive weight gain by altering a child's appetite control or affecting areas of the brain that play a role in regulating growth and metabolism.