18 November 2008
Midwives at Epsom and St Helier hospitals are backing new advice issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) which encourages pregnant women not to drink more than two cups of coffee a day.
The FSA has recently lowered its recommended caffeine limit for mums-to-be by a third to 200mg a day (approximately two average size cups of instant coffee). This was following the launch of a study which showed a link between a higher caffeine intake during pregnancy and lower birth weight amongst new born babies.
Head of Midwifery, Sally Sivas, said: "It is important that mums-to-be heed the FSA's new advice on the amount of caffeine they have during pregnancy. Having excessive amounts can effect the baby's growth which can increase the risk of miscarrying. Babies are also more likely to be born with a lower birth weight."
Sally added: "When planning a pregnancy, it is a great opportunity to improve your general health by concentrating on what you eat and drink. These can often lead to life changes which will continue following the birth. If you are drinking too much caffeine, take this as an opportunity to reduce your intake and don't panic. Try to drink water as this will improve your hydration."
Caffeine is present in tea, coffee, over-the-counter and prescription medication (including many well-known cold and flu remedies, headache and diet pills) and increasingly popular "energy" drinks. The amount in food and drink will vary, but as a guide each of these contains roughly 200mg or less of caffeine:
- Two mugs of instant coffee (100mg each);
- One mug of filter coffee (140mg each);
- Two mugs of tea (75mg each);
- Five cans of cola (up to 40mg each);
- Two cans of 'energy' drink (up to 80mg each);
- Four (50g) bars of plain chocolate (up to 50 mg each). Caffeine in milk chocolate is about half that of plain chocolate.
(Source: FSA website)
For more information, parents-to-be should visit the Food Standards Agency's website.
Anyone wanting immediate guidance or support regarding appropriate diets during pregnancy should contact their doctor or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
