New research suggests that smoking is twice as harmful as previously believed, while drinking tea and coffee during pregnancy poses no harm to babies. It is recommended that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to 200mg per day, equivalent to two cups of coffee or tea. However, smoking and excessive caffeine consumption have been linked to pregnancy complications, premature birth, and restricted fetal growth.
Contrary to previous beliefs, a study conducted by Cambridge academics found no evidence linking above-average caffeine intake to pre-term birth or smaller babies. On the other hand, the study revealed that pregnant women who smoke are nearly three times more likely to give birth prematurely and four times more likely to have small babies compared to non-smokers.
Additionally, a separate study conducted by the University of Essex found that the loss of a job by a pregnant woman or her partner increased the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. The study reported a doubling in the chances of pregnancy loss or stillbirth after job loss.
Previous studies on the links between smoking, caffeine, and adverse pregnancy outcomes relied on self-reported data, which may not always be accurate. In contrast, this research published in the International Journal of Epidemiology analyzed metabolites from smoking and caffeine in blood samples from over 900 women. The study examined levels of cotinine and paraxanthine throughout pregnancy, providing more reliable data.
Prof Gordon Smith, head of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Cambridge, emphasized the significance of smoking cessation services. He highlighted the potential serious complications for babies from smoking during pregnancy, such as slow growth in the womb and premature birth.
However, Smith cautioned against high caffeine intake, stating that extremely high caffeine consumption, especially in the form of coffee, is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage and stillbirth.
In response to the findings, Fleur Parker, a senior practice coordinator at NCT, suggested that quitting smoking during pregnancy is challenging due to increased anxiety. She advised pregnant women to seek support from their midwives.
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